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Carroll County Climate

Carroll County, Illinois

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

48.5°F

Annual Precip

38.9"

Annual Snowfall

33.4"

Extreme Heat Days

19

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.4"
1.7"
2.4"
3.9"
4.4"
5.3"
4.9"
3.9"
3.6"
3.0"
2.4"
1.9"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,917

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/02
First fall frost (32°F): 10/07

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring37°60°10.8"Summer69°73°14.1"Fall38°63°9.0"Winter21°26°5.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 25% of US counties
Wetter than 43% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 86% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Carroll County

Climate Verdict

Carroll County has a cool, averaging 48.5°F annually, moderate rainfall of 38.9 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 19.1 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 33.4 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 20.8°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.6°F. Residents experience a substantial 52°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Carroll County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Carroll County is 4.3°F cooler than the Illinois statewide average of 52.8°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Illinois.

Climate Profile

About Carroll County Weather

One of the Nation's Brisk Regions

Carroll County's 48.5°F average temperature is well below the national median. The county features a humid continental climate with 38.9 inches of annual precipitation, slightly drier than many parts of the Midwest.

Illinois' Chilly Northern Border

Ranking as one of the coldest counties in the state, Carroll's 48.5°F average is 4.3 degrees below the Illinois mean. It also records 33.4 inches of snow, which is near the top of the state rankings.

Coldest Among the Regional Group

Carroll is cooler than Bureau County and significantly snowier than the central counties. With 33.4 inches of snow, it faces the most significant winter accumulation of this eight-county group.

Harsh Winters and Brief Summers

The January average is a frigid 20.8°F, and residents manage 33.4 inches of snow. Summers stay cool at 70.9°F on average, though 19 days still climb above 90°F.

Winterize for Severe Cold

Focus on high-grade home insulation and emergency winter vehicle kits to handle the sub-21°F January lows. The 33.4 inches of snow requires professional-grade removal equipment and consistent sidewalk maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Carroll County?
The average annual temperature in Carroll County, IL is 48.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Carroll County get?
Carroll County receives an average of 38.9 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Carroll County?
Yes, Carroll County receives an average of 33.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Carroll County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Carroll County is 70.9°F. The county experiences an average of 19 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Carroll County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Carroll County is 24.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 20.8°F.

Track your own weather in Carroll County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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