weatherbycounty

Ford County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec51.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

51.0°F

Annual Precip

40.0"

Annual Snowfall

20.4"

Extreme Heat Days

21

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.5"
2.1"
2.8"
3.8"
4.6"
4.5"
4.2"
3.8"
3.0"
3.4"
2.9"
2.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,327

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/23
First fall frost (32°F): 10/17

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring39°62°11.2"Summer72°74°12.4"Fall41°66°9.4"Winter24°30°7.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 35% of US counties
Wetter than 45% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 81% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Ford County

Climate Verdict

Ford County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 51.0°F, moderately wet with 40.0 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 21.166666666666668 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 20.4 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 24.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.1°F. The 50°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Ford County closely matches the Illinois statewide average temperature of 52.8°F.

Climate Profile

About Ford County Weather

A True Midwestern Continental Climate

Ford County’s 51.0°F average annual temperature is just below the national median, representing a classic four-season climate. It balances cold winters with warm, humid summers.

Cooler Than the Illinois Average

With an annual average of 51.0°F, Ford County is nearly two degrees cooler than the state average of 52.8°F. It ranks as a mid-to-northern Illinois climate profile.

Typical Central Illinois Precipitation

The county receives 40.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly drier than the Illinois average of 41.7 inches. This matches the agricultural-heavy profiles of its immediate neighbors.

Snowy Winters and Bright Summers

Ford County averages 20.4 inches of snow per year, significantly more than the southern part of the state. Summer brings an average of 21 days where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Gear Up for Significant Snowfall

Robust snow removal equipment and winter-grade tires are recommended to manage the 20-inch annual snowfall. Homeowners should also ensure insulation is rated for the 24.4°F January average.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Ford County?
The average annual temperature in Ford County, IL is 51.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Ford County get?
Ford County receives an average of 40.0 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 Ford County?
Yes, Ford County receives an average of 20.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Ford County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Ford County is 72.6°F. The county experiences an average of 21 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Ford County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Ford County is 27.6°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 24.4°F.

Track your own weather in Ford 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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