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Jefferson County Climate

Jefferson County, Illinois

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec54.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

54.5°F

Annual Precip

44.9"

Annual Snowfall

9.5"

Extreme Heat Days

21

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.9"
2.5"
4.0"
5.0"
5.1"
4.5"
4.0"
3.4"
3.3"
3.4"
3.9"
2.9"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,832

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/11
First fall frost (32°F): 10/22

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring44°64°14.0"Summer73°77°11.9"Fall44°68°10.7"Winter30°35°8.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 49% of US counties
Wetter than 58% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 67% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Jefferson County

Climate Verdict

Jefferson County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 54.5°F, moderately wet with 44.9 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 20.7 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 9.5 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 30.1°F. summers are warm — July averages 76.5°F. The 46°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Jefferson County closely matches the Illinois statewide average temperature of 52.8°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Illinois.

Climate Profile

About Jefferson County Weather

Warmer than the national median temperature

Jefferson's 54.5°F average temperature is higher than the national median of 53°F. It experiences a relatively wet climate with 44.9 inches of rain.

Exceeding the Illinois state temperature average

At 54.5°F, the county is 1.7°F warmer than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It sits firmly in the warmer southern half of the state.

Much less snow than northern Henry County

Jefferson sees only 9.5 inches of snow, nearly 20 inches less than Henry County. Its precipitation is also higher than the state average of 41.7 inches.

Warm summers with three weeks of heat

July averages 76.5°F, including 21 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are relatively mild, with January temperatures averaging 30.1°F.

Focus on cooling and heavy rain management

Efficient air conditioning is key for the 21 extreme heat days. Residents should also be prepared for 44.9 inches of rain with proper roof and gutter care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Jefferson County?
The average annual temperature in Jefferson County, IL is 54.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Jefferson County get?
Jefferson County receives an average of 44.9 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 Jefferson County?
Yes, Jefferson County receives an average of 9.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Jefferson County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Jefferson County is 74.8°F. The county experiences an average of 21 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Jefferson County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Jefferson County is 33.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 30.1°F.

Track your own weather in Jefferson 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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