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Shelby County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec53.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

53.3°F

Annual Precip

41.3"

Annual Snowfall

13.7"

Extreme Heat Days

30

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.6"
2.0"
2.9"
4.5"
4.7"
4.8"
3.9"
3.2"
3.1"
3.4"
3.7"
2.6"
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

3,691

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/16
First fall frost (32°F): 10/22

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring42°64°12.1"Summer73°76°11.9"Fall43°67°10.2"Winter27°33°7.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 45% of US counties
Wetter than 49% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 75% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Shelby County

Climate Verdict

Shelby County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 53.3°F, moderately wet with 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 30.133333333333336 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 13.7 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 27.5°F. summers are warm — July averages 75.7°F. The 48°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Shelby County Weather

Stepping Above National Norms

Shelby County’s annual average temperature of 53.3°F sits higher than the national median of 52.7°F. The climate is defined by reliable precipitation and warm summer peaks.

Aligned with Central Illinois Trends

The county is slightly warmer than the state average of 52.8°F. It receives 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly identical to the Illinois average.

Warmer and Drier than the West

Shelby averages 53.3°F, making it warmer than Schuyler County's 51.7°F. However, it sees less snowfall than northern neighbors, recording 13.7 inches annually.

Moderate Snow and High Heat

The county experiences 30 days of extreme heat each year, mostly concentrated in a July that averages 75.7°F. Winters are relatively mild for Illinois, with 13.7 inches of total snow.

Prepare for Humid Summers

With 30 days of heat above 90°F, adequate ventilation and cooling are essential for comfort. The modest 13.7-inch snowfall means lighter winter equipment is usually sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Shelby County?
The average annual temperature in Shelby County, IL is 53.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Shelby County get?
Shelby County receives an average of 41.3 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 Shelby County?
Yes, Shelby County receives an average of 13.7 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Shelby County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Shelby County is 74.1°F. The county experiences an average of 30 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Shelby County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Shelby County is 30.6°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 27.5°F.

Track your own weather in Shelby 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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