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Washington County Climate

Washington County, Illinois

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec55.1°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

55.1°F

Annual Precip

42.2"

Annual Snowfall

11.7"

Extreme Heat Days

31

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.7"
2.1"
3.5"
4.6"
4.8"
4.7"
3.8"
3.1"
3.5"
3.2"
3.5"
2.7"
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

4,027

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/07
First fall frost (32°F): 10/26

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring44°65°12.9"Summer74°77°11.6"Fall44°69°10.3"Winter30°35°7.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 52% of US counties
Wetter than 51% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 70% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Washington County

Climate Verdict

Washington County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 55.1°F, moderately wet with 42.2 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 31.2 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 11.7 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 30.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 77.2°F. The 47°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Washington County Weather

A classic humid subtropical transition

Washington County averages 55.1°F annually, trending warmer than the national median. It receives 42.2 inches of precipitation, typical for the moist eastern half of the United States.

Above the Illinois state average

The county's 55.1°F average temperature is higher than the state mean of 52.8°F. It represents the warmer climate of southern Illinois, where winters are shorter and summers are more intense.

Drier than its eastern neighbors

While Washington is warm, its 42.2 inches of rain is lower than Wayne County's 46.5 inches. However, it experiences 31 days of extreme heat, significantly more than counties further north.

Hot summers and light snow

July averages a warm 77.2°F, contributing to a month's worth of days over 90°F. Winters are relatively mild, with only 11.7 inches of annual snowfall compared to much higher totals in northern Illinois.

Prepare for frequent summer heat

Air conditioning systems must be robust to handle 31 days of extreme heat each year. For winter, lightweight snow removal tools are usually sufficient for the modest 11.7 inches of snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Washington County?
The average annual temperature in Washington County, IL is 55.1°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Washington County get?
Washington County receives an average of 42.2 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 Washington County?
Yes, Washington County receives an average of 11.7 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Washington County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Washington County is 75.6°F. The county experiences an average of 31 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Washington County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Washington County is 33.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 30.0°F.

Track your own weather in Washington 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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