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Black Hawk County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec49.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

49.0°F

Annual Precip

36.3"

Annual Snowfall

39.1"

Extreme Heat Days

15

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.1"
1.1"
2.0"
4.0"
4.6"
5.7"
4.3"
4.2"
3.1"
2.8"
1.9"
1.4"
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

3,194

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/27
First fall frost (32°F): 10/10

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring37°62°10.6"Summer72°75°14.2"Fall37°65°7.8"Winter19°25°3.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 27% of US counties
Wetter than 37% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 92% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Black Hawk County

Climate Verdict

Black Hawk County has a cool, averaging 49.0°F annually, moderate rainfall of 36.3 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 15.3 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 39.1 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 19.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.5°F. Residents experience a substantial 55°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Black Hawk County closely matches the Iowa statewide average temperature of 48.0°F.

Climate Profile

About Black Hawk County Weather

Higher Precipitation than National Median

Black Hawk County maintains a 49.0°F average, which is warmer than northern Iowa but below the national median. It receives a typical 36.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer than the State Benchmark

It is one degree warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. This puts it in the warmer tier of the state's northern-central counties.

Heavy Snowfall Compared to the South

It is notably snowier than southern neighbors, recording 39.1 inches of snow. Its temperature profile is very similar to Adair County.

Significant Snow and Mid-Summer Heat

Snowfall is a major factor here, averaging nearly 40 inches per year. Summer includes 15 days of extreme heat, with July temperatures peaking at 74.5°F.

Invest in High-Capacity Snow Gear

High-capacity snow removal equipment is a necessity for the heavy 39.1-inch average snowfall. Expect significant heating bills during the 22.9°F winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Black Hawk County?
The average annual temperature in Black Hawk County, IA is 49.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Black Hawk County get?
Black Hawk County receives an average of 36.3 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 Black Hawk County?
Yes, Black Hawk County receives an average of 39.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Black Hawk County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Black Hawk County is 72.6°F. The county experiences an average of 15 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Black Hawk County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Black Hawk County is 22.9°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 19.4°F.

Track your own weather in Black Hawk 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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