Buchanan County Climate

Buchanan County, Iowa

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.2°F

Annual Precip

38.0"

Annual Snowfall

33.9"

Extreme Heat Days

10.1

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.1"
1.3"
2.0"
3.8"
4.7"
5.7"
4.9"
4.1"
3.6"
3.1"
2.1"
1.6"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring34°59°10.5"Summer69°71°14.8"Fall35°62°8.8"Winter17°23°4.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 17% of US counties
Wetter than 41% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 87% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Buchanan County Weather

A Classic Upper Midwest Climate

Buchanan County's annual average temperature of 46.2°F falls well below the national median of 53°F. This humid continental region experiences the wide temperature swings characteristic of the American heartland.

Chillier Than the Iowa Average

Averaging 1.8 degrees cooler than the Iowa state mean of 48.0°F, Buchanan is one of the state's more temperate northern counties. This cooler baseline affects everything from the growing season to home energy costs.

Mirroring Eastern Iowa Trends

The county's climate is nearly identical to Bremer County's 46.4°F average. It receives 38.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly two inches more than the state average of 36.1 inches.

Balanced Heat and Winter Snow

Residents enjoy mild summers with an average of 69.9°F and only 10 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter brings a steady 33.9 inches of snowfall and a frigid January average of 16.6°F.

Gear Up for Winter Transitions

The combination of nearly 34 inches of snow and a 19.9°F winter average makes a reliable snowblower a local essential. Residents should also plan for a wet spring, as the county receives more precipitation than much of western Iowa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Buchanan County?
The average annual temperature in Buchanan County, IA is 46.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Buchanan County get?
Buchanan County receives an average of 38.0 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 Buchanan County?
Yes, Buchanan County receives an average of 33.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Buchanan County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Buchanan County is 69.9°F. The county experiences an average of 10.1 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Buchanan County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Buchanan County is 19.9°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 16.6°F.

Track your own weather in Buchanan County

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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