Clay County Climate
Clay County, Iowa
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.5°F
Annual Precip
28.9"
Annual Snowfall
43.3"
Extreme Heat Days
17
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,840
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Clay County
Climate Verdict
Clay County has a cool, averaging 46.5°F annually, moderate rainfall of 28.9 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 17.3 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 43.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 16.5°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.1°F. Residents experience a substantial 57°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Clay County closely matches the Iowa statewide average temperature of 48.0°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 7.2 inches less precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Clay County Weather
A cool and dry continental climate
Clay County's annual average temperature of 46.5°F reflects a typical northern Midwest climate. It is cooler than the national median and notably drier than many other humid continental regions.
Among the driest counties in Iowa
Clay County receives just 28.9 inches of annual precipitation, well below the state average of 36.1 inches. The average temperature of 46.5°F also sits 1.5 degrees below the state norm.
Significant snowfall despite lower total precipitation
While total moisture is low, Clay County receives a high 43.3 inches of annual snowfall. This exceeds the snowfall in several neighboring counties and highlights a winter-heavy precipitation pattern.
Intense winters and standard Iowa summers
Summer averages 71.0°F with 17 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F. Winter is defined by an average temperature of 19.8°F and consistent snow accumulation throughout the season.
Snow management is a winter priority
Residents must plan for 43.3 inches of snow, necessitating heavy-duty blowers or plows. Because the area is relatively dry at 28.9 inches of total rain, xeriscaping or drought-resistant lawns may be beneficial during the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.