Emmet County Climate
Emmet County, Iowa
Avg Annual Temp
44.7°F
Annual Precip
30.5"
Annual Snowfall
—
Extreme Heat Days
10.05
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
Climate Profile
About Emmet County Weather
One of the Nation's Coldest Pockets
Emmet County’s 44.7°F average annual temperature is among the lowest in the continental U.S., reflecting its high latitude and interior position. With 30.5 inches of precipitation, it is drier than the national average. This creates a climate of extremes, dominated by long, dry, and bitter winters.
The Coldest Frontier of Iowa
Emmet County is significantly colder than the state average, with its 44.7°F annual temp trailing the 48.0°F state norm by over three degrees. It is also drier than most of Iowa, recording only 30.5 inches of precipitation against the 36.1-inch average. This makes it one of the most rugged weather environments in the state.
Leading the North in Frigid Temps
Emmet County is the coldest in this dataset, even dropping below neighbor Dickinson County's 45.9°F average. It is over 6 degrees cooler annually than southern counties like Des Moines. This regional positioning makes Emmet a benchmark for cold-weather living in Iowa.
A Short Summer and Frozen Winter
Winters are harsh, with a January average of just 14.7°F and a seasonal average of 18.0°F. Summers are short and mild, with only 10 days hitting 90°F and a July average of 70.9°F. While specific snowfall totals are unavailable, the extremely low winter temperatures ensure a persistent snowpack.
Focus on Winter Survival Gear
Heating efficiency is the primary concern for Emmet County residents, as January temperatures rarely rise far above freezing. While the 10 days of heat are manageable, the three-month winter average of 18.0°F requires extreme-cold gear and home weatherization. Residents should prepare for a landscape that stays frozen for a significant portion of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.