Franklin County Climate
Franklin County, Iowa
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.6°F
Annual Precip
36.5"
Annual Snowfall
30.0"
Extreme Heat Days
12
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,824
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Franklin County
Climate Verdict
Franklin County has a cool, averaging 46.6°F annually, moderate rainfall of 36.5 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 12.2 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 30.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 16.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.7°F. Residents experience a substantial 56°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Franklin County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Franklin County closely matches the Iowa statewide average temperature of 48.0°F.
Climate Profile
About Franklin County Weather
A brisk northern interior climate
Franklin County averages 46.6°F annually, placing it firmly in the cooler half of the United States. Its 36.5 inches of precipitation closely aligns with the national median.
Cooler and drier than southern Iowa
The county's 46.6°F average temperature is 1.4 degrees lower than the Iowa state average. Its annual precipitation of 36.5 inches is nearly identical to the state's 36.1-inch norm.
Warmer than neighbors to the west
Franklin County’s 46.6°F average is slightly warmer than Hamilton County's 46.1°F. It also receives less snow than Floyd County, totaling 30.0 inches compared to Floyd's 37.5.
Balanced snowfall and moderate heat
Winters feature a January average of 16.7°F and roughly 30.0 inches of snow. Summer brings more warmth than eastern neighbors, with 12 days annually reaching 90°F or higher.
Insulate for sub-freezing winters
With a winter average of 20.2°F, proper home insulation is vital for energy savings. Residents should also prepare for a dozen days of extreme summer heat with serviced cooling systems.
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.