weatherbycounty

Lee County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec52.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

52.0°F

Annual Precip

39.4"

Annual Snowfall

22.4"

Extreme Heat Days

25

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.6"
1.9"
2.6"
4.0"
5.1"
5.1"
4.1"
3.8"
3.6"
3.2"
2.5"
1.9"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,572

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/12
First fall frost (32°F): 10/25

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring40°63°11.7"Summer72°76°13.1"Fall41°67°9.3"Winter25°30°5.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 40% of US counties
Wetter than 44% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 85% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Lee County

Climate Verdict

Lee County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 52.0°F, moderate rainfall of 39.4 inches per year, occasional hot days — 25 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 22.4 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 24.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 76.1°F. Residents experience a substantial 52°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Lee County is 4.0°F warmer than the Iowa statewide average of 48.0°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Iowa.

Climate Profile

About Lee County Weather

Lee County's Warmest Iowa Climate

Lee County averages 52.0°F annually, the closest in this region to the national median temperature. Located in the far southeast, it features longer summers and shorter winters.

Leading the State in Heat

Lee is significantly warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It is also one of the wettest counties, receiving 39.4 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 36.1-inch state norm.

A Regional Hot Spot

Lee experiences 25 extreme heat days per year, the highest in this group. It is both warmer and wetter than Jefferson County, its neighbor to the northwest.

Long Summers and Mild Winters

July is hot with a 76.1°F average and 25 days over 90°F. Winters are the mildest in Iowa, seeing only 22.4 inches of snow and a 27.8°F winter-long average.

Cooling and Rain Management

Strong air conditioning is vital for the 25 days of extreme heat each year. With nearly 40 inches of rain, residents should ensure proper landscape grading to prevent home flooding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Lee County?
The average annual temperature in Lee County, IA is 52.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Lee County get?
Lee County receives an average of 39.4 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 Lee County?
Yes, Lee County receives an average of 22.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Lee County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Lee County is 74.3°F. The county experiences an average of 25 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Lee County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Lee County is 27.8°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 24.6°F.

Track your own weather in Lee 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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