weatherbycounty

Mitchell County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec45.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

45.3°F

Annual Precip

38.0"

Annual Snowfall

43.7"

Extreme Heat Days

8

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.1"
1.2"
2.0"
4.1"
5.3"
5.7"
4.7"
4.0"
3.6"
3.0"
1.9"
1.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,618

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/30
First fall frost (32°F): 10/09

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring32°58°11.4"Summer68°72°14.3"Fall34°62°8.5"Winter15°21°3.8"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 13% of US counties
Wetter than 41% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 95% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Mitchell County

Climate Verdict

Mitchell County has a cool, averaging 45.3°F annually, moderate rainfall of 38.0 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 7.5 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 43.7 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 14.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.6°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

Mitchell County closely matches the Iowa statewide average temperature of 48.0°F.

Climate Profile

About Mitchell County Weather

Cold Continental Climate Trends

Mitchell County’s average of 45.3°F is significantly lower than the national median. The county receives 38.0 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than many other Midwestern areas.

One of Iowa’s Coldest Spots

At 2.7 degrees below the state average, Mitchell is one of the chillier counties in Iowa. This cooler profile is driven by frigid winters where January averages just 14.7°F.

Snowier Than Southern Peers

Mitchell experiences 43.7 inches of snow, nearly double what counties in southern Iowa receive. It is noticeably cooler and wetter than Muscatine to the southeast.

Harsh Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are intense with over 43 inches of snow, but summers remain comfortable with only 8 days of extreme heat. The average winter temperature dips to 18.4°F.

Winterize for the Long Haul

Heavy-duty insulation and reliable snow removal equipment are essential for the 43.7-inch annual snowfall. Summer utility bills are typically lower here due to the lack of extreme heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Mitchell County?
The average annual temperature in Mitchell County, IA is 45.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Mitchell County get?
Mitchell 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 Mitchell County?
Yes, Mitchell County receives an average of 43.7 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Mitchell County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Mitchell County is 69.6°F. The county experiences an average of 8 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Mitchell County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Mitchell County is 18.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 14.7°F.

Track your own weather in Mitchell 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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