O'Brien County Climate
O'Brien County, Iowa
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.1°F
Annual Precip
31.5"
Annual Snowfall
39.0"
Extreme Heat Days
11
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,805
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: O'Brien County
Climate Verdict
O'Brien County has a cool, averaging 46.1°F annually, moderate rainfall of 31.5 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 11.300000000000002 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 39.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 16.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.7°F. Residents experience a substantial 57°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for O'Brien County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
O'Brien County closely matches the Iowa statewide average temperature of 48.0°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Iowa.
Climate Profile
About O'Brien County Weather
Cold and Dry Northern Climate
O'Brien County's 46.1°F average is well below the national median. It receives a moderate 31.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is low for the state.
Below the State Average
This county is 1.9 degrees colder than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Its northern location leads to much harsher winters than southern Iowa.
Northern Snow Patterns
O'Brien is snowier than Monona but slightly warmer than Osceola. It experiences 39.0 inches of snow annually, which is significantly higher than counties further south.
Long Winters, Mild Summers
Winters are defined by 39 inches of snow and a 16.0°F January average. Summer is mild, with only 11 days per year reaching or exceeding 90°F.
Invest in Winter Tools
A high-quality snowblower is a necessity for the 39-inch annual snowfall. Energy bills will skew toward heating rather than cooling, given the rare occurrence of extreme heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Track your own weather in O'Brien 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.