Palo Alto County Climate
Palo Alto County, Iowa
Avg Annual Temp
47.3°F
Annual Precip
33.6"
Annual Snowfall
37.1"
Extreme Heat Days
14.7
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
Climate Profile
About Palo Alto County Weather
Cool Continental Climate with Significant Snow
Palo Alto County averages 47.3°F annually, reflecting a cooler humid continental profile compared to the national median. The region sees 33.6 inches of precipitation, largely concentrated in the spring and summer months.
Cooler and Snowier Than the State Average
The county's 47.3°F annual average sits slightly below the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It is also significantly snowier, recording 37.1 inches compared to the lighter totals seen in southern Iowa.
The Snow Capital of the Local Region
Palo Alto County receives 37.1 inches of snow, nearly 4 inches more than neighboring Plymouth County. Despite the extra snow, it shares a similar annual temperature profile with Pocahontas County to the south.
Frigid Januaries and Moderate Summer Heat
Winter is the dominant season here, with January temperatures averaging a chilly 16.8°F. Summers are pleasant but warm, featuring a July average of 74.1°F and 15 days of extreme heat above 90°F.
Prioritize Insulation and Heavy Snow Gear
Residents need high-capacity snow blowers to manage the 37.1 inches of annual snowfall. Home insulation is critical to counter the winter average temperature of just 20.3°F.
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.