Polk County Climate
Polk County, Iowa
Avg Annual Temp
50.2°F
Annual Precip
36.6"
Annual Snowfall
33.1"
Extreme Heat Days
20.833333333333332
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
Climate Profile
About Polk County Weather
A Balanced Mid-Continent Climate Profile
Polk County closely mirrors the national temperature median with an annual average of 50.2°F. Its 36.6 inches of precipitation are typical for the humid continental climate of the American Midwest.
Warmer and Wetter Than Iowa Norms
Polk County is 2.2 degrees warmer than the state average of 48.0°F. It also receives slightly more precipitation than the statewide mean, recording 36.6 inches annually.
A Warm Hub in Central Iowa
Compared to Poweshiek County to the east, Polk is significantly warmer, averaging 50.2°F versus 47.5°F. It also experiences 10 more days of extreme heat annually than its eastern neighbor.
Hot Summers and Steady Snowfall
July averages a warm 75.5°F, contributing to 21 days of extreme heat per year. Winter brings a consistent 33.1 inches of snow and a January average of 21.5°F.
Plan for High Summer Energy Demands
Residents should expect high cooling costs during the 21 days of 90°F+ weather. All-season tires and standard snow tools are sufficient for the 33.1 inches of winter snowfall.
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.