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Rice County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec55.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

55.5°F

Annual Precip

28.5"

Annual Snowfall

10.8"

Extreme Heat Days

64

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.8"
1.0"
1.9"
2.3"
4.5"
4.1"
3.9"
3.7"
2.0"
2.4"
1.0"
0.9"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

4,230

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/15
First fall frost (32°F): 10/23

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring44°65°8.7"Summer76°81°11.7"Fall43°70°5.4"Winter31°34°2.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 54% of US counties
Wetter than 25% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 81% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Rice County

Climate Verdict

Rice County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 55.5°F, moderate rainfall of 28.5 inches per year, significant summer heat with 64.1 days annually above 90°F, light snow averaging 10.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 30.7°F. summers are hot, with July averaging 80.6°F. The 50°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.

Regional Context

Rice County closely matches the Kansas statewide average temperature of 54.8°F.

Climate Profile

About Rice County Weather

A warm, sun-soaked interior climate

Rice County's annual average temperature of 55.5°F is higher than the national median. It receives 28.5 inches of precipitation, making it slightly drier than the eastern United States.

Exceeding state temperature norms

The average annual temperature of 55.5°F is nearly a degree higher than the Kansas average of 54.8°F. Precipitation is slightly lower than the state mark, totaling 28.5 inches compared to 30.3.

Hotter summers than eastern neighbors

Rice County's July average of 80.6°F is higher than Pottawatomie's 79.0°F. It also sees 64 extreme heat days, significantly more than Republic County's 50 days.

The highest July averages

July is intense here, with an average temperature of 80.6°F. Winters are manageable, featuring 10.8 inches of snow and a December-February average of 32.7°F.

Prioritize high-heat summer resilience

With 64 days exceeding 90°F and very hot Julys, residents should invest in sun protection and efficient cooling. The low 10.8-inch snowfall means winter weather is less of a daily disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Rice County?
The average annual temperature in Rice County, KS is 55.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Rice County get?
Rice County receives an average of 28.5 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 Rice County?
Yes, Rice County receives an average of 10.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Rice County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Rice County is 78.2°F. The county experiences an average of 64 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Rice County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Rice County is 32.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 30.7°F.

Track your own weather in Rice 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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