Benzie County Climate
Benzie County, Michigan
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.5°F
Annual Precip
35.3"
Annual Snowfall
92.7"
Extreme Heat Days
2
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,289
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Benzie County
Climate Verdict
Benzie County has a cool, averaging 46.5°F annually, moderate rainfall of 35.3 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 2.25 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 92.7 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 23.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.1°F. The 46°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Benzie County closely matches the Michigan statewide average temperature of 45.7°F.
Climate Profile
About Benzie County Weather
Cooler Shoreline Living on Lake Michigan
Benzie County maintains an average annual temperature of 46.5°F, which sits nearly 8 degrees below the national median. This northern climate reflects its position along the Great Lakes, where water influences local weather patterns year-round.
Just Above the Michigan Temperature Average
While northern in latitude, the county stays slightly warmer than the statewide average of 45.7°F. This lake-moderated climate prevents the more extreme cold dips found in inland Michigan counties.
A Snowy Leader in the Northwest Region
Benzie receives 35.3 inches of annual precipitation, slightly outpacing the state average of 34.5 inches. Its massive 92.7-inch annual snowfall makes it significantly more winter-heavy than central Michigan neighbors.
Short Summers and Deep Snowfall
July brings a mild 69.1°F average, and the county sees only 2 extreme heat days over 90°F annually. In contrast, winter averages hover around 25.5°F with nearly 8 feet of total seasonal snow.
Winter Preparedness is Part of Life
Residents prioritize heavy-duty snow removal equipment and high-performance insulation to handle the 92.7 inches of snow. While summer cooling needs remain low, winter heating systems must reliably maintain a 40-degree delta from outdoor temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.