Houghton County Climate
Houghton County, Michigan
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
40.7°F
Annual Precip
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Extreme Heat Days
2
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,605
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Houghton County
Climate Verdict
Houghton County has a cool, averaging 40.7°F annually, rare extreme heat with only 2 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 16.1°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 65.0°F. The 49°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Houghton County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Houghton County is 5.0°F cooler than the Michigan statewide average of 45.7°F.
Climate Profile
About Houghton County Weather
True North Continental Climate
Houghton County maintains an average annual temperature of 40.7°F, making it one of the coolest inhabited areas relative to the national median. This climate is defined by long, dominant winters and very brief, mild summers.
Colder Than Most of Michigan
At 40.7°F, Houghton is about five degrees colder than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It sits near the bottom of the state’s temperature rankings, emphasizing its extreme northern latitude.
A Region of Rugged Extremes
While precipitation and snowfall data for Houghton are currently unavailable, its winter average of 18.3°F is several degrees warmer than neighboring Gogebic. This suggests some moderating influence from Lake Superior despite the high latitude.
Cold Winters, Rare Heat
Winters are long with a December-February average of 18.3°F, while July averages only 65.0°F. Extreme heat is almost non-existent, with only 2 days per year reaching 90°F.
Prioritize Winter Preparedness
High-efficiency heating systems and superior home insulation are the primary requirements for living in this climate. Outdoor planning should focus on the brief summer window, as extreme heat is rarely a concern.
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.