Iron County Climate
Iron County, Michigan
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
38.7°F
Annual Precip
30.9"
Annual Snowfall
67.4"
Extreme Heat Days
3
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,484
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Iron County
Climate Verdict
Iron County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 38.7°F, moderate rainfall of 30.9 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 2.55 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 67.4 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 10.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 64.2°F. Residents experience a substantial 53°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Iron County is 7.0°F cooler than the Michigan statewide average of 45.7°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Michigan.
Climate Profile
About Iron County Weather
Deep cold defines the Iron County climate
At 38.7°F, Iron County is one of the coldest spots in the nation compared to the median. This sub-arctic feel is much more extreme than typical Midwestern weather patterns.
Among the coldest counties in Michigan
Iron County sits well below the state average of 45.7°F, marking it as a northern outlier. Its inland Upper Peninsula location lacks the moderating influence of the Great Lakes.
Colder and snowier than the Michigan average
Iron County receives 67.4 inches of snow annually, far exceeding the totals found in the Lower Peninsula. Average winter temperatures of 13.7°F make it significantly harsher than the state median.
Short summers and long, frozen winters
Summer is brief, with July averaging 64.2°F and only 3 days hitting the 90°F mark. Winter dominates the calendar, characterized by persistent sub-freezing temperatures and heavy snow.
Gear up for heavy-duty winter living
High-efficiency heating systems and industrial-grade snowblowers are absolute necessities here. Residents should invest in extreme cold-weather gear for a winter that lasts nearly five months.
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.