Ontonagon County Climate
Ontonagon County, Michigan
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
41.5°F
Annual Precip
37.8"
Annual Snowfall
178.8"
Extreme Heat Days
4
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,835
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Ontonagon County
Climate Verdict
Ontonagon County has a cool, averaging 41.5°F annually, moderate rainfall of 37.8 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 4.1 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 178.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 14.5°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.2°F. Residents experience a substantial 52°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Ontonagon County is 4.2°F cooler than the Michigan statewide average of 45.7°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Michigan.
Climate Profile
About Ontonagon County Weather
An Extreme Northern Outpost
At 41.5°F, Ontonagon County is one of the coldest counties in the lower 48 states, far below the national median. Its climate is dominated by the massive influence of Lake Superior.
Michigan's Winter Capital
Ontonagon is significantly colder than the Michigan average of 45.7°F. It is also much wetter than the state norm, receiving 37.8 inches of annual precipitation, largely as snow.
Coldest in the Region
Ontonagon is nearly 3 degrees colder than Ogemaw County and remains the coldest in this comparison. It receives 178.8 inches of snow, dwarfing every other county on this list.
Incredible Snowfall Totals
The county endures 178.8 inches of snow annually, fueled by persistent lake-effect storms. Winter averages are a brutal 17.2°F, and January often stays around 14.5°F.
Extreme Winter Preparation Required
Standard snow removal equipment will not suffice here; residents need heavy-duty blowers or plows for the 178.8-inch snowfall. Heating systems must be robust enough to handle the 14.5°F January average.
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.