Ottawa County Climate

Ottawa County, Michigan

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48.1°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

48.1°F

Annual Precip

37.9"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

6.6

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
2.8"
2.0"
2.1"
3.5"
3.9"
3.9"
3.4"
3.4"
3.4"
4.1"
3.1"
2.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring34°57°9.5"Summer66°71°10.8"Fall40°63°10.5"Winter25°30°7.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 24% of US counties
Wetter than 40% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 59% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Ottawa County Weather

Temperate lakeside climate follows national patterns

Ottawa County averages 48.1°F annually, providing a more temperate experience than many other Michigan locations. It receives 37.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly higher than the state average.

Warmer than the average Michigan county

At 48.1°F, the county is 2.4 degrees warmer than the statewide average of 45.7°F. Lake Michigan helps moderate the extreme cold found further inland or to the north.

Milder winters than neighboring central counties

Ottawa is warmer than Saginaw County, which sits at 47.7°F. The proximity to the lake provides a thermal buffer that keeps January averages at a relatively manageable 24.9°F.

Warm summers with consistent lake breezes

July temperatures average 70.8°F, and the county typically sees 7 days per year above 90°F. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the winter average of 27.3°F reflects the moderating influence of the Great Lakes.

Prepare for humidity and lakeside moisture

The high annual precipitation of 37.9 inches suggests residents should invest in quality drainage and roof maintenance. Moderate summer heat makes air conditioning useful for about a week of extreme days, but lakeside breezes often provide natural cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Ottawa County?
The average annual temperature in Ottawa County, MI is 48.1°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Ottawa County get?
Ottawa County receives an average of 37.9 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Ottawa County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Ottawa County is 68.8°F. The county experiences an average of 6.6 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Ottawa County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Ottawa County is 27.3°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 24.9°F.

Track your own weather in Ottawa County

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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