Clearwater County Climate

Clearwater County, Minnesota

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec38.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

38.7°F

Annual Precip

27.6"

Annual Snowfall

51.6"

Extreme Heat Days

3.5

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.8"
0.7"
1.2"
2.0"
3.2"
4.6"
3.5"
3.2"
3.1"
2.9"
1.3"
1.1"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring24°52°6.4"Summer62°67°11.3"Fall27°56°7.3"Winter6°14°2.6"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 1% of US counties
Wetter than 23% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 93% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Clearwater County Weather

One of the Nation's Coldest Counties

Clearwater County averages only 38.7°F annually, making it one of the coldest spots in the lower 48 states. This extreme northern climate is defined by long-duration freezes and very short growing seasons.

Far Below the Already Chilly State Average

At 38.7°F, Clearwater is four degrees colder than the Minnesota state average. It is also slightly drier than average, receiving 27.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Coldest January in the Region

Clearwater’s January average of 6.3°F is significantly lower than that of southern neighbors like Chippewa. It receives 51.6 inches of snow, which is consistent with the northern forested regions of the state.

Brutal Winters and Mild, Short Summers

Winters are extreme with a 6.3°F January average and 10.2°F average for the whole winter season. Summers are mild and peak at 66.9°F in July, with only four days topping 90°F annually.

Extreme Winter Hardiness is Required

Homeowners must invest in maximum-rated insulation and backup heating sources for the 6.3°F January averages. Heavy winter gear and engine block heaters are standard requirements for living in this frigid climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Clearwater County?
The average annual temperature in Clearwater County, MN is 38.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Clearwater County get?
Clearwater County receives an average of 27.6 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Clearwater County?
Yes, Clearwater County receives an average of 51.6 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Clearwater County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Clearwater County is 64.8°F. The county experiences an average of 3.5 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Clearwater County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Clearwater County is 10.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 6.3°F.

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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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