Clearwater County Climate
Clearwater County, Minnesota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
38.7°F
Annual Precip
27.6"
Annual Snowfall
51.6"
Extreme Heat Days
4
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
3b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,796
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Clearwater County
Climate Verdict
Clearwater County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 38.7°F, moderate rainfall of 27.6 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 3.5 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 51.6 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 6.3°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.9°F. Residents experience a substantial 61°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Clearwater County is 4.1°F cooler than the Minnesota statewide average of 42.8°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Minnesota.
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
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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.