Cook County Climate
Cook County, Minnesota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
37.9°F
Annual Precip
27.2"
Annual Snowfall
57.1"
Extreme Heat Days
1
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
3b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,218
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Cook County
Climate Verdict
Cook County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 37.9°F, moderate rainfall of 27.2 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 0.9800000000000001 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 57.1 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 10.1°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 62.4°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
Cook County is 4.9°F cooler than the Minnesota statewide average of 42.8°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Minnesota.
Climate Profile
About Cook County Weather
A Frigid National Outlier on Lake Superior
Cook County's annual average of 37.9°F is one of the lowest in the United States. Its climate is heavily influenced by its northern latitude and its proximity to the cold waters of Lake Superior.
The Coldest Average in the North Star State
Cook County is nearly five degrees colder than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It records 27.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly lower than the state's 30.0-inch average.
Cooler Summers than Anywhere Nearby
Cook County’s July average of 62.4°F is the lowest in the region, much cooler than Carlton or Cass. This unique lakeside effect keeps the county exceptionally stable but very cold.
A Land of Permanent Spring and Long Winters
The county sees only one day per year over 90°F, with the coolest summer average in the state at 60.2°F. Winter is long and snowy, bringing 57.1 inches of snow and a January average of 10.1°F.
Forget the AC, Buy a Heavy Coat
Air conditioning is virtually unnecessary here given the single day of extreme heat and 62.4°F July average. Focus your budget on high-quality winter tires and premium wool layers to handle the 57.1 inches of annual snow.
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.