Cottonwood County Climate
Cottonwood County, Minnesota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.8°F
Annual Precip
31.7"
Annual Snowfall
43.5"
Extreme Heat Days
13
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,952
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Cottonwood County
Climate Verdict
Cottonwood County has a cool, averaging 46.8°F annually, moderate rainfall of 31.7 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 13.4 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 43.5 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 16.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.8°F. Residents experience a substantial 57°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Cottonwood County is 4.0°F warmer than the Minnesota statewide average of 42.8°F.
Climate Profile
About Cottonwood County Weather
A Classic Midwestern Continental Climate
Cottonwood County’s 46.8°F average annual temperature sits roughly seven degrees below the national median. This humid continental climate features wide seasonal swings and significant annual precipitation of 31.7 inches.
Leading the State in Warmth
The county is significantly warmer than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. Its position in the southern tier makes it one of the state's more temperate areas despite its cold winters.
A Warm Spot in Southern Minnesota
Cottonwood is warmer than its neighbors to the north, showing a July average of 73.8°F. It maintains higher annual precipitation than Douglas County, which sees nearly eight inches less rain and snow.
Thirteen Days of Extreme Heat
Summer brings an average of 13 days above 90°F, significantly higher than the state median. Winters remain challenging with 43.5 inches of snow and a January average of just 16.7°F.
Prepare for Seasonal Extremes
Residents require robust air conditioning to handle the frequent 90°F summer days. Winter planning should prioritize heavy-duty snow removal equipment for the 43.5 inches of annual accumulation.
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.