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Douglas County Climate

Douglas County, Minnesota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec42.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

42.5°F

Annual Precip

24.1"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

6

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
0.4"
0.4"
1.0"
2.0"
3.0"
3.7"
4.0"
3.5"
2.6"
2.2"
0.8"
0.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,347

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/02
First fall frost (32°F): 10/08

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring28°56°6.1"Summer66°71°11.2"Fall30°60°5.7"Winter11°17°1.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 6% of US counties
Wetter than 20% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 98% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Douglas County

Climate Verdict

Douglas County has a cool, averaging 42.5°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 24.1 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 6.2 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 10.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 70.6°F. Residents experience a substantial 60°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Douglas County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Douglas County closely matches the Minnesota statewide average temperature of 42.8°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 5.9 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Douglas County Weather

Cool and Dry Continental Climate

Douglas County averages 42.5°F annually, which is significantly cooler than the national median. Its annual precipitation of 24.1 inches is relatively low compared to both state and national trends.

Near the State Temperature Average

At 42.5°F, Douglas County sits almost exactly at the Minnesota average of 42.8°F. However, it is much drier than the state average, receiving nearly six inches less precipitation annually.

Drier than Southern Neighbors

Compared to Freeborn County, Douglas receives over 11 inches less precipitation per year. Its January average of 10.7°F makes it colder than the metro and southern counties.

Brief Summers and Frigid Winters

The county experiences only six days of extreme heat, keeping summers moderate with a 68.4°F average. Winters are deep and cold, with temperatures averaging 14.2°F from December through February.

Managing Cold and Seasonal Snow

While local snowfall data is unavailable, neighboring patterns suggest residents should prepare for significant winter accumulation. Winter car kits and backup heating are vital for the 10.7°F January lows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Douglas County?
The average annual temperature in Douglas County, MN is 42.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Douglas County get?
Douglas County receives an average of 24.1 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Douglas County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Douglas County is 68.4°F. The county experiences an average of 6 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Douglas County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Douglas County is 14.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 10.7°F.

Track your own weather in Douglas County

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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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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