Otter Tail County Climate
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
40.9°F
Annual Precip
26.7"
Annual Snowfall
49.8"
Extreme Heat Days
5
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,164
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Otter Tail County
Climate Verdict
Otter Tail County has a cool, averaging 40.9°F annually, moderate rainfall of 26.7 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 4.966666666666666 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 49.8 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 8.1°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.6°F. Residents experience a substantial 62°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Otter Tail County closely matches the Minnesota statewide average temperature of 42.8°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Minnesota.
Climate Profile
About Otter Tail County Weather
A Northern Lake Country Climate
Otter Tail averages 40.9°F, roughly 11 degrees cooler than the national median. The climate is defined by its numerous lakes and northern geography.
Below the Minnesota Temperature Average
The county falls nearly two degrees below the state average of 42.8°F. It represents the transition from the prairie to the northern woods.
High Snowfall for the Region
With 26.7 inches of precipitation, it is drier than the state average. However, it receives 49.8 inches of snow, much more than southern Nicollet.
Long Winters and Pleasant Summers
Winter is long with a 11.9°F average, while summers remain cool with only 5 days over 90°F. July temperatures average a pleasant 69.6°F.
Insulating Against Winter Extremes
Prepare for heavy lake-effect snow with robust winter gear. Homes need excellent insulation to combat the 8.1°F average in January.
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.