Polk County Climate

Polk County, Minnesota

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec39.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

39.5°F

Annual Precip

24.5"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

5.3

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
0.5"
0.5"
0.8"
1.5"
2.9"
4.4"
3.6"
3.3"
2.8"
2.2"
1.2"
0.8"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring24°54°5.2"Summer64°68°11.3"Fall27°57°6.2"Winter6°13°1.8"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 2% of US counties
Wetter than 20% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 94% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Polk County Weather

Extreme Northern Temperatures

Polk County is significantly colder than most of the country, with an average annual temperature of 39.5°F compared to the 54°F national median. It receives just 24.5 inches of annual precipitation, making it drier than many coastal regions.

Far Below the State Average

At 39.5°F, Polk is much colder than the 42.8°F Minnesota state average. This temperature reflects its northern location in the Red River Valley.

Comparing Northern Neighbors

Polk is slightly cooler than neighboring Red Lake County, which averages 39.8°F. Both counties share a similar dry profile with less than 25 inches of annual precipitation.

Harsh Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are intense with a January average of 5.8°F and a seasonal average of 9.7°F. Summers remain mild with a July average of 67.9°F and only 5 days reaching 90°F.

Prioritize Deep Winter Insulation

While specific snowfall data is limited, the deep freeze of a 5.8°F January requires heavy-duty home insulation. Outdoor planning should focus on the brief window of mild 66.1°F summer weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Polk County?
The average annual temperature in Polk County, MN is 39.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Polk County get?
Polk County receives an average of 24.5 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Polk County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Polk County is 66.1°F. The county experiences an average of 5.3 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Polk County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Polk County is 9.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 5.8°F.

Track your own weather in Polk County

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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