Polk County Climate
Polk County, Minnesota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
39.5°F
Annual Precip
24.5"
Annual Snowfall
—
Extreme Heat Days
5
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,011
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Polk County
Climate Verdict
Polk County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 39.5°F, semi-arid conditions with only 24.5 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 5.3 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 5.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.9°F. Residents experience a substantial 62°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Polk County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Polk County is 3.3°F cooler than the Minnesota statewide average of 42.8°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 5.5 inches less precipitation than the state average.
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
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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.