Rice County Climate
Rice County, Minnesota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
44.5°F
Annual Precip
35.5"
Annual Snowfall
43.3"
Extreme Heat Days
9
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,529
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Rice County
Climate Verdict
Rice County has a cool, averaging 44.5°F annually, moderate rainfall of 35.5 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 8.6 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 43.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 14.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.3°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
Rice County closely matches the Minnesota statewide average temperature of 42.8°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 5.4 inches more precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Rice County Weather
Wetter Than the National Median
Rice County averages 44.5°F and receives a significant 35.5 inches of precipitation annually. This rainfall total is higher than the national average and much higher than its western neighbors.
One of Minnesota's Wettest Counties
With 35.5 inches of precipitation, Rice is much wetter than the state average of 30.0 inches. Its 44.5°F temperature is also warmer than the 42.8°F state average.
More Rain Than the Region
Rice receives about 7 inches more precipitation annually than Pope County. It is slightly cooler than Ramsey County but shares a similar snowy profile at 43.3 inches.
Consistent Snow and Rain
Winter brings 43.3 inches of snow and a 14.0°F January average. Summer features a 71.3°F July average and 9 days of extreme heat over 90°F.
Focus on Moisture Control
Given the 35.5 inches of rain and snow, homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance and basement waterproofing. Efficient heating is required for the 17.6°F average winter temperatures.
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.