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St. Louis County Climate

St. Louis County, Minnesota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec37.8°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

37.8°F

Annual Precip

28.2"

Annual Snowfall

70.7"

Extreme Heat Days

2

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.9"
0.7"
1.1"
2.0"
3.1"
4.2"
4.1"
3.4"
3.6"
2.6"
1.5"
1.1"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

3b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,534

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/28
First fall frost (32°F): 10/01

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring24°50°6.2"Summer60°65°11.7"Fall27°55°7.7"Winter6°13°2.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 1% of US counties
Wetter than 24% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 97% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: St. Louis County

Climate Verdict

St. Louis County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 37.8°F, moderate rainfall of 28.2 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 2.4214285714285717 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 70.7 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 6.3°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 64.9°F. Residents experience a substantial 59°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

St. Louis County is 5.0°F cooler than the Minnesota statewide average of 42.8°F.

Climate Profile

About St. Louis County Weather

The Epicenter of Northwoods Cold

St. Louis County averages 37.8°F annually, making it one of the coldest large counties in the United States. Its 28.2 inches of precipitation is below the national median but results in massive snowfall due to the cold.

Well Below the State Average

At 37.8°F, the county is exactly 5 degrees colder than the Minnesota state average. It ranks as one of the coldest jurisdictions in the state, influenced by both its northern latitude and Lake Superior.

Snowier than the Interior

With 70.7 inches of snow, St. Louis County receives significantly more frozen precipitation than Stearns or Sherburne. Its July average of 64.9°F is much cooler than the 70-plus averages seen further south.

Extreme Snow and Rare Heat

Winter is the dominant season with 70.7 inches of snowfall and an average temperature of 10.1°F. Extreme heat is nearly non-existent, with only 2 days per year reaching 90°F.

Built for the Long Winter

Residents must invest in heavy-duty snow removal and vehicle winterization to handle over 70 inches of snow. High-performance insulation is a priority over air conditioning, which is rarely needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in St. Louis County?
The average annual temperature in St. Louis County, MN is 37.8°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does St. Louis County get?
St. Louis County receives an average of 28.2 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in St. Louis County?
Yes, St. Louis County receives an average of 70.7 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does St. Louis County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in St. Louis County is 62.7°F. The county experiences an average of 2 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in St. Louis County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in St. Louis County is 10.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 6.3°F.

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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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