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Stearns County Climate

Stearns County, Minnesota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec42.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

42.7°F

Annual Precip

30.3"

Annual Snowfall

48.2"

Extreme Heat Days

7

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.8"
0.8"
1.6"
2.7"
3.9"
4.4"
4.1"
3.9"
3.0"
2.8"
1.4"
1.0"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,326

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/03
First fall frost (32°F): 10/05

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring28°56°8.2"Summer66°70°12.4"Fall31°60°7.1"Winter11°18°2.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 7% of US counties
Wetter than 27% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 98% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Stearns County

Climate Verdict

Stearns County has a cool, averaging 42.7°F annually, moderate rainfall of 30.3 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 6.8999999999999995 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 48.2 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 11.1°F. summers are warm — July averages 70.3°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

Stearns County closely matches the Minnesota statewide average temperature of 42.8°F.

Climate Profile

About Stearns County Weather

The Heart of Minnesota's Climate

Stearns County's annual average of 42.7°F is a near-perfect match for the state average but sits 11 degrees below the national median. It receives 30.3 inches of annual precipitation, typical for the Upper Midwest.

A Statistical State Average

Stearns County is a bellwether for Minnesota weather, with its 42.7°F average sitting just 0.1 degrees from the state mean. Its rainfall also mirrors the state average of 30.0 inches almost exactly.

The Snowiest in Central Minnesota

Stearns receives 48.2 inches of snow annually, which is higher than neighbors like Sherburne or Steele. Its January average of 11.1°F is also slightly colder than its southern neighbors.

Four Distinct and Intense Seasons

The county experiences a full range of weather, including 7 days of extreme heat and 48.2 inches of snow. July averages are a warm 70.3°F, while winter temperatures drop to 14.7°F.

Preparing for Significant Snowfall

With nearly 50 inches of snow, a high-quality snowblower is a standard household tool in Stearns. Homeowners should also plan for a week of 90°F heat by ensuring cooling systems are efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Stearns County?
The average annual temperature in Stearns County, MN is 42.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Stearns County get?
Stearns County receives an average of 30.3 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 Stearns County?
Yes, Stearns County receives an average of 48.2 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Stearns County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Stearns County is 68.1°F. The county experiences an average of 7 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Stearns County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Stearns County is 14.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 11.1°F.

Track your own weather in Stearns County

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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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