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Wadena County Climate

Wadena County, Minnesota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec40.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

40.2°F

Annual Precip

29.3"

Annual Snowfall

50.8"

Extreme Heat Days

3

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.9"
0.8"
1.4"
2.6"
3.5"
4.4"
4.3"
3.6"
2.9"
2.8"
1.3"
0.9"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,962

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/10
First fall frost (32°F): 09/30

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring25°54°7.5"Summer64°68°12.3"Fall29°58°7.0"Winter8°15°2.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 3% of US counties
Wetter than 26% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 98% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Wadena County

Climate Verdict

Wadena County has a cool, averaging 40.2°F annually, moderate rainfall of 29.3 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 3.3 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 50.8 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 8.1°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.8°F. Residents experience a substantial 60°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Wadena County Weather

A Frigid Northern Climate Profile

Wadena County is one of the coldest spots in the nation, with an annual average of only 40.2°F. This puts it nearly 13 degrees below the national median temperature.

Colder than Most of Minnesota

At 40.2°F, Wadena is much cooler than the state average of 42.8°F. It ranks in the lower tier of Minnesota counties for overall annual warmth.

Heavy Snow and Limited Heat

Wadena sees 50.8 inches of snow, trailing only slightly behind Todd County's 54.0 inches. It records just 3 days of extreme heat, making it much cooler than Swift County.

Deep Winter and Brief Summers

January is brutal with an 8.1°F average, while summer peaks at a modest 67.8°F in July. Winter lasts through a 12.0°F average during the December-February stretch.

Winter Survival is a Lifestyle

Homeowners must prioritize insulation and heating system reliability for the 8.1°F January lows. Outdoor summer planning is easy, as extreme heat days are very rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Wadena County?
The average annual temperature in Wadena County, MN is 40.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Wadena County get?
Wadena County receives an average of 29.3 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 Wadena County?
Yes, Wadena County receives an average of 50.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Wadena County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Wadena County is 65.7°F. The county experiences an average of 3 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Wadena County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Wadena County is 12.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 8.1°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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