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Washington County Climate

Washington County, Minnesota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.3°F

Annual Precip

34.1"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

11

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
0.9"
0.9"
1.5"
3.0"
4.2"
5.1"
4.5"
4.8"
3.3"
3.0"
1.7"
1.2"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,830

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/30
First fall frost (32°F): 10/19

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring33°59°8.8"Summer69°73°14.4"Fall35°63°7.9"Winter16°22°3.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 17% of US counties
Wetter than 33% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 95% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Washington County

Climate Verdict

Washington County has a cool, averaging 46.3°F annually, moderate rainfall of 34.1 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 11.15 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 15.8°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.8°F. Residents experience a substantial 57°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Washington County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Washington County is 3.6°F warmer than the Minnesota statewide average of 42.8°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Minnesota.

Climate Profile

About Washington County Weather

Urban Heat and Continental Cold

Washington County averages 46.3°F annually, making it one of the warmer spots in this northern state. Still, it remains several degrees cooler than the national median temperature.

One of Minnesota's Warmest Counties

The county's 46.3°F average is significantly higher than the Minnesota average of 42.8°F. It ranks near the top of the state for annual warmth due to its southern location.

Warmer and Drier than Waseca

Washington is nearly two degrees warmer than Waseca County's 44.6°F average. It receives 34.1 inches of rain, which is higher than the state average but lower than Waseca.

Milder Winters and Toasty Summers

July averages 72.8°F with 11 days of extreme heat. Winter is relatively mild for Minnesota, featuring a 15.8°F January average and a 19.3°F winter mean.

Urban Cooling and Winter Readiness

Air conditioning is important for the 11 days of extreme summer heat. While county-specific snowfall data is limited, residents should plan for regional winter averages typical of the metro area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Washington County?
The average annual temperature in Washington County, MN is 46.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Washington County get?
Washington County receives an average of 34.1 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Washington County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Washington County is 70.8°F. The county experiences an average of 11 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Washington County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Washington County is 19.3°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 15.8°F.

Track your own weather in Washington 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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