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Lancaster County Climate

Lancaster County, Nebraska

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec51.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

51.2°F

Annual Precip

31.0"

Annual Snowfall

28.0"

Extreme Heat Days

33

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.8"
0.9"
1.7"
2.8"
5.1"
4.8"
3.6"
3.5"
3.0"
2.3"
1.4"
1.2"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,471

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/23
First fall frost (32°F): 10/13

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring40°62°9.6"Summer72°76°11.9"Fall39°66°6.7"Winter24°29°2.9"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 36% of US counties
Wetter than 28% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 86% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Lancaster County

Climate Verdict

Lancaster County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 51.2°F, moderate rainfall of 31.0 inches per year, occasional hot days — 33.4 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 28.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 24.2°F. summers are warm — July averages 76.3°F. Residents experience a substantial 52°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Lancaster County closely matches the Nebraska statewide average temperature of 49.7°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 5.1 inches more precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Lancaster County Weather

Typical four-season Midwestern climate

Lancaster County's 51.2°F average temperature is below the national median. It experiences a moist, continental climate with distinct seasonal transitions.

Warmer and wetter than average

The county is warmer and wetter than the state averages of 49.7°F and 25.9 inches. It receives a robust 31.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Milder winters than northern counties

Lancaster's 28.0 inches of snow is significantly less than Knox County's 38.6 inches. Its 51.2°F average temperature closely tracks with Johnson County's 51.3°F.

Humid summers and snowy winters

July averages 76.3°F with 33 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winter brings a steady 28.0 inches of snow and a January average of 24.2°F.

Manage heat and moisture

With 31.0 inches of rain, basement waterproofing is a wise investment for local homeowners. Residents should also prepare for about a month of extreme summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Lancaster County?
The average annual temperature in Lancaster County, NE is 51.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Lancaster County get?
Lancaster County receives an average of 31.0 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 Lancaster County?
Yes, Lancaster County receives an average of 28.0 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Lancaster County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Lancaster County is 74.1°F. The county experiences an average of 33 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Lancaster County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Lancaster County is 27.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 24.2°F.

Track your own weather in Lancaster 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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