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Rock County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.7°F

Annual Precip

27.1"

Annual Snowfall

41.5"

Extreme Heat Days

26

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.6"
0.8"
1.5"
3.2"
4.1"
4.0"
3.4"
3.0"
2.8"
2.2"
0.8"
0.9"
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

2,676

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/06
First fall frost (32°F): 10/01

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring35°57°8.7"Summer67°73°10.4"Fall34°62°5.8"Winter21°25°2.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 18% of US counties
Wetter than 23% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 86% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Rock County

Climate Verdict

Rock County has a cool, averaging 46.7°F annually, moderate rainfall of 27.1 inches per year, occasional hot days — 26 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 41.5 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 21.2°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.1°F. Residents experience a substantial 52°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Rock County is 3.0°F cooler than the Nebraska statewide average of 49.7°F.

Climate Profile

About Rock County Weather

A Distinctly Chilly Northern Profile

Rock County averages just 46.7°F annually, placing it well below the national median for temperature. This cool climate is typical of the northern Nebraska Sandhills, where winters are long and rigorous.

Colder Than the Nebraska Average

The county's 46.7°F average temperature sits three degrees below the state average of 49.7°F. While the state averages 25.9 inches of moisture, Rock County sees slightly more at 27.1 inches annually.

Heavier Snowfall Than Southern Peers

Rock County faces 41.5 inches of annual snowfall, nearly double what some southern Nebraska counties experience. Despite the cold, it sees 26 extreme heat days, proving that summer still packs a punch.

Brisk Winters and Mild Summers

Winter temperatures average a cold 23.2°F, with January lows often bottoming out near 21.2°F. Summer provides relief with a July average of 73.1°F and a manageable summer mean of 70.4°F.

Winterize for Significant Snowfall

Residents must invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage the 41.5 inches of annual snow. High-performance home insulation is a necessity to combat the sustained sub-freezing winter averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Rock County?
The average annual temperature in Rock County, NE is 46.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Rock County get?
Rock County receives an average of 27.1 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 Rock County?
Yes, Rock County receives an average of 41.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Rock County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Rock County is 70.4°F. The county experiences an average of 26 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Rock County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Rock County is 23.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 21.2°F.

Track your own weather in Rock 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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