weatherbycounty

Scotts Bluff County Climate

Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec49.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

49.3°F

Annual Precip

15.6"

Annual Snowfall

41.1"

Extreme Heat Days

44

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.4"
0.5"
1.0"
1.8"
2.9"
2.7"
1.7"
1.2"
1.3"
1.3"
0.6"
0.5"
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

2,811

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/07
First fall frost (32°F): 10/03

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring39°57°5.6"Summer68°74°5.5"Fall37°63°3.1"Winter28°30°1.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 28% of US counties
Wetter than 8% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 66% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Scotts Bluff County

Climate Verdict

Scotts Bluff County has a cool, averaging 49.3°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 15.6 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 44 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 41.1 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 28.2°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.3°F. The 46°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Scotts Bluff County closely matches the Nebraska statewide average temperature of 49.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 10.2 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Scotts Bluff County Weather

Arid and High-Contrast Climate

Scotts Bluff County averages 49.3°F annually, reflecting its high-altitude, semi-arid position. It is much drier than the national median, creating a climate of intense sun and sharp temperature shifts.

Dryness Defines the West

The county receives only 15.6 inches of annual precipitation, far below the state average of 25.9 inches. Despite this, it records a high 41.1 inches of snowfall due to cold winter storms.

The Region's Heat Leader

Scotts Bluff endures 44 days of extreme heat over 90°F, significantly more than eastern Nebraska counties. This heat is paired with a very dry atmosphere, contrasting with the humid east.

Extreme Heat and Heavy Snow

Summer temperatures average 71.4°F, but the 44 extreme heat days define the season. Winter is surprisingly moderate on average at 28.7°F, yet produces a substantial 41.1 inches of snow.

Focus on Water and Snow

Low precipitation of 15.6 inches makes drought-resistant landscaping and water conservation essential. Residents also need robust snow removal tools to handle the 41.1 inches of annual accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Scotts Bluff County?
The average annual temperature in Scotts Bluff County, NE is 49.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Scotts Bluff County get?
Scotts Bluff County receives an average of 15.6 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 Scotts Bluff County?
Yes, Scotts Bluff County receives an average of 41.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Scotts Bluff County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Scotts Bluff County is 71.4°F. The county experiences an average of 44 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Scotts Bluff County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Scotts Bluff County is 28.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 28.2°F.

Track your own weather in Scotts Bluff County

Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.

Shop Weather Stations →

Sponsored

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
← Back to Nebraska