Barnes County Climate
Barnes County, North Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
40.5°F
Annual Precip
22.0"
Annual Snowfall
47.2"
Extreme Heat Days
10
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,097
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Barnes County
Climate Verdict
Barnes County has a cool, averaging 40.5°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 22.0 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 10 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 47.2 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 8.0°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.1°F. Residents experience a substantial 61°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Barnes County closely matches the North Dakota statewide average temperature of 40.9°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for North Dakota.
Climate Profile
About Barnes County Weather
Cold Humid Continental Trends in Barnes
Barnes County records an annual average of 40.5°F, falling more than 10 degrees below the national median. This climate is defined by short, warm summers and long, punishingly cold winters.
Cooler Than the North Dakota Average
The county’s 40.5°F average sits slightly below the state mean of 41.0°F. While typical for the region, it ranks as one of the cooler areas compared to the southern border counties.
Higher Precipitation Than Regional Peers
Barnes County receives 22.0 inches of annual precipitation, outpacing the state average of 19.5 inches. This makes it a relatively moist pocket in a generally dry state.
Deep Snow and Bitter January Chills
Winter dominates here with 47.2 inches of annual snowfall and an 8.0°F January average. Summer provides relief with only 10 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or higher.
Winter Readiness is a Priority
With over 47 inches of snow and an 11.7°F average winter, heavy-duty snow removal equipment is a necessity. High-performance home heating and vehicle winterization are critical for the deep-freeze months.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.