Benson County Climate
Benson County, North Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
39.1°F
Annual Precip
20.3"
Annual Snowfall
—
Extreme Heat Days
7
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,941
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Benson County
Climate Verdict
Benson County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 39.1°F, semi-arid conditions with only 20.3 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 6.85 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 6.9°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 68.0°F. Residents experience a substantial 61°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Benson County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Benson County closely matches the North Dakota statewide average temperature of 40.9°F.
Climate Profile
About Benson County Weather
A Chilly Northern Continental Climate
Benson County maintains a crisp 39.1°F annual average, which is nearly 15 degrees colder than the national median. This represents one of the most extreme cold-climate profiles in the lower 48 states.
Ranks Among the State's Coldest
The county is significantly cooler than the North Dakota average of 41.0°F. Its northern position drives lower averages and more persistent winter conditions.
Slightly Drier Than Eastern Neighbors
Annual precipitation averages 20.3 inches, placing it slightly above the state norm of 19.5 inches. It sits in a transitional zone between the wetter Red River Valley and the drier western plains.
Mild Summers and Severe Cold
Extreme heat is rare here, with only 7 days a year hitting 90°F. However, January is brutal with an average temperature of just 6.9°F, and summer averages peak at a modest 65.9°F.
Winter Survival Gear is Mandatory
While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the 10.3°F winter average demands robust heating systems. Residents should plan for a short growing season given the cool 65.9°F summer average.
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.