weatherbycounty

Burke County Climate

Burke County, North Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec38.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

38.0°F

Annual Precip

15.7"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

7

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
0.4"
0.4"
0.6"
0.9"
2.3"
3.7"
2.5"
1.4"
1.5"
1.0"
0.5"
0.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,689

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/20
First fall frost (32°F): 09/19

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring24°52°3.8"Summer61°66°7.6"Fall24°55°3.1"Winter8°12°1.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 1% of US counties
Wetter than 8% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 97% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Burke County

Climate Verdict

Burke County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 38.0°F, semi-arid conditions with only 15.7 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 7.25 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 7.7°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.3°F. Residents experience a substantial 59°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Burke County closely matches the North Dakota statewide average temperature of 40.9°F, it is somewhat drier than average for North Dakota.

Climate Profile

About Burke County Weather

Burke County Faces Frigid Norms

Burke County has an annual average of 38.0°F, marking it as one of the coldest counties in the continental United States. This is far below the national median and reflects its high-latitude position.

The Coldest Reach of the State

At 38.0°F, Burke County sits three degrees below the state average of 41.0°F. It is consistently one of the coldest spots in North Dakota during the winter months.

Drier Than Most State Regions

With 15.7 inches of annual precipitation, Burke is notably drier than the North Dakota average of 19.5 inches. This leads to a landscape dominated by dry prairies and limited humidity.

Short Summers and Intense Cold

Summer heat is limited with only 7 days reaching 90°F, and the July average is a cool 66.3°F. Winter is the dominant season, with January temperatures averaging just 7.7°F.

Focus on Extreme Cold Protection

While local snowfall totals are not available, the 10.2°F winter average necessitates top-tier home heating systems. Residents should prioritize cold-weather survival gear and engine block heaters for vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Burke County?
The average annual temperature in Burke County, ND is 38.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Burke County get?
Burke County receives an average of 15.7 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Burke County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Burke County is 64.1°F. The county experiences an average of 7 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Burke County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Burke County is 10.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 7.7°F.

Track your own weather in Burke 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 North Dakota