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Foster County Climate

Foster County, North Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec40.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

40.3°F

Annual Precip

21.0"

Annual Snowfall

59.8"

Extreme Heat Days

8

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.4"
0.8"
1.2"
2.7"
3.7"
3.6"
2.4"
2.0"
1.9"
0.8"
0.8"
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

2,097

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/12
First fall frost (32°F): 09/28

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring25°54°4.8"Summer64°69°9.7"Fall27°58°4.7"Winter8°14°1.8"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 3% of US counties
Wetter than 16% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 99% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Foster County

Climate Verdict

Foster County has a cool, averaging 40.3°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 21.0 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 7.866666666666667 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 59.8 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 8.2°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.0°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

Foster County closely matches the North Dakota statewide average temperature of 40.9°F.

Climate Profile

About Foster County Weather

A Snow-Heavy Continental Climate

Foster County averages 40.3°F, which is far below the 55°F national median. It is characterized by a harsh continental climate and significant annual snowfall.

Colder and Much Snowier

At 40.3°F, Foster is slightly cooler than the state average. It stands out for its 59.8 inches of annual snowfall, which is nearly 20 inches higher than many other counties.

Leader in Regional Snowfall

Foster is much snowier than nearby Cass or Dickey, receiving nearly 17 more inches of snow than Cass annually. Its 8.2°F January average makes it one of the colder spots in central North Dakota.

Mild Summers and Long Winters

Summer is brief and mild with only 8 days of extreme heat. Winter dominates the year, featuring a 11.5°F seasonal average and nearly 60 inches of total snow.

Heavy Snow Equipment Needed

Invest in professional-grade snow removal tools to handle the 59.8 inches of annual snowfall. Winterize homes early to withstand the long periods of 11.5°F winter weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Foster County?
The average annual temperature in Foster County, ND is 40.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Foster County get?
Foster County receives an average of 21.0 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 Foster County?
Yes, Foster County receives an average of 59.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Foster County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Foster County is 66.9°F. The county experiences an average of 8 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Foster County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Foster County is 11.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 8.2°F.

Track your own weather in Foster 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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