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Grand Forks County Climate

Grand Forks County, North Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec40.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

40.0°F

Annual Precip

22.3"

Annual Snowfall

48.5"

Extreme Heat Days

7

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.5"
0.9"
1.2"
2.9"
4.0"
3.5"
2.9"
2.3"
1.9"
0.9"
0.7"
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

2,109

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/11
First fall frost (32°F): 09/28

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring25°54°5.0"Summer65°69°10.4"Fall27°58°5.2"Winter6°13°1.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 2% of US counties
Wetter than 18% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 100% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Grand Forks County

Climate Verdict

Grand Forks County has a cool, averaging 40.0°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 22.3 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 7.433333333333333 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 48.5 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 6.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.0°F. Residents experience a substantial 63°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks County Weather

Grand Forks Faces a Rugged Continental Climate

With an average annual temperature of 40.0°F, Grand Forks is significantly cooler than the national median of approximately 55°F. This humid continental region experiences dramatic seasonal shifts typical of the northern plains.

Trailing the State Temperature Average

The county's 40.0°F annual average sits one full degree below the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. This makes it one of the cooler jurisdictions in a state already known for its frigid conditions.

Colder than Neighbors to the West

Grand Forks remains slightly warmer than Griggs County to the south, which averages 39.3°F. However, it cannot match the 42.8°F average seen in southwestern counties like Grant.

Frigid Winters Meet Mild Summers

Winter temperatures plummet to a mean of 10.3°F, supported by 48.5 inches of annual snowfall. Summers are pleasant but short, with July averaging 69.0°F and only 7 days reaching above 90°F.

Prepare for Deep Freezes and Snow

High-efficiency heating systems are essential to handle January lows that average 6.4°F. Residents should also invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage the nearly 50 inches of annual accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Grand Forks County?
The average annual temperature in Grand Forks County, ND is 40.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Grand Forks County get?
Grand Forks County receives an average of 22.3 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 Grand Forks County?
Yes, Grand Forks County receives an average of 48.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Grand Forks County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Grand Forks County is 67.0°F. The county experiences an average of 7 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Grand Forks County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Grand Forks County is 10.3°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 6.4°F.

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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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