McKenzie County Climate
McKenzie County, North Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
42.3°F
Annual Precip
17.0"
Annual Snowfall
42.3"
Extreme Heat Days
21
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,142
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: McKenzie County
Climate Verdict
McKenzie County has a cool, averaging 42.3°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 17.0 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 21.175 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 42.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 13.6°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.6°F. Residents experience a substantial 56°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
McKenzie 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 McKenzie County Weather
Colder than Most of the Nation
McKenzie County averages 42.3°F annually, falling well below the national average for temperature. Its climate is defined by cold northern air masses and low annual precipitation.
One of North Dakota's Warmer Regions
At 42.3°F, McKenzie is warmer than the 41.0°F state average. It is also drier than the rest of the state, receiving 17.0 inches of precipitation compared to the 19.5-inch state average.
More Extreme Heat than Eastern Peers
McKenzie records 21 days of extreme heat annually, more than doubling the 10 days seen in neighboring Mountrail. This makes it a regional hotspot during the peak of summer.
Strong Summer Heat and Dry Winters
Summer temperatures average 67.1°F, supported by three weeks of 90°F+ weather. Winters are cold but relatively dry, averaging 16.4°F with 42.3 inches of snow.
Dual-Season Climate Preparation
Central air conditioning is vital for the 21 days of extreme summer heat. For the 13.6°F January lows, robust home insulation and reliable vehicle block heaters are essential.
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.