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Mountrail County Climate

Mountrail County, North Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec38.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

38.7°F

Annual Precip

18.0"

Annual Snowfall

48.5"

Extreme Heat Days

10

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.5"
0.8"
1.2"
2.4"
3.6"
3.0"
1.9"
1.8"
1.2"
0.6"
0.6"
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

1,768

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/17
First fall frost (32°F): 09/23

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring24°51°4.4"Summer61°67°8.5"Fall26°56°3.6"Winter8°14°1.6"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 1% of US counties
Wetter than 11% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 97% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Mountrail County

Climate Verdict

Mountrail County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 38.7°F, semi-arid conditions with only 18.0 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 10.2 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 8.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.8°F. Residents experience a substantial 58°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Mountrail County Weather

Among the Nation's Coldest Counties

Mountrail County's 38.7°F average annual temperature is among the lowest in the continental U.S. This sub-40-degree average creates a truly northern climate profile.

Significantly Colder than State Average

The county is much colder than the 41.0°F North Dakota average. It also experiences 48.5 inches of snow, which is higher than many other parts of the state.

A Regional Snow Leader

Mountrail's 48.5 inches of snow far exceeds Mercer's 33.4 inches. It also sees only 10 extreme heat days, making it much cooler than neighboring McKenzie.

Brutal Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are long and cold, with a January average of just 8.4°F. Summers remain pleasant and mild, with a July average of 66.8°F and very few days over 90°F.

Invest in Heavy Winter Gear

A high-powered snow blower is essential for the nearly 50 inches of annual snow. High-performance home heating is a must to combat the 11.4°F winter average.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Mountrail County?
The average annual temperature in Mountrail County, ND is 38.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Mountrail County get?
Mountrail County receives an average of 18.0 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 Mountrail County?
Yes, Mountrail County receives an average of 48.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Mountrail County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Mountrail County is 64.6°F. The county experiences an average of 10 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Mountrail County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Mountrail County is 11.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 8.4°F.

Track your own weather in Mountrail 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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