Nelson County Climate
Nelson County, North Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
38.6°F
Annual Precip
20.2"
Annual Snowfall
42.5"
Extreme Heat Days
5
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,982
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Nelson County
Climate Verdict
Nelson County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 38.6°F, semi-arid conditions with only 20.2 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 5 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 42.5 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 4.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 68.2°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
Nelson County closely matches the North Dakota statewide average temperature of 40.9°F.
Climate Profile
About Nelson County Weather
Extreme Northern Cold Patterns
Nelson County's 38.6°F average annual temperature is one of the lowest in the country. This reflects an environment with very short growing seasons and intense winters.
One of the Coldest in ND
Nelson is significantly colder than the state average of 41.0°F. Its precipitation of 20.2 inches is slightly higher than the state's 19.5-inch average.
Fewer Hot Days than Neighbors
With only 5 days over 90°F, Nelson is much cooler in summer than Morton's 19 days. It is one of the mildest summer counties in the entire region.
A Challenging Winter Average
January is exceptionally cold here, averaging only 4.8°F. While the county sees 42.5 inches of snow, the summer average is a comfortable 66.2°F.
Plan for Sustained Freezing Temps
Winter safety is paramount when January averages stay below 5°F. Outdoor summer events rarely need heat contingency plans due to the low frequency of extreme heat.
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.