Steele County Climate
Steele County, North Dakota
Avg Annual Temp
38.7°F
Annual Precip
20.9"
Annual Snowfall
34.7"
Extreme Heat Days
11.3
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
Climate Profile
About Steele County Weather
A Truly Cold Northern Climate
Steele County is one of the coldest spots in the nation, with an annual average temperature of just 38.7°F. This is nearly 17 degrees below the national median for temperature. The climate is defined by long, harsh winters and short, vibrant summers.
Colder than the State Average
While the North Dakota state average is 41.0°F, Steele County remains significantly cooler at 38.7°F. It ranks among the coldest counties in the state due to its northeastern position. This chill persists even as other parts of the state begin to thaw.
The Chilly Red River Valley
Steele County is much colder than western counties like Stark, particularly in winter. It receives 20.9 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than the arid western plains. It shares this cold, moist profile with neighbors like Towner County.
Sub-Zero Starts and Mild Summers
January is brutal with an average temperature of 4.1°F, contributing to a winter average of 7.9°F. Summers are mild with only 11 days of extreme heat and a July average of 68.7°F. The county averages 34.7 inches of snow annually.
Essential Cold-Weather Preparation
Heavy-duty heating systems are a non-negotiable requirement for the 4.1°F January averages. Residents should stock winter emergency kits to handle the 34.7 inches of snow and extreme wind chills. Summer cooling needs are modest given the few days of extreme heat.
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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.