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Towner County Climate

Towner County, North Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec38.6°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

38.6°F

Annual Precip

19.8"

Annual Snowfall

37.6"

Extreme Heat Days

7

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.4"
0.4"
0.8"
1.1"
2.8"
3.8"
2.9"
2.7"
1.9"
1.3"
0.8"
0.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

3b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,904

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/18
First fall frost (32°F): 09/23

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring23°52°4.7"Summer63°68°9.5"Fall25°57°4.0"Winter6°12°1.6"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 1% of US counties
Wetter than 14% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 99% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Towner County

Climate Verdict

Towner County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 38.6°F, semi-arid conditions with only 19.8 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 7 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 37.6 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 5.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.6°F. Residents experience a substantial 62°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Towner County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Towner County Weather

One of America's Coldest Counties

Towner County is defined by its extreme cold, with an annual average temperature of 38.6°F. This is nearly 17 degrees colder than the national median, placing it among the frostiest locales in the continental U.S. The county faces a short growing season and long, dominant winters.

Well Below the State Median

Towner County remains much colder than the state average of 41.0°F, recording just 38.6°F annually. It sits in the cold northern tier of North Dakota, where Arctic air masses often settle. This makes it one of the most temperature-challenged counties in the state.

North-Central Cold and Moisture

Towner is colder than western counterparts like Sheridan and Stark, sharing more in common with Steele County. It receives 19.8 inches of precipitation and 37.6 inches of snow annually. These figures are typical for the north-central plains but harsh by national standards.

Brief Summers and Frozen Winters

Winters are intense with a 9.1°F average, while January lows plummet to 5.8°F. The county sees only 7 days of extreme heat above 90°F per year, keeping summers exceptionally mild. The July average of 67.6°F is one of the lowest in the region.

Maximum Insulation and Cold Prep

The primary resident concern is the long winter, requiring high-performance heating and vehicle engine block heaters. With only 7 extreme heat days, cooling is a lower priority than winterizing homes. Residents must prepare for 37.6 inches of snow and a January average of 5.8°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Towner County?
The average annual temperature in Towner County, ND is 38.6°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Towner County get?
Towner County receives an average of 19.8 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 Towner County?
Yes, Towner County receives an average of 37.6 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Towner County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Towner County is 65.6°F. The county experiences an average of 7 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Towner County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Towner County is 9.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 5.8°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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