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Wells County Climate

Wells County, North Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec40.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

40.3°F

Annual Precip

18.9"

Annual Snowfall

33.5"

Extreme Heat Days

10

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.5"
0.6"
1.1"
2.7"
3.5"
3.1"
2.3"
2.0"
1.4"
0.6"
0.7"
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

2,064

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/13
First fall frost (32°F): 09/28

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring26°54°4.4"Summer64°69°8.8"Fall27°58°4.0"Winter9°14°1.6"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 3% of US counties
Wetter than 13% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 98% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Wells County

Climate Verdict

Wells County has a cool, averaging 40.3°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 18.9 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 10.05 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 33.5 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 8.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 68.6°F. Residents experience a substantial 60°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Wells County Weather

Deep Below the National Temperature Median

Wells County’s 40.3°F average annual temperature is nearly 14 degrees colder than the national median. This gap highlights the extreme northern continental conditions that dominate the local landscape.

One of the State's Cooler Counties

Averaging 40.3°F, Wells falls below the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. The county is also slightly drier than average, receiving 18.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Colder Winters Than Nearby Ward

Wells County faces a biting January average of 8.8°F, making it colder than Ward County's 11.1°F. However, it sees less snow, with 33.5 inches compared to over 50 inches in the neighboring region.

Brief Summers and Single-Digit Lows

The summer average is a pleasant 66.5°F with only 10 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are much more intense, with a three-month average of 11.9°F from December through February.

Prioritize Insulation and Winter Gear

With January averages staying in the single digits, robust home insulation and reliable HVAC systems are critical. While snowfall is more moderate at 33.5 inches, the extreme cold requires high-performance winter apparel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Wells County?
The average annual temperature in Wells County, ND is 40.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Wells County get?
Wells County receives an average of 18.9 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 Wells County?
Yes, Wells County receives an average of 33.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Wells County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Wells County is 66.5°F. The county experiences an average of 10 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Wells County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Wells County is 11.9°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 8.8°F.

Track your own weather in Wells 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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