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Polk County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec50.1°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

50.1°F

Annual Precip

77.3"

Annual Snowfall

5.6"

Extreme Heat Days

10

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
12.7"
9.1"
9.1"
6.1"
3.2"
1.8"
0.4"
0.6"
2.3"
6.2"
11.5"
14.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

8b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,817

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/18
First fall frost (32°F): 11/01

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring43°53°18.4"Summer57°65°2.8"Fall43°61°20.0"Winter38°40°36.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 30% of US counties
Wetter than 99% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 3% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Polk County

Climate Verdict

Polk County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 50.1°F, very wet conditions receiving 77.3 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 10.366666666666667 days above 90°F annually, light snow averaging 5.6 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 39.1°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 64.2°F. The climate is remarkably stable year-round, with only a 25°F difference between January and July. December is typically the coldest month and August the warmest.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Polk County closely matches the Oregon statewide average temperature of 50.5°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 39.9 inches more precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Polk County Weather

Cooler and Significantly Wetter than Average

Polk County’s 50.1°F annual average is cooler than the national median. The standout metric is its 77.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is more than double the national average.

Oregon's Rain-Drenched Valley Center

The county matches the state average temperature of 50.5°F almost perfectly. However, it receives 77.3 inches of rain, which is more than twice the state average of 37.4 inches.

Wetter Than Its Northern Neighbors

Polk County is much wetter than Multnomah County, receiving nearly 30 inches more rain annually. It remains cooler than Multnomah by over four degrees on average.

Mild Summers and Very Wet Winters

Summer is mild with only 10 days of extreme heat and a July average of 64.2°F. Winters are characterized by rain rather than frozen precipitation, with only 5.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Waterproofing and Drainage

With over 77 inches of rain, ensuring proper home drainage and gutter maintenance is critical. Residents rarely need heavy snow equipment but should invest in high-performance moisture-wicking clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Polk County?
The average annual temperature in Polk County, OR is 50.1°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Polk County get?
Polk County receives an average of 77.3 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 Polk County?
Yes, Polk County receives an average of 5.6 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Polk County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Polk County is 62.1°F. The county experiences an average of 10 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Polk County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Polk County is 39.3°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 39.1°F.

Track your own weather in Polk 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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