McCook County Climate
McCook County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
45.4°F
Annual Precip
27.6"
Annual Snowfall
31.0"
Extreme Heat Days
18
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,692
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: McCook County
Climate Verdict
McCook County has a cool, averaging 45.4°F annually, moderate rainfall of 27.6 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 18.233333333333334 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 31.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 15.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.8°F. Residents experience a substantial 57°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for McCook County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
McCook County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for South Dakota.
Climate Profile
About McCook County Weather
Temperate Relative to the Cold North
McCook County features an annual average temperature of 45.4°F, typical for the Great Plains but cool compared to the national average. It receives 27.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than many counties in the western US. This moisture supports a lush but seasonally volatile environment.
Average Temperature with Above-Average Rain
McCook's 45.4°F annual average is nearly identical to the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. However, it receives nearly five inches more precipitation than the state average of 22.7 inches. This makes it a relatively wet and productive agricultural zone for the state.
Milder Winters Than Its Northern Peers
Compared to counties further north, McCook enjoys a slightly more manageable 31 inches of annual snowfall. It experiences 18 days of extreme heat, which is moderate for the region. The county's January average of 15.6°F keeps it firmly in the cold category, though it avoids the deepest freezes of the border counties.
Warm Summers and Predictable Snowfall
Summer averages of 70.5°F make for comfortable outdoor conditions, though the mercury peaks over 90°F for about 18 days. Winter temperatures drop to a 18.8°F average, accompanied by 31 inches of snow. This balance of seasons provides a traditional four-season experience without the extreme snow totals seen elsewhere.
Preparing for Variable Plains Weather
Homeowners should prioritize drainage and moisture protection due to the 27.6 inches of annual precipitation. Moderate winter gear is necessary to handle the 31 inches of snow and January lows of 15.6°F. A reliable HVAC system is recommended to bridge the gap between cold winters and the 18 days of summer 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.