McCook County Climate
McCook County, South Dakota
Avg Annual Temp
45.4°F
Annual Precip
27.6"
Annual Snowfall
31.0"
Extreme Heat Days
18.233333333333334
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
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 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.