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Russell County Climate

Russell County, Virginia

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec53.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

53.7°F

Annual Precip

45.9"

Annual Snowfall

12.4"

Extreme Heat Days

6

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.5"
3.7"
4.2"
4.1"
4.4"
4.3"
4.9"
4.0"
3.3"
2.5"
3.0"
3.9"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,274

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/25
First fall frost (32°F): 10/16

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring44°62°12.7"Summer69°73°13.2"Fall44°66°8.9"Winter34°37°11.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 46% of US counties
Wetter than 61% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 29% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Russell County

Climate Verdict

Russell County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 53.7°F, moderately wet with 45.9 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 6.1 days above 90°F annually, light snow averaging 12.4 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 33.9°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.5°F. The 39°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Russell County closely matches the Virginia statewide average temperature of 56.2°F, the county experiences 21.680464480874292 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Russell County Weather

High elevation keeps things cool

Russell County's 53.7°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median. Its Appalachian location creates a climate that avoids the extreme heat found elsewhere.

Among Virginia's cooler high-country regions

The county's average temperature of 53.7°F is well below the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. It benefits from mountain breezes that keep it cooler than the Piedmont or Coastal Plain.

Typical rainfall with mild summers

Russell's 45.9 inches of precipitation almost perfectly matches the state average of 45.7. It stands out for having very few extreme heat days compared to its eastern neighbors.

Rare extreme heat and modest snow

The county only experiences 6 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, making for very comfortable summers. Winters are moderate for the mountains, with 12.4 inches of snow and a January average of 33.9°F.

Focus on heating over cooling

With only 6 days of extreme heat, heavy-duty air conditioning is less of a priority than in other parts of Virginia. Instead, focus on reliable home heating to manage the winter average of 36.1°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Russell County?
The average annual temperature in Russell County, VA is 53.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Russell County get?
Russell County receives an average of 45.9 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 Russell County?
Yes, Russell County receives an average of 12.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Russell County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Russell County is 71.0°F. The county experiences an average of 6 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Russell County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Russell County is 36.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 33.9°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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