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Bayfield County Climate

Bayfield County, Wisconsin

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec41.1°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

41.1°F

Annual Precip

33.7"

Annual Snowfall

90.3"

Extreme Heat Days

3

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.4"
1.1"
1.8"
3.0"
3.7"
3.8"
4.5"
3.7"
3.7"
3.2"
2.2"
1.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,766

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/20
First fall frost (32°F): 10/02

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring27°51°8.4"Summer60°66°11.9"Fall32°58°9.1"Winter13°20°4.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 4% of US counties
Wetter than 32% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 89% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Bayfield County

Climate Verdict

Bayfield County has a cool, averaging 41.1°F annually, moderate rainfall of 33.7 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 2.733333333333333 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 90.3 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 13.0°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.3°F. Residents experience a substantial 53°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Bayfield County is 3.2°F cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average of 44.4°F.

Climate Profile

About Bayfield County Weather

Defined by Severe Northern Winters

Bayfield County averages 41.1°F annually, which is nearly 13 degrees cooler than the national median. This northern territory is known for its intense winter patterns and lake-moderated summers.

A Cold Spot in the State

The county's average temperature of 41.1°F sits more than 3 degrees below the Wisconsin state average. It is consistently one of the coldest counties in the entire state of Wisconsin.

Leading the Region in Snowfall

Bayfield receives over 90 inches of snow annually, outpacing neighboring Ashland County’s 88 inches. It is also wetter than Burnett County, receiving nearly 2 inches more precipitation per year.

Wisconsin's Epic Snow Destination

Winter is the dominant season, bringing over 90 inches of snow and a 13.0°F January average. Summer offers a brief reprieve with only 3 days per year exceeding 90°F.

Mastering the Art of Snow

Living here requires serious snow removal equipment and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Residents should plan for long winters where the average temperature remains just 16.4°F from December through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Bayfield County?
The average annual temperature in Bayfield County, WI is 41.1°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Bayfield County get?
Bayfield County receives an average of 33.7 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 Bayfield County?
Yes, Bayfield County receives an average of 90.3 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Bayfield County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Bayfield County is 64.0°F. The county experiences an average of 3 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Bayfield County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Bayfield County is 16.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 13.0°F.

Track your own weather in Bayfield 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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