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Columbia County Climate

Columbia County, Wisconsin

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.3°F

Annual Precip

37.6"

Annual Snowfall

40.9"

Extreme Heat Days

11

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.4"
1.4"
2.2"
4.0"
4.5"
5.3"
4.4"
4.1"
3.6"
2.9"
2.2"
1.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,617

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/04
First fall frost (32°F): 10/10

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring33°58°10.6"Summer68°71°13.8"Fall36°62°8.7"Winter18°24°4.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 17% of US counties
Wetter than 40% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 90% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Columbia County

Climate Verdict

Columbia County has a cool, averaging 46.3°F annually, moderate rainfall of 37.6 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 10.625 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 40.9 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 17.8°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.5°F. Residents experience a substantial 54°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Columbia County closely matches the Wisconsin statewide average temperature of 44.4°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Wisconsin.

Climate Profile

About Columbia County Weather

Milder winters than northern neighbors

Columbia County's 46.3°F annual average is roughly 8 degrees below the national median but represents a warmer pocket of the state. It features a humid continental climate with more distinct seasonal transitions than the far north.

Warmer than the state average

The county is noticeably warmer than the Wisconsin average, beating the 44.4°F state mark by nearly two degrees. This places it in the warmer southern tier of the state's 72 counties.

Similar climate to southern neighbors

Columbia County's average of 46.3°F is nearly identical to Dane County to the south. It is significantly wetter than northern counties, recording 37.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Summer heat meets heavy rain

Residents experience 11 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is higher than many nearby regions. Annual snowfall is moderate for the state at 40.9 inches, while July averages reach a warm 71.5°F.

Balance cooling and heating needs

With double-digit extreme heat days, central air conditioning is more important here than in northern Wisconsin. Residents should also prepare for 37.6 inches of annual precipitation with proper drainage and gutter maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Columbia County?
The average annual temperature in Columbia County, WI is 46.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Columbia County get?
Columbia County receives an average of 37.6 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 Columbia County?
Yes, Columbia County receives an average of 40.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Columbia County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Columbia County is 69.6°F. The county experiences an average of 11 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Columbia County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Columbia County is 21.3°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 17.8°F.

Track your own weather in Columbia 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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