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Douglas County Climate

Douglas County, Wisconsin

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec40.9°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

40.9°F

Annual Precip

32.9"

Annual Snowfall

57.9"

Extreme Heat Days

5

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.0"
1.0"
1.5"
2.8"
3.6"
4.4"
4.4"
4.1"
3.6"
3.2"
2.0"
1.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,836

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/22
First fall frost (32°F): 10/02

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring28°52°7.9"Summer61°67°12.9"Fall31°58°8.7"Winter11°18°3.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 4% of US counties
Wetter than 30% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 94% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Douglas County

Climate Verdict

Douglas County has a cool, averaging 40.9°F annually, moderate rainfall of 32.9 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 5.233333333333333 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 57.9 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 11.3°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.3°F. Residents experience a substantial 56°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Douglas County is 3.5°F cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average of 44.4°F.

Climate Profile

About Douglas County Weather

Wisconsin's northern cold pole

Douglas County is one of the coldest spots in the nation, with an average annual temperature of only 40.9°F. This is more than 13 degrees below the national median.

Among the coldest in Wisconsin

The county's 40.9°F average is 3.5 degrees colder than the Wisconsin state average. It consistently ranks in the bottom five coldest counties in the state.

Colder than central Wisconsin

Douglas is nearly two degrees colder than Door County and significantly drier than southern counties with 32.9 inches of precipitation. Its climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to Lake Superior.

Intense winters and brief summers

Winter is the dominant season, featuring 57.9 inches of snow and a biting January average of 11.3°F. Summers are very short, with only 5 days of extreme heat and a July average of 67.3°F.

Maximum winter preparation required

Homeowners must prioritize heavy-duty heating and extreme weather insulation for the 15.0°F winter average. Expect a long snow-clearing season given the nearly 58 inches of annual snowfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Douglas County?
The average annual temperature in Douglas County, WI is 40.9°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Douglas County get?
Douglas County receives an average of 32.9 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 Douglas County?
Yes, Douglas County receives an average of 57.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Douglas County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Douglas County is 64.8°F. The county experiences an average of 5 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Douglas County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Douglas County is 15.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 11.3°F.

Track your own weather in Douglas 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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