weatherbycounty

Iron County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec40.8°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

40.8°F

Annual Precip

37.3"

Annual Snowfall

143.0"

Extreme Heat Days

3

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.0"
1.5"
2.0"
3.0"
3.6"
4.1"
4.2"
3.9"
3.9"
4.1"
2.7"
2.3"
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

1,860

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/24
First fall frost (32°F): 10/01

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring26°52°8.6"Summer62°67°12.2"Fall31°57°10.7"Winter12°19°5.8"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 3% of US counties
Wetter than 39% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 91% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Iron County

Climate Verdict

Iron County has a cool, averaging 40.8°F annually, moderate rainfall of 37.3 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 2.8 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 143.0 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 12.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.7°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

Iron County is 3.5°F cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average of 44.4°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Wisconsin.

Climate Profile

About Iron County Weather

Deep North Cold and High Snowfall

Iron County is one of the coldest regions in the country with an annual average of just 40.8°F. This is a staggering 13 degrees below the national median, creating a true Northwoods climate.

Among Wisconsin’s Coldest Counties

With an average of 40.8°F, Iron County sits 3.6 degrees below the state average of 44.4°F. It consistently ranks as one of the most frigid jurisdictions in Wisconsin.

The Snow King of the North

Iron County’s 143 inches of snow dwarfs the 44.5 inches seen in Jackson County. Even compared to other northern neighbors, its winter intensity is unmatched.

Short Summers and Intense Winters

Summer is brief with only 3 days hitting 90°F and a July average of 66.7°F. Winter dominates the year, featuring a brutal 15.6°F average and over 11 feet of annual snow.

Serious Winter Readiness Required

Heavy-duty snowblowers and structural roof reinforcements are necessary to handle 143 inches of snow. Vehicles require winter tires and emergency kits to navigate the 12.4°F January lows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Iron County?
The average annual temperature in Iron County, WI is 40.8°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Iron County get?
Iron County receives an average of 37.3 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 Iron County?
Yes, Iron County receives an average of 143.0 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Iron County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Iron County is 64.6°F. The county experiences an average of 3 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Iron County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Iron County is 15.6°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 12.4°F.

Track your own weather in Iron 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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