Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Athens experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. The area receives 42.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 893 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)73°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average
49.3°F
9% below US avg
January Average
24°F (-4°C)
July Average
73°F (23°C)
Geography
Elevation
893 ft (272 m)
Area
1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²)
Population Density
1,149/sq mi
Coordinates
42.0874°N, 85.2362°W
Timezone
America/Detroit
County
Calhoun County County
Nearest Airport
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO) 19 miles away
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall31.5"
17% below US avg
Snowfall42.7"
Wettest Month (May)3.72"
Driest Month (Feb)1.21"
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
Overall Risk
Relatively Low
Risk Score
74.5 / 100
Social Vulnerability
35.6 / 100
Community Resilience
93.6 / 100
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado
Relatively Moderate
Hurricane
Very Low
Earthquake
Relatively Low
Wildfire
Very Low
Flood
Relatively Moderate
Hail
Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind
Relatively High
Heat Wave
Relatively Low
Winter Weather
Relatively Moderate
Lightning
Relatively Low
Ice Storm
Relatively Moderate
Drought
No Rating
Cold Wave
Relatively Moderate
Landslide
Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest on record: M4.2.
May 2, 2015
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan
M4.2
23 km
4 km
Sep 2, 1994
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan
M3.5
95 km
5 km
Jun 30, 2015
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan
M3.3
17 km
5 km
Jan 26, 2012
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana
M3.0
61 km
5 km
Jun 12, 2015
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio
M2.6
132 km
5 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
413 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 139 fatalities, 1,742 injuries.
Date
Rating
Distance
Path
Fatalities
Apr 2, 1977
EF4
42 km
16.6 mi
1
Apr 2, 1977
EF4
34 km
12.4 mi
0
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
94 km
21.2 mi
31
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
98 km
21.0 mi
1
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
38 km
80.5 mi
21
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
98 km
37.0 mi
36
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
40 km
90.3 mi
23
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
65 km
21.6 mi
5
Aug 24, 2007
EF3
65 km
6.5 mi
0
Mar 27, 1991
EF3
43 km
2.0 mi
0
Mar 27, 1991
EF3
67 km
5.0 mi
0
Mar 27, 1991
EF3
64 km
21.0 mi
1
May 15, 1986
EF3
28 km
1.2 mi
0
Jun 15, 1982
EF3
77 km
13.0 mi
1
May 13, 1980
EF3
82 km
21.0 mi
0
May 13, 1980
EF3
46 km
10.6 mi
5
Apr 3, 1974
EF3
77 km
36.2 mi
5
Apr 11, 1965
EF3
63 km
14.1 mi
0
Apr 11, 1965
EF3
43 km
14.2 mi
0
Aug 22, 1964
EF3
89 km
0.1 mi
0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
Year
Location
Cause
Max Wave
Deaths
Distance
1954
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN)
Avalanche
3.0 m
7
143 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 acres, 1988).
Year
Name
Acres Burned
Distance
1988
ALLEGAN6
1,077
86 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
Month
Avg Temperature
Precipitation
Summary
January
24°F (-4°C)
1.6 in
Coldest
February
26°F (-3°C)
1.2 in
Driest
March
36°F (2°C)
1.7 in
April
48°F (9°C)
2.9 in
May
59°F (15°C)
3.7 in
Wettest
June
69°F (21°C)
3.4 in
July
73°F (23°C)
3.4 in
Warmest
August
71°F (22°C)
3.4 in
September
64°F (18°C)
3.2 in
October
52°F (11°C)
3.6 in
November
40°F (4°C)
2.1 in
December
30°F (-1°C)
1.4 in
Athens has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.2").