Weather & Climate in Battle Creek, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Battle Creek 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 64.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 945 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 | 945 ft (288 m) |
| Area | 43.7 sq mi (113.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,230/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2992°N, 85.2293°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
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
4 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 | 18 km | 4 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 | 5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan | M3.5 | 76 km | 5 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 | 5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan | M3.3 | 23 km | 5 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 | 5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana | M3.0 | 83 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
402 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,640 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF5 | 90 km | 58.8 mi | 17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 | EF4 | 23 km | 16.6 mi | 1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 | EF4 | 27 km | 12.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 78 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 98 km | 20.6 mi | 5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 59 km | 80.5 mi | 21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 64 km | 90.3 mi | 23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 78 km | 21.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 85 km | 21.6 mi | 5 |
| Aug 24, 2007 | EF3 | 46 km | 6.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 | EF3 | 29 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 | EF3 | 87 km | 21.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 | EF3 | 83 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1986 | EF3 | 46 km | 1.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 | EF3 | 71 km | 13.0 mi | 1 |
| May 13, 1980 | EF3 | 82 km | 21.0 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1980 | EF3 | 40 km | 10.6 mi | 5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 | EF3 | 100 km | 36.2 mi | 5 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF3 | 80 km | 13.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF3 | 39 km | 14.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
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 | 73 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 |
Battle Creek 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").