Weather & Climate in Baxter, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Baxter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 81% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,190 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg | |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,190 ft (363 m) |
| Area | 20.6 sq mi (53.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 467/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3439°N, 94.2760°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crow Wing County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD) 8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 81.4% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.5.
| Apr 29, 2011 | Minnesota | M2.5 | 105 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
244 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 207 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 70 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 94 km | 39.6 mi | 1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF4 | 49 km | 32.3 mi | 12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 | EF4 | 33 km | 72.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 | EF3 | 91 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 | EF3 | 83 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 | EF3 | 35 km | 17.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 | EF3 | 15 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 | EF3 | 91 km | 3.8 mi | 1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 | EF3 | 17 km | 26.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 | EF3 | 20 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 54 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 88 km | 12.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 30, 1968 | EF3 | 94 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1964 | EF3 | 94 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF2 | 31 km | 14.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF2 | 39 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF2 | 46 km | 10.5 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 2022 | EF2 | 59 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 | EF2 | 93 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 9,055 | 17 km |
| 2009 | CENTER TANK RANGE | 6,131 | 20 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 4,475 | 21 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 3,642 | 27 km |
| 2018 | BOY RIVER | 3,546 | 94 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 2,998 | 78 km |
| 2009 | HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA | 2,757 | 13 km |
| 2015 | TAMARACK | 2,745 | 88 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 2,512 | 79 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,486 | 80 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 2,243 | 65 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,963 | 74 km |
| 2010 | BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 | 1,872 | 92 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 1,835 | 89 km |
| 2009 | EAST TANK RANGE | 1,801 | 24 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,799 | 81 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 1,777 | 91 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,760 | 79 km |
| 2006 | UNIT 4 | 1,732 | 100 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,655 | 45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°F (-12°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest |
| February | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.4 in | Driest |
| March | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.0 in | |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 1.6 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 65°F (18°C) | 4.0 in | |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 4.4 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 67°F (20°C) | 3.1 in | |
| September | 59°F (15°C) | 2.6 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 31°F (-1°C) | 0.9 in | |
| December | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.6 in |
Baxter has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.4").