Weather & Climate in Bayfield, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Bayfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.6 inches. The area receives 73.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. 91% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 949 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg | |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 949 ft (289 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 678/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8161°N, 90.8248°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ashland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH) 65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 90.9% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
49 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 1970 | EF3 | 91 km | 37.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 | EF2 | 98 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 | EF2 | 67 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 | EF2 | 85 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 | EF2 | 96 km | 39.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 14, 1961 | EF2 | 94 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 1958 | EF2 | 92 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 | EF1 | 69 km | 0.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 | EF1 | 42 km | 0.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 | EF1 | 82 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 | EF1 | 72 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 | EF1 | 72 km | 2.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 | EF1 | 94 km | 4.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 1992 | EF1 | 99 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 13, 1988 | EF1 | 45 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 5, 1987 | EF1 | 89 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF1 | 58 km | 0.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF1 | 72 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1980 | EF1 | 79 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 8, 1979 | EF1 | 83 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 acres, 2013).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2013 | GERMANN ROAD FIRE | 6,751 | 80 km |
| 2019 | NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A | 3,386 | 40 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 2,682 | 41 km |
| 2013 | UNNAMED | 2,240 | 40 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 2,116 | 39 km |
| 2015 | UNNAMED | 1,407 | 39 km |
| 2015 | UNNAMED | 1,361 | 42 km |
| 2021 | NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX | 1,361 | 39 km |
| 2007 | PIONEER FIRE | 1,072 | 69 km |
| 2018 | UNNAMED | 961 | 43 km |
| 2024 | NW SANDS BLOCK J RX | 911 | 40 km |
| 2024 | NW SANDS BLOCK B RX | 844 | 43 km |
| 2018 | NW SANDS BLOCK C | 771 | 40 km |
| 2022 | BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX | 725 | 28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°F (-11°C) | 1.5 in | Coldest |
| February | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.3 in | Driest |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.6 in | |
| April | 39°F (4°C) | 2.7 in | |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 3.5 in | |
| June | 61°F (16°C) | 3.9 in | Wettest |
| July | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 2.1 in | |
| December | 20°F (-7°C) | 2.0 in |
Bayfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 13°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").