Weather & Climate in Bethany, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Bethany experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. The area receives 21.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 906 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg | |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 713/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2683°N, 94.0283°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI) 76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.5.
| Jul 16, 2004 | 6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa | M3.5 | 135 km | 5 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 | 5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas | M3.1 | 143 km | 5 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 | 6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri | M3.1 | 83 km | 5 km |
| May 13, 1999 | 6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas | M3.0 | 142 km | 5 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 | 2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska | M2.9 | 138 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 | 3 km W of Hale, Missouri | M2.5 | 92 km | 8 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
453 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 218 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 | EF4 | 47 km | 22.0 mi | 3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF4 | 98 km | 49.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF4 | 88 km | 56.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 95 km | 57.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 98 km | 49.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF4 | 17 km | 134.0 mi | 3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 | EF4 | 40 km | 31.2 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 | EF4 | 98 km | 18.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 | EF4 | 63 km | 11.4 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 | EF4 | 41 km | 14.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 97 km | 59.0 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1959 | EF4 | 88 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 89 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 | EF3 | 92 km | 11.3 mi | 1 |
| Apr 11, 2001 | EF3 | 32 km | 76.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 99 km | 39.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF3 | 34 km | 30.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 99 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 | EF3 | 63 km | 57.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 | EF3 | 85 km | 29.6 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 acres, 2012).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2012 | HIGHWAY E | 897 | 82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.6 in | |
| March | 41°F (5°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 52°F (11°C) | 4.0 in | |
| May | 62°F (17°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 5.2 in | |
| July | 76°F (25°C) | 5.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 75°F (24°C) | 4.2 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 in | |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 2.0 in | |
| December | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.7 in |
Bethany has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.0").