Weather & Climate in Bethel, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Bethel experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 17.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 715 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.5°F |
| 3% below US avg | |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 715 ft (218 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 743/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8767°N, 92.0241°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.3.
| Jul 31, 2005 | Missouri | M3.3 | 142 km | 5 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 | 6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri | M2.9 | 44 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 | 3 km W of Hale, Missouri | M2.5 | 121 km | 8 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
319 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 181 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF4 | 49 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 99 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 | EF4 | 59 km | 28.2 mi | 1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF4 | 39 km | 3.8 mi | 1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 | EF4 | 82 km | 16.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 100 km | 59.0 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF4 | 72 km | 25.7 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 2019 | EF3 | 88 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 73 km | 19.7 mi | 4 |
| May 10, 2003 | EF3 | 34 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 72 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 | EF3 | 63 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 21 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 64 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1973 | EF3 | 65 km | 3.6 mi | 2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 62 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1971 | EF3 | 84 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1971 | EF3 | 96 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 | EF3 | 83 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 | EF3 | 42 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°F (-3°C) | 1.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| March | 42°F (5°C) | 2.5 in | |
| April | 53°F (12°C) | 4.0 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 5.1 in | Wettest |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 4.8 in | |
| July | 76°F (24°C) | 4.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 in | |
| November | 42°F (5°C) | 2.6 in | |
| December | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in |
Bethel has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.7").