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Weather & Climate in Big Bay, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Big Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. The area receives 132.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 637 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 637 ft (194 m) |
| Area | 5.9 sq mi (15.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 79/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8173°N, 87.7080°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Marquette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT) 39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
26 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 14, 1981 | EF2 | 89 km | 2.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 | EF2 | 93 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 22, 1968 | EF2 | 53 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1964 | EF2 | 72 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 | EF1 | 97 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 2016 | EF1 | 52 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 2016 | EF1 | 44 km | 3.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 2012 | EF1 | 25 km | 7.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 10, 2000 | EF1 | 72 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 9, 1987 | EF1 | 97 km | 2.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF1 | 94 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1973 | EF1 | 51 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 16, 1968 | EF1 | 94 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 6, 2014 | EF0 | 62 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 2011 | EF0 | 26 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 28, 2005 | EF0 | 87 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 28, 2003 | EF0 | 79 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 | EF0 | 84 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 1995 | EF0 | 81 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 18, 1987 | EF0 | 50 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: MARQUETTE9 (4,224 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | MARQUETTE9 | 4,224 | 43 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE11 | 3,983 | 63 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE13 | 2,491 | 70 km |
| 2007 | BARAGA BUMP | 1,047 | 73 km |
| 2009 | FALLS | 820 | 47 km |
| 2009 | PINERY | 695 | 52 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE10 | 671 | 47 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE9 | 521 | 44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-8°C) | 2.4 in | |
| February | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| March | 26°F (-3°C) | 2.3 in | |
| April | 37°F (3°C) | 2.2 in | |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 2.9 in | |
| June | 59°F (15°C) | 2.9 in | |
| July | 66°F (19°C) | 3.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 in | |
| September | 55°F (13°C) | 3.7 in | Wettest |
| October | 44°F (7°C) | 3.2 in | |
| November | 31°F (-0°C) | 2.6 in | |
| December | 20°F (-7°C) | 2.2 in |
Big Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 17°F in February to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.6").