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Weather & Climate in Brainerd, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Brainerd has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches. 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 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,211 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg | |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,211 ft (369 m) |
| Area | 12.1 sq mi (31.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,193/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3553°N, 94.1984°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crow Wing County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 | 111 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
233 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 208 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 76 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 100 km | 39.6 mi | 1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF4 | 47 km | 32.3 mi | 12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 | EF4 | 33 km | 72.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 | EF3 | 94 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 | EF3 | 89 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 | EF3 | 34 km | 17.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 | EF3 | 17 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 | EF3 | 92 km | 3.8 mi | 1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 | EF3 | 23 km | 26.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 | EF3 | 14 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 83 km | 12.5 mi | 1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 57 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 | EF3 | 88 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1964 | EF3 | 97 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF2 | 38 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF2 | 27 km | 14.7 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF2 | 52 km | 10.5 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 2022 | EF2 | 65 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 | EF2 | 99 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 | 22 km |
| 2009 | CENTER TANK RANGE | 6,131 | 25 km |
| 2002 | UNIT 4 | 5,887 | 100 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 4,475 | 26 km |
| 2009 | BU9 | 4,112 | 99 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 3,642 | 24 km |
| 2018 | BOY RIVER | 3,546 | 92 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 2,998 | 72 km |
| 2009 | HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA | 2,757 | 18 km |
| 2015 | TAMARACK | 2,745 | 82 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 2,512 | 73 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,486 | 74 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 2,243 | 63 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,963 | 69 km |
| 2010 | BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 | 1,872 | 90 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 1,835 | 87 km |
| 2009 | EAST TANK RANGE | 1,801 | 29 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,799 | 76 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 1,777 | 89 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,760 | 74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°F (-13°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.6 in | Driest |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.5 in | |
| April | 42°F (5°C) | 2.1 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 4.1 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.3 in | |
| December | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.8 in |
Brainerd has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 9°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.6").