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Weather & Climate in Burlington, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Burlington experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 624 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg | |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 624 ft (190 m) |
| Area | 15.2 sq mi (39.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,652/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8071°N, 91.1237°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Des Moines County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL) 2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 386 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF4 | 94 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 30 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 85 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 | EF3 | 86 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 2019 | EF3 | 75 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 | EF3 | 52 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 58 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 73 km | 47.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 89 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 | EF3 | 77 km | 8.8 mi | 1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 | EF3 | 59 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 84 km | 14.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 73 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 | EF3 | 75 km | 6.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 | EF3 | 74 km | 48.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 67 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 | EF3 | 66 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1973 | EF3 | 67 km | 3.6 mi | 2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 89 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF3 | 71 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | UNIT 3 | 1,206 | 34 km |
| 2002 | HSB 03 2 | 1,130 | 34 km |
| 2000 | DESTRUST A | 756 | 35 km |
| 2006 | HSB 003 | 674 | 34 km |
| 2004 | HSB 009 | 608 | 35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F (-4°C) | 1.5 in | Coldest |
| February | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.3 in | Driest |
| March | 40°F (4°C) | 2.8 in | |
| April | 52°F (11°C) | 3.8 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 4.0 in | |
| July | 76°F (24°C) | 4.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (23°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 4.1 in | Wettest |
| October | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 in | |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 2.3 in | |
| December | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.9 in |
Burlington has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").