Weather & Climate in Canton, IL
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Canton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 14.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 660 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg | |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 660 ft (201 m) |
| Area | 8.1 sq mi (20.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,598/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5639°N, 90.0366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fulton County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| Jun 28, 2004 | 12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois | M4.2 | 138 km | 10 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 | 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois | M3.5 | 138 km | 5 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 | 6 km W of Dwight, Illinois | M2.6 | 142 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
670 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 712 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF4 | 40 km | 46.4 mi | 3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 | EF4 | 65 km | 9.6 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 31 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1977 | EF4 | 75 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 | EF4 | 36 km | 4.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 | EF4 | 95 km | 4.3 mi | 2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 | EF3 | 36 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 | EF3 | 69 km | 17.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 66 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 | EF3 | 79 km | 24.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 | EF3 | 99 km | 15.8 mi | 8 |
| May 10, 2003 | EF3 | 32 km | 17.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | EF3 | 64 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF3 | 18 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 80 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 84 km | 22.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 | EF3 | 63 km | 8.8 mi | 1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 | EF3 | 88 km | 8.9 mi | 0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 | EF3 | 81 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 25 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°F (-4°C) | 1.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| March | 41°F (5°C) | 2.7 in | |
| April | 53°F (12°C) | 4.1 in | |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 5.7 in | Wettest |
| June | 73°F (23°C) | 4.5 in | |
| July | 76°F (25°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 75°F (24°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 67°F (20°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 in | |
| December | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.0 in |
Canton has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.7") and January the driest (1.5").