Weather & Climate in Canton, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Canton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. The area receives 46.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,343 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,343 ft (409 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 397/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5298°N, 91.9300°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winneshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST) 39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
429 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 337 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 96 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 54 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 77 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 64 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 39 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 52 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 36 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 82 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 59 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 92 km | 15.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 | EF3 | 52 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF3 | 8 km | 65.2 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1959 | EF3 | 66 km | 34.3 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF3 | 81 km | 6.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 | EF2 | 59 km | 3.9 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF2 | 45 km | 13.8 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF2 | 47 km | 28.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2009 | EF2 | 91 km | 9.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 | EF2 | 94 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 2001 | EF2 | 98 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.1 in | |
| March | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 44°F (6°C) | 3.8 in | |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 4.5 in | |
| June | 66°F (19°C) | 6.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (21°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (19°C) | 4.4 in | |
| September | 59°F (15°C) | 3.6 in | |
| October | 47°F (8°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.3 in |
Canton has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 14°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.2") and January the driest (1.0").