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Weather & Climate in Cape Girardeau, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Cape Girardeau enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 367 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.9°F |
| 5% above US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 367 ft (112 m) |
| Area | 28.5 sq mi (73.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,369/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3059°N, 89.5182°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
348 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.8.
| Sep 26, 1990 | 4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri | M4.8 | 19 km | 1 km |
| May 4, 1991 | 2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri | M4.5 | 86 km | 11 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 | 2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois | M4.2 | 30 km | 16 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 | 12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee | M4.0 | 129 km | 15 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 | 1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky | M4.0 | 66 km | 3 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 | 18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri | M3.9 | 149 km | 21 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 | 4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri | M3.9 | 49 km | 8 km |
| May 16, 2024 | 6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee | M3.8 | 123 km | 8 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 | 2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri | M3.7 | 59 km | 8 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 | 12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee | M3.7 | 130 km | 14 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 | 4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri | M3.6 | 128 km | 9 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 | 3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois | M3.6 | 114 km | 7 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 | 4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky | M3.6 | 62 km | 19 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 | 6 km E of Grandin, Missouri | M3.6 | 122 km | 11 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 | 1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri | M3.6 | 142 km | 10 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 | 9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri | M3.6 | 59 km | 8 km |
| May 1, 2016 | 5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois | M3.5 | 48 km | 16 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 | 3 km S of Canalou, Missouri | M3.5 | 66 km | 5 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 | 6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri | M3.5 | 58 km | 4 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 | 9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee | M3.4 | 95 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
559 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 117 fatalities, 1,464 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 | EF5 | 89 km | 5.4 mi | 1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 | EF4 | 98 km | 168.5 mi | 57 |
| Feb 28, 2017 | EF4 | 63 km | 53.5 mi | 1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 | EF4 | 88 km | 26.1 mi | 8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 | EF4 | 50 km | 27.5 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 2003 | EF4 | 43 km | 33.0 mi | 2 |
| May 29, 1982 | EF4 | 65 km | 17.0 mi | 10 |
| Dec 18, 1957 | EF4 | 44 km | 28.3 mi | 11 |
| May 26, 2024 | EF3 | 54 km | 4.9 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 2024 | EF3 | 59 km | 19.6 mi | 0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 | EF3 | 82 km | 18.8 mi | 0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 | EF3 | 90 km | 16.7 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 2016 | EF3 | 92 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF3 | 61 km | 42.5 mi | 3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF3 | 37 km | 14.3 mi | 0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 | EF3 | 75 km | 20.0 mi | 1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 | EF3 | 65 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 | EF3 | 71 km | 53.5 mi | 2 |
| May 6, 2003 | EF3 | 16 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 | EF3 | 18 km | 19.3 mi | 1 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (2,286 acres, 2019).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 2,286 | 87 km |
| 2021 | RED SHALE UNIT RX | 2,123 | 57 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 1,627 | 20 km |
| 2019 | ATWOOD RIDGE RX | 1,622 | 20 km |
| 2021 | GAP VIEW RX | 1,575 | 96 km |
| 2021 | UNNAMED | 1,510 | 83 km |
| 2022 | ONE HORSE GAP RX | 1,502 | 97 km |
| 2021 | BEATTY BRANCH RX | 1,396 | 87 km |
| 2020 | UNNAMED | 1,334 | 18 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 1,299 | 97 km |
| 2024 | RED SHALE RX | 1,259 | 56 km |
| 2017 | UNNAMED | 1,257 | 14 km |
| 2021 | OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX | 1,235 | 14 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 1,216 | 98 km |
| 2019 | KINKAID RX | 1,215 | 57 km |
| 2013 | UNNAMED | 1,203 | 97 km |
| 2022 | KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX | 1,115 | 57 km |
| 2024 | PINE HOLLOW RX | 1,038 | 80 km |
| 2021 | ROCKY BRANCH RX | 1,033 | 88 km |
| 2021 | STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX | 1,011 | 62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F (-0°C) | 3.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 37°F (3°C) | 3.3 in | |
| March | 47°F (8°C) | 4.8 in | |
| April | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| June | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 in | |
| July | 79°F (26°C) | 3.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 77°F (25°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 71°F (21°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 in | |
| November | 47°F (8°C) | 4.3 in | |
| December | 37°F (3°C) | 4.3 in |
Cape Girardeau has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (3.0").