Weather & Climate in Clayton, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Clayton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.9 inches. The area receives 16.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 597 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.0°F |
| 7% above US avg | |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 597 ft (182 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 6,885/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6426°N, 90.3237°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Lambert International (STL) 8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
41 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.9.
| Jun 7, 2011 | 18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri | M3.9 | 81 km | 21 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 | 9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois | M3.4 | 103 km | 0 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 | 5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri | M3.3 | 62 km | 22 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 | 7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois | M3.2 | 120 km | 5 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 | 5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois | M3.2 | 122 km | 1 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 | 2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri | M3.2 | 141 km | 10 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 | 2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois | M3.2 | 111 km | 15 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 | 9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois | M3.1 | 98 km | 17 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 | 3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois | M3.1 | 149 km | 1 km |
| Jun 27, 2005 | 6 km E of Grand Tower, Illinois | M3.0 | 137 km | 10 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 | 5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois | M3.0 | 122 km | 5 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 | 1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri | M2.9 | 104 km | 4 km |
| May 18, 2006 | 9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri | M2.9 | 68 km | 6 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 | 3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois | M2.9 | 116 km | 4 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 | 3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois | M2.9 | 127 km | 33 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 | 1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri | M2.8 | 20 km | 8 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 | 1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois | M2.8 | 69 km | 24 km |
| Aug 26, 1992 | 5 km W of Frohna, Missouri | M2.8 | 125 km | 2 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 | 3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois | M2.8 | 66 km | 16 km |
| May 5, 2008 | 3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri | M2.8 | 19 km | 19 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
577 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 63 fatalities, 1,112 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF4 | 80 km | 10.6 mi | 2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 | EF4 | 18 km | 21.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 | EF4 | 19 km | 11.9 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF4 | 20 km | 25.0 mi | 3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 | EF4 | 27 km | 23.9 mi | 21 |
| Feb 24, 1956 | EF4 | 56 km | 77.6 mi | 6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 | EF3 | 51 km | 24.8 mi | 1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 | EF3 | 26 km | 4.2 mi | 6 |
| May 31, 2013 | EF3 | 23 km | 10.6 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 2013 | EF3 | 37 km | 31.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 | EF3 | 99 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 21 km | 6.7 mi | 1 |
| Mar 13, 2006 | EF3 | 89 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 | EF3 | 58 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 | EF3 | 96 km | 53.5 mi | 2 |
| Jun 1, 1999 | EF3 | 94 km | 10.0 mi | 1 |
| Nov 15, 1988 | EF3 | 28 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 | EF3 | 37 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 | EF3 | 62 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1983 | EF3 | 15 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: SMITH MILL HOLLOW (3,978 acres, 2022).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2022 | SMITH MILL HOLLOW | 3,978 | 97 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 2,688 | 99 km |
| 2004 | CICERO CREEK | 1,846 | 91 km |
| 2024 | HARMON SPRING RX | 1,330 | 97 km |
| 2018 | UNNAMED | 1,285 | 97 km |
| 2024 | FLATWOODS RX | 796 | 97 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 741 | 95 km |
| 1995 | UNNAMED | 724 | 95 km |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 600 | 92 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 549 | 92 km |
| 1997 | FLATWOODS | 530 | 97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°F (0°C) | 2.7 in | Coldest |
| February | 37°F (3°C) | 2.3 in | Driest |
| March | 47°F (8°C) | 3.6 in | |
| April | 58°F (14°C) | 4.8 in | |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 4.9 in | Wettest |
| June | 77°F (25°C) | 4.7 in | |
| July | 81°F (27°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 72°F (22°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 60°F (16°C) | 3.2 in | |
| November | 48°F (9°C) | 3.7 in | |
| December | 37°F (3°C) | 2.6 in |
Clayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 33°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (2.3").