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Weather & Climate in Columbus, WI

Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.

Columbus experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. The area receives 42.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 870 feet.

Temperature

18°F Jan (-8°C) 71°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average46.0°F
15% below US avg
January Average18°F (-8°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Sunny Days260 days/yr

Geography

Elevation870 ft (265 m)
Area4.3 sq mi (11.0 km²)
Population Density1,210/sq mi
Coordinates43.3368°N, 89.0300°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyColumbia County County
Nearest AirportDane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN)
21 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 35.5"
7% below US avg
Snowfall 42.6"
Wettest Month (Aug) 3.90"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.14"

Air Quality

AQI Median38.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Moderate
Risk Score81.4 / 100
Social Vulnerability24.0 / 100
Community Resilience91.3 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Relatively Moderate
Hurricane Very Low
Earthquake Very Low
Wildfire Very Low
Flood Relatively Moderate
Hail Very High
Strong Wind Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave Relatively Moderate
Winter Weather Relatively Low
Lightning Relatively Low
Ice Storm Relatively Low
Drought Relatively Low
Cold Wave Relatively Moderate
Landslide Relatively Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.9.

Mar 25, 2015 3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois M2.9 139 km 6 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Tornado History

588 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 34 fatalities, 906 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Path Fatalities
Jul 18, 1996 EF5 52 km 13.3 mi 0
Jun 7, 1984 EF5 87 km 36.0 mi 9
Apr 27, 1984 EF4 86 km 27.5 mi 1
Apr 27, 1984 EF4 67 km 6.5 mi 1
Jul 3, 1983 EF4 98 km 0.5 mi 0
Apr 4, 1981 EF4 68 km 1.8 mi 3
Apr 21, 1974 EF4 49 km 26.0 mi 0
Aug 22, 1964 EF4 90 km 2.2 mi 0
Apr 3, 1956 EF4 66 km 11.5 mi 7
Sep 26, 1951 EF4 23 km 9.0 mi 1
Jun 16, 2014 EF3 57 km 1.0 mi 0
Aug 18, 2005 EF3 57 km 18.6 mi 1
Jun 23, 2004 EF3 38 km 7.6 mi 1
Jun 23, 2004 EF3 43 km 33.3 mi 0
Aug 29, 1992 EF3 91 km 28.0 mi 1
Jun 17, 1992 EF3 65 km 16.0 mi 0
Jun 8, 1984 EF3 21 km 29.0 mi 0
Jun 5, 1980 EF3 31 km 10.7 mi 0
Apr 7, 1980 EF3 17 km 1.2 mi 0
Jun 5, 1977 EF3 59 km 69.5 mi 0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).

Wildfire History

10 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 acres, 2006).

Year Name Acres Burned Distance
2006 UNNAMED 1,524 39 km
2010 RX BURN 1,236 40 km
1994 SOMMERS 938 38 km
1988 PEACHY RD 812 36 km
2018 2018 BADGER RX BURNS 659 58 km
2019 2019 BADGER RX BURNS 627 58 km
2006 UNNAMED 612 39 km
2007 TOWER RD 2 592 36 km
2024 RX-HWY Y - SOUTH 553 47 km
2009 COLD SPRINGS 552 88 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 18°F (-8°C) 1.2 in Coldest
February 21°F (-6°C) 1.1 in Driest
March 33°F (0°C) 2.1 in
April 46°F (8°C) 3.2 in
May 58°F (14°C) 3.4 in
June 67°F (19°C) 3.9 in
July 71°F (22°C) 3.8 in Warmest
August 69°F (20°C) 3.9 in Wettest
September 61°F (16°C) 3.8 in
October 49°F (10°C) 2.4 in
November 35°F (2°C) 2.3 in
December 22°F (-6°C) 1.7 in

Columbus has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 18°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.1").

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