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Weather & Climate in Cottage Grove, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Cottage Grove experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. The area receives 51.8 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 911 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 911 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,686/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0922°N, 89.2053°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dane County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively High |
| Hail | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Very High |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.8.
| Feb 10, 2010 | 2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois | M3.8 | 138 km | 10 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 | 3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois | M2.9 | 122 km | 6 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 | 4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois | M2.6 | 135 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
580 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 56 fatalities, 1,301 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 | EF5 | 83 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF5 | 64 km | 36.0 mi | 9 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF4 | 69 km | 6.5 mi | 1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF4 | 76 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 4, 1981 | EF4 | 90 km | 1.8 mi | 3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF4 | 79 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 100 km | 25.5 mi | 24 |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF4 | 95 km | 11.5 mi | 7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 | EF4 | 42 km | 9.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF3 | 30 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 | EF3 | 84 km | 13.2 mi | 0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 | EF3 | 93 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 | EF3 | 27 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 | EF3 | 71 km | 33.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 | EF3 | 68 km | 7.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 | EF3 | 35 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 | EF3 | 40 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 36 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 | EF3 | 47 km | 1.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 | EF3 | 90 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 | 68 km |
| 2010 | RX BURN | 1,236 | 68 km |
| 1994 | SOMMERS | 938 | 68 km |
| 1988 | PEACHY RD | 812 | 66 km |
| 2018 | 2018 BADGER RX BURNS | 659 | 54 km |
| 2019 | 2019 BADGER RX BURNS | 627 | 53 km |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 612 | 69 km |
| 2007 | TOWER RD 2 | 592 | 66 km |
| 2024 | RX-HWY Y - SOUTH | 553 | 40 km |
| 2009 | COLD SPRINGS | 552 | 58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 in | Driest |
| March | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.3 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 in | |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 2.3 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.7 in |
Cottage Grove has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.1").