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Weather & Climate in Crystal Lake, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Crystal Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,277 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,277 ft (389 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 916/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2230°N, 93.7927°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hancock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 109 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 116 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 45 fatalities, 931 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 74 km | 62.1 mi | 13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 | EF5 | 48 km | 9.7 mi | 6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 41 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 93 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 82 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 84 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 68 km | 20.1 mi | 6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 56 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 49 km | 38.7 mi | 5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 51 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 79 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 49 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 | EF4 | 81 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 28 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 | EF3 | 39 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 89 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 74 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 61 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 | EF3 | 20 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 | EF3 | 83 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 92 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in | Driest |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.1 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.7 in | |
| June | 69°F (20°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.1 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.3 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 1.6 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.1 in |
Crystal Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").