Weather & Climate in Dakota, IL

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

Dakota experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°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 38.4 inches. The area receives 34.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 940 feet.

Temperature

20°F Jan (-7°C) 72°F Jul (22°C)

Annual Average	47.7°F
	12% below US avg
January Average	20°F (-7°C)
July Average	72°F (22°C)
Sunny Days	260 days/yr

Geography

Elevation	940 ft (287 m)
Area	0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²)
Population Density	2,500/sq mi
Coordinates	42.3879°N, 89.5266°W
Timezone	America/Chicago
County	Stephenson County County
Nearest Airport	Chicago/Rockford International (RFD) 26 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 38.4"

1% above US avg

Snowfall 34.5"

Wettest Month (Jun) 4.13"

Driest Month (Feb) 1.14"

Air Quality

AQI Median	43.0
Rating	Good

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall Risk	Relatively Low
Risk Score	73.9 / 100
Social Vulnerability	56.7 / 100
Community Resilience	68.6 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado	Relatively Moderate
Hurricane	Very Low
Earthquake	Very Low
Wildfire	Very Low
Flood	Relatively Moderate
Hail	Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind	Relatively High
Heat Wave	Relatively Low
Winter Weather	Relatively Low
Lightning	Relatively Low
Ice Storm	Relatively Moderate
Drought	Relatively Moderate
Cold Wave	Relatively Moderate
Landslide	Very Low

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

6 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.

Jun 28, 2004	12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois	M4.2	116 km	10 km
Feb 10, 2010	2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois	M3.8	97 km	10 km
Sep 2, 1999	8 km W of Amboy, Illinois	M3.5	75 km	5 km
Jul 15, 2024	2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois	M3.1	107 km	10 km
Mar 25, 2015	3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois	M2.9	98 km	6 km
Jun 10, 2013	4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois	M2.6	95 km	5 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: 52 fatalities, 1,048 injuries.

Date	Rating	Distance	Path	Fatalities
Jun 7, 1984	EF5	75 km	36.0 mi	9
Apr 9, 2015	EF4	63 km	30.1 mi	2
Jul 3, 1983	EF4	81 km	0.5 mi	0
Mar 29, 1981	EF4	86 km	5.1 mi	0
Apr 21, 1967	EF4	53 km	25.5 mi	24
Apr 11, 1965	EF4	96 km	9.1 mi	6
Jun 16, 2014	EF3	68 km	1.0 mi	0
Jan 7, 2008	EF3	57 km	13.2 mi	0
Jan 7, 2008	EF3	100 km	10.8 mi	0
Aug 18, 2005	EF3	60 km	18.6 mi	1
Jun 19, 1993	EF3	98 km	14.0 mi	0
Jun 17, 1992	EF3	55 km	16.0 mi	0
May 8, 1988	EF3	62 km	16.0 mi	0
Aug 5, 1979	EF3	41 km	5.7 mi	0
Jun 30, 1977	EF3	100 km	6.1 mi	0
Jun 4, 1975	EF3	97 km	2.3 mi	0
Jun 20, 1974	EF3	76 km	10.6 mi	1
Sep 9, 1970	EF3	95 km	4.7 mi	0
Aug 2, 1967	EF3	83 km	0.1 mi	2
Apr 16, 1967	EF3	36 km	27.8 mi	0

Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).

Wildfire History

2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: RX-HWY Y - SOUTH (553 acres, 2024).

Year	Name	Acres Burned	Distance
2024	RX-HWY Y - SOUTH	553	91 km
2009	COLD SPRINGS	552	33 km

Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	20°F (-7°C)	1.2 in	Coldest
February	22°F (-6°C)	1.1 in	Driest
March	34°F (1°C)	2.3 in
April	47°F (8°C)	3.2 in
May	58°F (15°C)	3.7 in
June	68°F (20°C)	4.1 in	Wettest
July	72°F (22°C)	3.7 in	Warmest
August	69°F (21°C)	4.1 in
September	62°F (16°C)	3.9 in
October	50°F (10°C)	2.6 in
November	36°F (2°C)	2.4 in
December	23°F (-5°C)	1.8 in

Dakota has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").

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