Weather & Climate in Dawson, IL

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

Dawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 21.8 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 596 feet.

Temperature

28°F Jan (-2°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)

Annual Average	54.0°F
	0% below US avg
January Average	28°F (-2°C)
July Average	77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days	302 days/yr

Geography

Elevation	596 ft (182 m)
Area	0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²)
Population Density	703/sq mi
Coordinates	39.8530°N, 89.4619°W
Timezone	America/Chicago
County	Sangamon County County
Nearest Airport	Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI) 52 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 38.0"

0% below US avg

Snowfall 21.8"

Wettest Month (May) 4.29"

Driest Month (Jan) 1.69"

Air Quality

AQI Median	43.0
Rating	Good

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall Risk	Relatively Moderate
Risk Score	91.7 / 100
Social Vulnerability	32.0 / 100
Community Resilience	92.2 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

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

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

Earthquake History

7 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.4.

Mar 2, 1990	9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois	M3.4	114 km	0 km
May 13, 2025	7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois	M3.3	112 km	10 km
Jan 29, 1993	7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois	M3.2	98 km	5 km
Jul 1, 2017	9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois	M3.1	113 km	17 km
Sep 5, 2004	3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois	M2.9	118 km	33 km
Apr 24, 1990	5 km SW of Newton, Illinois	M2.9	147 km	18 km
Mar 28, 2024	1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois	M2.8	143 km	24 km

Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Tornado History

744 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 770 injuries.

Date	Rating	Distance	Path	Fatalities
Nov 17, 2013	EF4	86 km	46.4 mi	3
May 13, 1995	EF4	92 km	7.0 mi	0
May 5, 1977	EF4	48 km	7.3 mi	0
Mar 20, 1976	EF4	57 km	63.7 mi	0
Jun 14, 1957	EF4	23 km	4.3 mi	2
Apr 4, 2023	EF3	91 km	19.9 mi	0
Dec 1, 2018	EF3	49 km	12.5 mi	0
Nov 17, 2013	EF3	97 km	18.7 mi	0
Apr 19, 2011	EF3	55 km	4.3 mi	0
Dec 31, 2010	EF3	37 km	3.6 mi	0
Aug 19, 2009	EF3	14 km	24.3 mi	0
May 10, 2003	EF3	71 km	17.5 mi	0
Jun 1, 1999	EF3	62 km	10.0 mi	1
Apr 19, 1996	EF3	24 km	14.5 mi	0
Apr 19, 1996	EF3	53 km	9.4 mi	0
May 13, 1995	EF3	75 km	25.0 mi	0
May 9, 1995	EF3	23 km	50.0 mi	0
May 1, 1983	EF3	93 km	4.0 mi	0
Jul 26, 1978	EF3	28 km	8.9 mi	0
Aug 21, 1977	EF3	84 km	26.9 mi	6

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

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	28°F (-2°C)	1.7 in	Coldest, Driest
February	30°F (-1°C)	1.7 in
March	41°F (5°C)	3.2 in
April	53°F (12°C)	3.7 in
May	64°F (18°C)	4.3 in	Wettest
June	72°F (22°C)	3.9 in
July	77°F (25°C)	3.9 in	Warmest
August	74°F (23°C)	3.6 in
September	67°F (19°C)	3.2 in
October	55°F (13°C)	2.8 in
November	42°F (6°C)	3.0 in
December	30°F (-1°C)	2.7 in

Dawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.7").

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