Weather & Climate in Dawson, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Dawson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,750 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,750 ft (533 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 226/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8679°N, 99.7536°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kidder County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
251 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 5 fatalities, 71 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 | EF5 | 84 km | 14.8 mi | 2 |
| Aug 11, 2002 | EF4 | 36 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 | EF4 | 60 km | 48.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 17, 2011 | EF3 | 96 km | 16.2 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 1978 | EF3 | 87 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF3 | 72 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 | EF3 | 99 km | 26.4 mi | 2 |
| Jul 1, 1955 | EF3 | 68 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 | EF3 | 61 km | 1.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 | EF2 | 52 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 | EF2 | 30 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 | EF2 | 31 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 | EF2 | 12 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF2 | 54 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1982 | EF2 | 31 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 | EF2 | 86 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF2 | 75 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF2 | 89 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF2 | 32 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF2 | 96 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: MCCLEAN BOTTOMS (6,421 acres, 2003).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2003 | MCCLEAN BOTTOMS | 6,421 | 71 km |
| 1994 | CHICAGOLAKE | 4,606 | 32 km |
| 2015 | CANNON BALL | 3,068 | 87 km |
| 2004 | FISCHER | 2,578 | 90 km |
| 2000 | NEUGERFIRE | 2,150 | 100 km |
| 2008 | GRADER | 1,745 | 62 km |
| 2002 | BISRURAL2 | 1,649 | 71 km |
| 2015 | BIG LAKE FIRE | 1,587 | 86 km |
| 1993 | UNNAMED | 1,492 | 70 km |
| 1985 | CHASE LAKE | 1,215 | 27 km |
| 2018 | EAST JIM LAKE | 1,214 | 79 km |
| 2002 | BALE II | 1,179 | 88 km |
| 1999 | SOLEN | 1,155 | 99 km |
| 2006 | RICE LAKE 1 | 1,150 | 44 km |
| 2017 | NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 | 1,148 | 79 km |
| 2002 | UNNAMED | 1,049 | 73 km |
| 2005 | KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE | 1,028 | 74 km |
| 2000 | MAC2 | 1,018 | 83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°F (-12°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.6 in | Driest |
| March | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.0 in | |
| April | 42°F (6°C) | 1.4 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (21°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 2.6 in | |
| September | 59°F (15°C) | 2.1 in | |
| October | 44°F (7°C) | 1.8 in | |
| November | 29°F (-2°C) | 0.9 in | |
| December | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.8 in |
Dawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.6").