Weather & Climate in Decatur, AR
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Decatur enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.4 inches. The area receives 12.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,186 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.6°F |
| 9% above US avg | |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,186 ft (361 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 319/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.3485°N, 94.4580°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Benton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northwest Arkansas Ntl (XNA) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | Very High |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Jun 11, 2017 | 6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas | M3.6 | 132 km | 6 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 | 6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas | M2.9 | 131 km | 6 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 | 9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma | M2.8 | 89 km | 5 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 | 7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma | M2.7 | 120 km | 5 km |
| Apr 3, 2016 | Arkansas-Oklahoma border region | M2.7 | 88 km | 5 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 | 6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma | M2.6 | 134 km | 5 km |
| May 21, 2010 | 2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.6 | 14 km | 1 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 | 6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas | M2.5 | 131 km | 5 km |
| May 13, 2015 | 8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas | M2.5 | 147 km | 0 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 | 3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.5 | 13 km | 0 km |
| Aug 11, 2011 | 11 km WSW of Jasper, Arkansas | M2.5 | 111 km | 4 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
668 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 215 fatalities, 2,208 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 | EF5 | 79 km | 21.6 mi | 158 |
| May 10, 2008 | EF4 | 95 km | 75.5 mi | 21 |
| Apr 24, 1975 | EF4 | 55 km | 11.9 mi | 3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 | EF4 | 90 km | 20.4 mi | 1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF4 | 66 km | 41.8 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2024 | EF3 | 15 km | 7.9 mi | 0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 | EF3 | 37 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 86 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF3 | 42 km | 17.9 mi | 0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 40 km | 21.1 mi | 4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 22 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 64 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 92 km | 42.0 mi | 1 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 68 km | 49.0 mi | 7 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 92 km | 25.0 mi | 5 |
| Jun 1, 1999 | EF3 | 83 km | 2.0 mi | 2 |
| May 4, 1999 | EF3 | 87 km | 38.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1996 | EF3 | 89 km | 15.0 mi | 2 |
| Nov 22, 1983 | EF3 | 61 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 | EF3 | 99 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (18,089 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 18,089 | 94 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 14,774 | 88 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 12,086 | 99 km |
| 2017 | MIDDLE RIDGE | 8,501 | 87 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 7,919 | 95 km |
| 2013 | UNNAMED | 7,804 | 95 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 7,415 | 85 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 7,344 | 95 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 6,657 | 86 km |
| 2017 | HILLTOP | 6,523 | 94 km |
| 2010 | SPUD ROCK CENTRAL | 6,117 | 84 km |
| 2009 | TELAMAY HOLLOW | 5,686 | 49 km |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 5,537 | 89 km |
| 2017 | PERSIMMON RIDGE | 5,333 | 96 km |
| 2009 | SAWMILL HOLLOW | 5,166 | 47 km |
| 2011 | GRUBER | 4,831 | 94 km |
| 2017 | UNNAMED | 4,818 | 92 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 4,546 | 38 km |
| 2005 | FLAT ROCK | 4,472 | 80 km |
| 2021 | ALEXANDER MOUNTAIN BLOCKS 1 2 5 | 4,214 | 86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F (3°C) | 2.5 in | Coldest |
| February | 41°F (5°C) | 2.2 in | Driest |
| March | 50°F (10°C) | 3.5 in | |
| April | 58°F (15°C) | 5.0 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 5.9 in | Wettest |
| June | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 in | |
| July | 79°F (26°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 in | |
| September | 71°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 59°F (15°C) | 4.0 in | |
| November | 49°F (9°C) | 3.7 in | |
| December | 40°F (4°C) | 2.9 in |
Decatur has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 37°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.9") and February the driest (2.2").