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Weather & Climate in Elkader, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Elkader experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches. The area receives 35.6 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 815 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 815 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 912/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8574°N, 91.4028°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clayton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO) 46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
503 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 375 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 48 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 70 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 57 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 95 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 | EF4 | 90 km | 4.7 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 89 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 | EF3 | 63 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 58 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2004 | EF3 | 96 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 93 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 37 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 85 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 82 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 50 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 79 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 10 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 92 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 63 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 | EF3 | 41 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 | EF3 | 72 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 in | |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 47°F (9°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.2 in | |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
| September | 62°F (16°C) | 3.6 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 35°F (1°C) | 2.1 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.4 in |
Elkader has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.0").