Weather & Climate in Elkhorn, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Elkhorn experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. The area receives 40.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 82% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,020 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,020 ft (311 m) |
| Area | 7.8 sq mi (20.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,257/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6716°N, 88.5363°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Walworth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 82.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M4.2.
| Jun 28, 2004 | 12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois | M4.2 | 138 km | 10 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 | 2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois | M3.8 | 78 km | 10 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 | 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois | M3.5 | 129 km | 5 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 | 1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois | M3.2 | 113 km | 1 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 | 2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois | M3.1 | 115 km | 10 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 | 3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois | M2.9 | 56 km | 6 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 | 4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois | M2.6 | 76 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
538 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 49 fatalities, 1,316 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF4 | 37 km | 6.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 | EF4 | 89 km | 1.8 mi | 3 |
| Sep 28, 1972 | EF4 | 70 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 59 km | 25.5 mi | 24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 62 km | 8.8 mi | 1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 52 km | 9.1 mi | 6 |
| Aug 22, 1964 | EF4 | 93 km | 2.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF3 | 91 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 | EF3 | 40 km | 13.2 mi | 0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 | EF3 | 22 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 | EF3 | 78 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 | EF3 | 84 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 54 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 | EF3 | 97 km | 1.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 | EF3 | 84 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF3 | 99 km | 22.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF3 | 94 km | 58.6 mi | 2 |
| Aug 2, 1967 | EF3 | 90 km | 0.1 mi | 2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF3 | 69 km | 24.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 | EF3 | 26 km | 10.6 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 acres, 2006).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 1,524 | 95 km |
| 2010 | RX BURN | 1,236 | 95 km |
| 1994 | SOMMERS | 938 | 100 km |
| 1988 | PEACHY RD | 812 | 97 km |
| 2024 | IBSP SOUTH F1 RX | 690 | 66 km |
| 2007 | TOWER RD 2 | 592 | 97 km |
| 2024 | RX-HWY Y - SOUTH | 553 | 37 km |
| 2009 | COLD SPRINGS | 552 | 89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 24°F (-4°C) | 1.7 in | |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.7 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 4.2 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 38°F (3°C) | 2.6 in | |
| December | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.8 in |
Elkhorn has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (1.6").