Weather & Climate in Fairfax, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Fairfax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.3 inches. The area receives 43.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,032 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,032 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 866/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5283°N, 94.7230°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Renville County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT) 45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.1.
| Feb 9, 1994 | 6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota | M3.1 | 57 km | 5 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 69 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
467 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 700 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 | EF5 | 91 km | 9.1 mi | 9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 | EF4 | 86 km | 9.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 91 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 82 km | 12.3 mi | 3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 | EF4 | 48 km | 52.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 | EF3 | 69 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 46 km | 33.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 70 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 52 km | 12.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 65 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 | EF3 | 86 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 76 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 55 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 99 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 93 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 90 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 67 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF3 | 47 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 | EF2 | 68 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 | EF2 | 89 km | 2.2 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: LINCOLN WPA RX (575 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 66 km |
| 1995 | LV 68 CARVER | 532 | 91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.9 in | |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.6 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.7 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.3 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 20°F (-7°C) | 1.0 in |
Fairfax has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 15°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (0.8").