Weather & Climate in Fairmont, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Fairmont experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.5 inches. The area receives 39.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,208 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,208 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 16.9 sq mi (43.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 690/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6448°N, 94.4640°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Martin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT) 48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| 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: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 71 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 105 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
537 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 316 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 67 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 92 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 78 km | 20.1 mi | 6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 84 km | 38.7 mi | 5 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 83 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 100 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 84 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 99 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 71 km | 33.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 35 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 95 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 87 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 74 km | 12.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 18, 1994 | EF3 | 91 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 53 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 90 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| May 17, 1982 | EF3 | 96 km | 46.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 78 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF3 | 47 km | 15.9 mi | 2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 52 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | SNAKE TRAIL | 1,496 | 97 km |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 63 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.2 in | |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.3 in | |
| November | 34°F (1°C) | 1.6 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.4 in |
Fairmont has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 15°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.9").