Weather & Climate in Fergus Falls, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Fergus Falls has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,195 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 41.9°F |
| 22% below US avg | |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,195 ft (364 m) |
| Area | 15.4 sq mi (39.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 982/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2850°N, 96.0761°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wilkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR) 56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.1.
| Jun 5, 1993 | 11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota | M4.1 | 70 km | 10 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 | 8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota | M3.7 | 82 km | 5 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 | Minnesota | M2.5 | 53 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
430 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 142 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 | EF4 | 24 km | 8.9 mi | 1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 | EF4 | 47 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 70 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 54 km | 39.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 | EF4 | 82 km | 5.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 | EF4 | 75 km | 9.1 mi | 2 |
| Jun 13, 2001 | EF3 | 59 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1982 | EF3 | 42 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 | EF3 | 76 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF3 | 86 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 | EF3 | 87 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1964 | EF3 | 48 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 | EF3 | 88 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 | EF3 | 55 km | 18.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 | EF3 | 71 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 | EF2 | 70 km | 30.9 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF2 | 36 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF2 | 81 km | 19.6 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF2 | 93 km | 10.5 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF2 | 45 km | 6.8 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: ROTHSAY (3,015 acres, 2003).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2003 | ROTHSAY | 3,015 | 35 km |
| 2024 | DORAN WMA | 2,455 | 18 km |
| 2003 | DANIELSON | 1,682 | 94 km |
| 2009 | DOWNING | 1,506 | 98 km |
| 2012 | JEEP FIRE | 1,437 | 97 km |
| 2012 | SPRING CREEK | 1,413 | 95 km |
| 2000 | 00 14 | 1,377 | 85 km |
| 2003 | OLERUD | 1,275 | 95 km |
| 2007 | FLICKERTAIL | 1,239 | 89 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,153 | 69 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 1,128 | 70 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 1,060 | 70 km |
| 1998 | UNNAMED | 1,026 | 94 km |
| 2021 | HARTLEBEN WPA | 1,002 | 72 km |
| 1999 | HELLIKSEN | 993 | 89 km |
| 1992 | MEADOWS | 922 | 39 km |
| 2002 | 1000 AC S | 880 | 84 km |
| 2005 | HILLICKSON 05 | 818 | 89 km |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 807 | 95 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 778 | 94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°F (-13°C) | 1.3 in | Coldest |
| February | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.8 in | |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.2 in | |
| April | 42°F (6°C) | 2.0 in | |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 66°F (19°C) | 4.4 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 3.0 in | |
| September | 60°F (15°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.0 in | |
| December | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.7 in | Driest |
Fergus Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 9°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and December the driest (0.7").