Weather & Climate in Gaines, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Gaines experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.0 inches. The area receives 52.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 854 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 854 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,316/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8725°N, 83.9108°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Livingston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| May 2, 2015 | 5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan | M4.2 | 143 km | 4 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 | 5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan | M3.5 | 57 km | 5 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 | Michigan | M3.4 | 112 km | 3 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 | 5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan | M3.3 | 123 km | 5 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 | 18 km NE of Leamington, Canada | M3.0 | 145 km | 5 km |
| May 14, 2017 | 18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada | M2.6 | 148 km | 5 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 | 17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan | M2.5 | 131 km | 5 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 | 7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan | M2.5 | 105 km | 18 km |
| May 23, 2022 | 2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada | M2.5 | 119 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
429 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 148 fatalities, 1,673 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 | EF5 | 26 km | 18.9 mi | 116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 | EF4 | 56 km | 3.8 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 73 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 60 km | 21.0 mi | 1 |
| May 8, 1964 | EF4 | 91 km | 3.3 mi | 11 |
| Jul 4, 1957 | EF4 | 42 km | 29.9 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 1956 | EF4 | 24 km | 6.6 mi | 3 |
| May 12, 1956 | EF4 | 89 km | 6.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 | EF4 | 67 km | 33.8 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 | EF3 | 53 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 | EF3 | 81 km | 6.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 | EF3 | 42 km | 1.7 mi | 1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 | EF3 | 37 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 | EF3 | 53 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 | EF3 | 98 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 | EF3 | 57 km | 24.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 | EF3 | 99 km | 15.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 | EF3 | 22 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 | EF3 | 79 km | 48.0 mi | 0 |
| May 2, 1983 | EF3 | 92 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 1952 | LAKE HURON, MI | Avalanche | 1.5 m | - | 126 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 2.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.7 in | Driest |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.1 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 3.7 in | Wettest |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 3.1 in | |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 3.2 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 2.3 in | |
| December | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.9 in |
Gaines has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.7").