Weather & Climate in Galva, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Galva experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches. The area receives 36.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,313 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,313 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 576/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5057°N, 95.4180°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ida County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX) 50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.7.
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 44 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
562 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 174 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 | EF4 | 60 km | 24.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 52 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 65 km | 36.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 68 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 81 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 | EF4 | 63 km | 9.9 mi | 1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF4 | 45 km | 24.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 | EF3 | 59 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 52 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 24 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 20 km | 10.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF3 | 98 km | 14.2 mi | 4 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 54 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 | EF3 | 75 km | 1.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF3 | 54 km | 7.7 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 75 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1979 | EF3 | 62 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 96 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 21, 1973 | EF3 | 97 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 | EF3 | 59 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 22°F (-6°C) | 0.9 in | Driest |
| March | 35°F (1°C) | 1.6 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.5 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 5.1 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.4 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 2.5 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 1.6 in | |
| December | 22°F (-5°C) | 1.3 in |
Galva has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and February the driest (0.9").