Weather & Climate in Grand Rapids, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Grand Rapids has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 59.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,298 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.1°F |
| 26% below US avg | |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,298 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 22.4 sq mi (58.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 500/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.2385°N, 93.5326°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Itasca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Range Regional (HIB) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
85 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 113 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF4 | 73 km | 32.3 mi | 12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 | EF4 | 93 km | 72.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 38 km | 12.5 mi | 1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 53 km | 18.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 66 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF2 | 84 km | 14.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF2 | 82 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 | EF2 | 93 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 | EF2 | 78 km | 0.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 | EF2 | 47 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 | EF2 | 45 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 | EF2 | 20 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 1, 1973 | EF2 | 99 km | 54.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 6, 1959 | EF2 | 61 km | 30.3 mi | 0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 | EF1 | 82 km | 5.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF1 | 85 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF1 | 22 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 | EF1 | 83 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2019 | EF1 | 98 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 10, 2017 | EF1 | 88 km | 0.6 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BOY RIVER (3,546 acres, 2018).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2018 | BOY RIVER | 3,546 | 51 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 2,998 | 76 km |
| 2015 | TAMARACK | 2,745 | 68 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 2,512 | 75 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,486 | 50 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,963 | 50 km |
| 2010 | BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 | 1,872 | 48 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 1,835 | 44 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,799 | 46 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 1,777 | 50 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,760 | 49 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,589 | 79 km |
| 2004 | SOUTH MAIN ROAD | 1,384 | 80 km |
| 2006 | WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 | 1,380 | 78 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,352 | 72 km |
| 1997 | UNNAMED | 1,306 | 48 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 1,249 | 48 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,226 | 51 km |
| 2000 | S MAIN RO | 1,181 | 80 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,096 | 74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°F (-13°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.9 in | Driest |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.3 in | |
| April | 40°F (5°C) | 2.1 in | |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.2 in | |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 4.7 in | Wettest |
| July | 68°F (20°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 3.4 in | |
| September | 56°F (14°C) | 3.1 in | |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.6 in | |
| December | 15°F (-10°C) | 1.2 in |
Grand Rapids has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 9°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.9").