Weather & Climate in Harpers Ferry, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Harpers Ferry experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. The area receives 35.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 651 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 651 ft (198 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 328/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2008°N, 91.1522°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Allamakee County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
408 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 499 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF5 | 99 km | 36.0 mi | 9 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 87 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF4 | 87 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 98 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 | EF3 | 36 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 97 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 79 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 90 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 92 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 50 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 53 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 | EF3 | 56 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 | EF3 | 87 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF3 | 78 km | 65.2 mi | 0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 | EF3 | 42 km | 17.1 mi | 0 |
| May 7, 1964 | EF3 | 90 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1959 | EF3 | 91 km | 34.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 | EF3 | 83 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF3 | 31 km | 6.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 | EF2 | 93 km | 22.9 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.3 in | Coldest |
| February | 22°F (-5°C) | 1.2 in | Driest |
| March | 35°F (1°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.8 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.7 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 4.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 37°F (3°C) | 2.0 in | |
| December | 24°F (-4°C) | 1.5 in |
Harpers Ferry has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and February the driest (1.2").