Weather & Climate in Hawley, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Hawley 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 24.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,159 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg | |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,159 ft (353 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 796/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8731°N, 96.3193°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| 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 | 133 km | 10 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 | 8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota | M3.7 | 128 km | 5 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 | Minnesota | M2.5 | 115 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 229 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 | EF5 | 78 km | 52.4 mi | 10 |
| Jul 8, 2020 | EF4 | 92 km | 8.9 mi | 1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 | EF4 | 88 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 | EF4 | 31 km | 5.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 | EF4 | 67 km | 9.1 mi | 2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 | EF3 | 91 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 86 km | 15.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 | EF3 | 99 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1982 | EF3 | 96 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 | EF3 | 20 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 | EF3 | 79 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 | EF3 | 71 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1964 | EF3 | 94 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 | EF3 | 37 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 | EF3 | 49 km | 18.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 | EF2 | 51 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 | EF2 | 48 km | 30.9 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 2022 | EF2 | 95 km | 9.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 | EF2 | 91 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 | EF2 | 70 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: OXCART (12,538 acres, 2021).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2021 | OXCART | 12,538 | 96 km |
| 2021 | BIESTERFELD | 3,481 | 98 km |
| 2003 | ROTHSAY | 3,015 | 39 km |
| 2024 | DORAN WMA | 2,455 | 80 km |
| 2008 | UNNAMED | 2,420 | 94 km |
| 2024 | 4 SQUARE MILE RX | 2,320 | 94 km |
| 2008 | UNNAMED | 2,092 | 90 km |
| 2010 | NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA | 1,779 | 72 km |
| 2009 | DOWNING | 1,506 | 41 km |
| 2020 | GRAVEL PIT | 1,468 | 94 km |
| 2012 | SPRING CREEK | 1,413 | 41 km |
| 2000 | 00 14 | 1,377 | 55 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,341 | 99 km |
| 2003 | OLERUD | 1,275 | 88 km |
| 2010 | BEJOU WMA | 1,270 | 69 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 1,270 | 91 km |
| 2007 | FLICKERTAIL | 1,239 | 22 km |
| 2011 | NEAL WMA | 1,213 | 36 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,153 | 11 km |
| 1985 | ALICE 02 | 1,142 | 91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°F (-13°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest |
| February | 13°F (-10°C) | 0.7 in | Driest |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.3 in | |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 1.5 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 in | |
| June | 67°F (19°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 3.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 in | |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 2.7 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 2.2 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.0 in | |
| December | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.9 in |
Hawley has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 9°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").