Weather & Climate in Hill City, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Hill City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.7 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 1,275 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.6°F |
| 27% below US avg | |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,275 ft (389 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 489/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9852°N, 93.5950°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Aitkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Range Regional (HIB) 45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
105 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 130 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF4 | 53 km | 32.3 mi | 12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 | EF4 | 71 km | 72.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 | EF3 | 81 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 | EF3 | 99 km | 26.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 | EF3 | 73 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 15 km | 12.5 mi | 1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 47 km | 18.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 91 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 90 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 | EF3 | 96 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF2 | 57 km | 14.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF2 | 60 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 | EF2 | 65 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 | EF2 | 84 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 | EF2 | 97 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 | EF2 | 50 km | 0.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 | EF2 | 42 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1985 | EF2 | 78 km | 33.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 | EF2 | 18 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 | EF2 | 41 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (3,642 acres, 1988).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 3,642 | 92 km |
| 2018 | BOY RIVER | 3,546 | 51 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 2,998 | 51 km |
| 2015 | TAMARACK | 2,745 | 46 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 2,512 | 50 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,486 | 23 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,963 | 22 km |
| 2010 | BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 | 1,872 | 47 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 1,835 | 41 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,799 | 19 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 1,777 | 48 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,760 | 23 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,589 | 51 km |
| 2004 | SOUTH MAIN ROAD | 1,384 | 54 km |
| 2006 | WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 | 1,380 | 52 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,352 | 51 km |
| 1997 | UNNAMED | 1,306 | 22 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 1,249 | 22 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,226 | 25 km |
| 2000 | S MAIN RO | 1,181 | 55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°F (-14°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.7 in | Driest |
| March | 26°F (-4°C) | 1.1 in | |
| April | 39°F (4°C) | 1.8 in | |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.1 in | |
| June | 62°F (17°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| July | 67°F (20°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 3.4 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 in | |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.3 in | |
| December | 14°F (-10°C) | 1.0 in |
Hill City has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 8°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.7").