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Weather & Climate in Houghton, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Houghton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 965 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 40.7°F |
| 25% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 965 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,904/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1118°N, 88.5672°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Keweenaw County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT) 79 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 0.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | No Rating |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Very Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
15 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF2.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 22, 1968 | EF2 | 51 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 2016 | EF1 | 94 km | 3.9 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 2016 | EF1 | 82 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 2012 | EF1 | 55 km | 7.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1973 | EF1 | 91 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 30, 1953 | EF1 | 91 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 6, 2014 | EF0 | 89 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 2011 | EF0 | 63 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 2011 | EF0 | 91 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 28, 2003 | EF0 | 52 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 1988 | EF0 | 82 km | 0.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 1987 | EF0 | 24 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 8, 1980 | EF0 | 100 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 8, 1980 | EF0 | 44 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 1979 | EF0 | 96 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: MARQUETTE9 (4,224 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | MARQUETTE9 | 4,224 | 82 km |
| 2007 | BARAGA BUMP | 1,047 | 59 km |
| 2009 | FALLS | 820 | 99 km |
| 2009 | PINERY | 695 | 40 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE10 | 671 | 99 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE9 | 521 | 87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 3.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 16°F (-9°C) | 2.0 in | |
| March | 26°F (-4°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 38°F (3°C) | 1.9 in | Driest |
| May | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 in | |
| June | 60°F (15°C) | 3.0 in | |
| July | 65°F (18°C) | 3.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 64°F (18°C) | 3.2 in | |
| September | 56°F (13°C) | 3.3 in | Wettest |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 31°F (-0°C) | 2.6 in | |
| December | 20°F (-7°C) | 2.8 in |
Houghton has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 16°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.3") and April the driest (1.9").