Weather & Climate in Kenosha, WI

Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.

Kenosha experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches. The area receives 36.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. 73% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 725 feet.

Temperature

24°F Jan (-5°C) 73°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average49.2°F
9% below US avg
January Average24°F (-5°C)
July Average73°F (23°C)

Geography

Elevation725 ft (221 m)
Area27.0 sq mi (70.0 km²)
Population Density3,411/sq mi
Coordinates42.5875°N, 87.8800°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyKenosha County County
Nearest AirportKenosha Regional (ENW)
2 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 31.9"
16% below US avg
Snowfall 36.2"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.69"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.07"

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood
Good Days %73.0%
Unhealthy Days11

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Moderate
Risk Score85.0 / 100
Social Vulnerability23.7 / 100
Community Resilience97.3 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Relatively High
Hurricane Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Very Low
Flood Relatively Moderate
Hail Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind Relatively High
Heat Wave Relatively Moderate
Winter Weather Relatively Low
Lightning Relatively High
Ice Storm Relatively Low
Drought Relatively Low
Cold Wave Relatively High
Landslide Very Low
Coastal Flood Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

5 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.8.

Feb 10, 2010 2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois M3.8 86 km 10 km
Nov 4, 2013 1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois M3.2 88 km 1 km
Jul 15, 2024 2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois M3.1 125 km 10 km
Mar 25, 2015 3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois M2.9 60 km 6 km
Jun 10, 2013 4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois M2.6 84 km 5 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Tornado History

381 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 42 fatalities, 1,306 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Path Fatalities
Apr 27, 1984 EF4 59 km 6.5 mi 1
Apr 4, 1981 EF4 97 km 1.8 mi 3
Sep 28, 1972 EF4 34 km 5.2 mi 0
Apr 21, 1967 EF4 58 km 8.8 mi 1
Apr 21, 1967 EF4 95 km 25.5 mi 24
Apr 11, 1965 EF4 58 km 9.1 mi 6
Aug 22, 1964 EF4 88 km 2.2 mi 0
Jun 20, 2021 EF3 97 km 17.6 mi 0
Jan 7, 2008 EF3 81 km 13.2 mi 0
Jan 7, 2008 EF3 37 km 10.8 mi 0
Jun 5, 1980 EF3 94 km 10.7 mi 0
Jul 19, 1963 EF3 30 km 10.6 mi 0
Nov 22, 2010 EF2 94 km 18.1 mi 0
Jul 22, 2010 EF2 40 km 1.0 mi 0
Jun 21, 2010 EF2 60 km 5.2 mi 0
May 18, 1997 EF2 23 km 6.0 mi 0
Apr 19, 1996 EF2 16 km 2.0 mi 0
Sep 28, 1986 EF2 76 km 9.0 mi 0
Jun 15, 1981 EF2 92 km 28.7 mi 0
Aug 4, 1980 EF2 66 km 0.1 mi 0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1954 MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) Avalanche 3.0 m 7 128 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.

Wildfire History

2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 acres, 2024).

Year Name Acres Burned Distance
2024 IBSP SOUTH F1 RX 690 21 km
2024 RX-HWY Y - SOUTH 553 82 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 24°F (-5°C) 1.2 in Coldest
February 27°F (-3°C) 1.1 in Driest
March 37°F (3°C) 2.0 in
April 47°F (8°C) 3.6 in
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 in
June 68°F (20°C) 3.7 in Wettest
July 73°F (23°C) 3.4 in Warmest
August 71°F (22°C) 3.6 in
September 64°F (18°C) 3.4 in
October 53°F (12°C) 2.9 in
November 40°F (5°C) 2.1 in
December 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 in

Kenosha has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.1").

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