Weather & Climate in Kirksville, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Kirksville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.5 inches. The area receives 19.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 988 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg | |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 988 ft (301 m) |
| Area | 14.4 sq mi (37.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,216/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1948°N, 92.5833°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.9.
| Feb 8, 2004 | 6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri | M2.9 | 98 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 | 3 km W of Hale, Missouri | M2.5 | 95 km | 8 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
341 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 172 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF4 | 90 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 | EF4 | 58 km | 28.2 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 | EF4 | 83 km | 14.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF4 | 31 km | 3.8 mi | 1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 | EF4 | 76 km | 16.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 74 km | 59.0 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF4 | 23 km | 25.7 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1959 | EF4 | 74 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 98 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF3 | 99 km | 26.1 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 2019 | EF3 | 72 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 98 km | 19.7 mi | 4 |
| May 10, 2003 | EF3 | 93 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 63 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 98 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 | EF3 | 89 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 | EF3 | 83 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 94 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 42 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1973 | EF3 | 77 km | 3.6 mi | 2 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F (-4°C) | 1.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 29°F (-2°C) | 2.0 in | |
| March | 40°F (4°C) | 2.7 in | |
| April | 51°F (11°C) | 4.1 in | |
| May | 62°F (17°C) | 5.8 in | |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 5.9 in | Wettest |
| July | 76°F (24°C) | 4.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 4.2 in | |
| October | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 in | |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 2.3 in | |
| December | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.8 in |
Kirksville has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.9") and January the driest (1.4").