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Weather & Climate in La Fayette, IL
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
La Fayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 794 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.6°F |
| 8% below US avg | |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 794 ft (242 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 779/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1096°N, 89.9735°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stark County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| Jun 28, 2004 | 12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois | M4.2 | 98 km | 10 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 | 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois | M3.5 | 82 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 | 2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois | M3.1 | 121 km | 10 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 | 6 km W of Dwight, Illinois | M2.6 | 123 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
682 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 521 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF4 | 64 km | 46.4 mi | 3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 | EF4 | 64 km | 9.6 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 87 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 | EF4 | 64 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 | EF4 | 39 km | 4.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 | EF3 | 92 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 | EF3 | 56 km | 17.8 mi | 0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 | EF3 | 89 km | 11.5 mi | 2 |
| Apr 20, 2004 | EF3 | 60 km | 15.8 mi | 8 |
| May 10, 2003 | EF3 | 75 km | 17.5 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF3 | 77 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 26 km | 22.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 91 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF3 | 60 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 98 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 | EF3 | 70 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 | EF3 | 97 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 | EF3 | 35 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 69 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 63 km | 14.0 mi | 2 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | UNIT 3 | 1,206 | 94 km |
| 2002 | HSB 03 2 | 1,130 | 95 km |
| 2000 | DESTRUST A | 756 | 94 km |
| 2006 | HSB 003 | 674 | 94 km |
| 2004 | HSB 009 | 608 | 94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.5 in | Coldest |
| February | 26°F (-3°C) | 1.4 in | Driest |
| March | 38°F (3°C) | 2.8 in | |
| April | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 in | |
| May | 61°F (16°C) | 4.1 in | |
| June | 71°F (21°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 65°F (18°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 53°F (12°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 2.8 in | |
| December | 26°F (-3°C) | 2.2 in |
La Fayette has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.4").