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Weather & Climate in La Plata, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
La Plata experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 265 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 39.1 inches. The area receives 5.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 942 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg | |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 265 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 942 ft (287 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 881/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0234°N, 92.4916°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.3.
| Jul 31, 2005 | Missouri | M3.3 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 | 6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri | M2.9 | 79 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 | 3 km W of Hale, Missouri | M2.5 | 90 km | 8 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
315 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 174 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF4 | 69 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 | EF4 | 41 km | 28.2 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 | EF4 | 96 km | 14.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF4 | 10 km | 3.8 mi | 1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 | EF4 | 62 km | 16.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 68 km | 59.0 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF4 | 42 km | 25.7 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1959 | EF4 | 94 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 2019 | EF3 | 83 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 78 km | 19.7 mi | 4 |
| May 10, 2003 | EF3 | 76 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 96 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 81 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 | EF3 | 70 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 | EF3 | 80 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 23 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 90 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1973 | EF3 | 78 km | 3.6 mi | 2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 59 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1971 | EF3 | 54 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F (-5°C) | 1.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.3 in | Driest |
| March | 41°F (5°C) | 2.9 in | |
| April | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 in | |
| July | 77°F (25°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (24°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 4.7 in | Wettest |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 in | |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 2.6 in | |
| December | 29°F (-2°C) | 2.1 in |
La Plata has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (1.3").