Weather & Climate in Lancaster, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Lancaster experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches. The area receives 37.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. 72% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,089 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,089 ft (332 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,297/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8473°N, 90.7065°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 71.9% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 61.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 434 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF5 | 61 km | 36.0 mi | 9 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 90 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF4 | 49 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 84 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 | EF3 | 32 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF3 | 95 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 84 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 59 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 82 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 82 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 | EF3 | 96 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 49 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 67 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 90 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 | EF3 | 94 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 | EF3 | 39 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 | EF3 | 73 km | 27.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 | EF3 | 40 km | 17.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 | EF3 | 95 km | 9.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 | EF3 | 95 km | 9.6 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: 2018 BADGER RX BURNS (659 acres, 2018).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2018 | 2018 BADGER RX BURNS | 659 | 97 km |
| 2019 | 2019 BADGER RX BURNS | 627 | 97 km |
| 2009 | COLD SPRINGS | 552 | 90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.2 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.3 in | |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 3.8 in | |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 5.9 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 5.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 4.0 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 2.4 in | |
| December | 24°F (-5°C) | 1.7 in |
Lancaster has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.9") and January the driest (1.2").