Weather & Climate in Lansing, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Lansing experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches. The area receives 50.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. 77% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 860 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg | |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 860 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 39.4 sq mi (102.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,859/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7143°N, 84.5609°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Ingham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Capital Region International (LAN) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 76.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Very High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| May 2, 2015 | 5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan | M4.2 | 89 km | 4 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 | 5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan | M3.5 | 10 km | 5 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 | Michigan | M3.4 | 143 km | 3 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 | 5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan | M3.3 | 75 km | 5 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 | 5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana | M3.0 | 148 km | 5 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 | 7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan | M2.5 | 137 km | 18 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
429 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 139 fatalities, 1,341 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 | EF5 | 72 km | 18.9 mi | 116 |
| Apr 2, 1977 | EF4 | 49 km | 16.6 mi | 1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 | EF4 | 94 km | 12.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 | EF4 | 96 km | 3.8 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 31 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 17 km | 21.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 4, 1957 | EF4 | 71 km | 29.9 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 1956 | EF4 | 79 km | 6.6 mi | 3 |
| Mar 15, 2012 | EF3 | 61 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 | EF3 | 26 km | 6.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 | EF3 | 85 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 | EF3 | 92 km | 1.7 mi | 1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 | EF3 | 95 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 | EF3 | 46 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 | EF3 | 93 km | 24.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1986 | EF3 | 94 km | 1.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 | EF3 | 77 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 | EF3 | 43 km | 13.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 | EF3 | 90 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 1974 | EF3 | 56 km | 0.9 mi | 1 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F (-5°C) | 2.1 in | Coldest |
| February | 26°F (-3°C) | 1.7 in | Driest |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 3.3 in | |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.7 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 2.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.5 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 3.2 in | |
| November | 40°F (4°C) | 2.5 in | |
| December | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in |
Lansing has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.7").