Weather & Climate in Marion, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Marion has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 22.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,464 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.3°F |
| 22% below US avg | |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,464 ft (446 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 181/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.6112°N, 98.3387°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | LaMoure County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.7.
| Oct 20, 1995 | 8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota | M3.7 | 146 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
350 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 127 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 | EF5 | 82 km | 52.4 mi | 10 |
| Jul 18, 2004 | EF4 | 19 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 | EF4 | 82 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 | EF3 | 26 km | 16.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF3 | 86 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF3 | 14 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF3 | 78 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 | EF3 | 88 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 | EF3 | 59 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF3 | 78 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 | EF3 | 41 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 | EF3 | 72 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 | EF3 | 38 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 | EF2 | 63 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2011 | EF2 | 99 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 | EF2 | 46 km | 9.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF2 | 89 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF2 | 99 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2010 | EF2 | 83 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 | EF2 | 72 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 acres, 1994).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1994 | CHICAGOLAKE | 4,606 | 94 km |
| 2021 | BIESTERFELD | 3,481 | 76 km |
| 2003 | OLERUD | 1,275 | 82 km |
| 2016 | SLR 2016 RX MICHELL | 1,242 | 81 km |
| 1985 | CHASE LAKE | 1,215 | 96 km |
| 2018 | EAST JIM LAKE | 1,214 | 75 km |
| 2017 | NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 | 1,148 | 80 km |
| 1985 | ALICE 02 | 1,142 | 66 km |
| 2006 | FULLERS LAKE 06 | 1,109 | 93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°F (-12°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in | Driest |
| March | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.0 in | |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 1.6 in | |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 66°F (19°C) | 3.8 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 2.4 in | |
| September | 60°F (15°C) | 2.5 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 2.1 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.7 in | |
| December | 17°F (-9°C) | 0.8 in |
Marion has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 10°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (0.6").