Weather & Climate in Milton, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Milton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.7 inches. The area receives 23.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 780 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 780 ft (238 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 168/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6715°N, 92.1620°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Davis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively 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: M2.9.
| Feb 8, 2004 | 6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri | M2.9 | 133 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
397 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 227 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF4 | 72 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 73 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF4 | 87 km | 3.8 mi | 1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF4 | 43 km | 25.7 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1959 | EF4 | 83 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF3 | 46 km | 26.1 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 2019 | EF3 | 14 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 | EF3 | 97 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 70 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 23 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 77 km | 47.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 86 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 73 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1973 | EF3 | 46 km | 3.6 mi | 2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 29 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF3 | 41 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 | EF3 | 6 km | 19.4 mi | 2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF3 | 71 km | 4.3 mi | 1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF3 | 23 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1965 | EF3 | 73 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 in | |
| March | 39°F (4°C) | 2.5 in | |
| April | 51°F (11°C) | 3.6 in | |
| May | 62°F (17°C) | 5.7 in | Wettest |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 5.3 in | |
| July | 75°F (24°C) | 4.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 73°F (23°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 65°F (19°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 53°F (12°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 2.4 in | |
| December | 28°F (-2°C) | 2.0 in |
Milton has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.7") and January the driest (1.5").