Weather & Climate in Mountain Lake, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Mountain Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches. The area receives 43.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,299 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,299 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,125/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9401°N, 94.9277°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Watonwan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT) 54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.1.
| Feb 9, 1994 | 6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota | M3.1 | 118 km | 5 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 79 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 125 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
493 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 385 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF5 | 89 km | 16.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 | EF5 | 71 km | 9.1 mi | 9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 99 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 48 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF4 | 78 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 64 km | 33.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 17 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 89 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 71 km | 12.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 91 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 58 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 61 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 74 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 | EF3 | 94 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 90 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF3 | 94 km | 15.9 mi | 2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 80 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 83 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 71 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 | EF3 | 78 km | 31.8 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 84 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-9°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.8 in | Driest |
| March | 33°F (1°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.5 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.7 in | Wettest |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 35°F (1°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 in |
Mountain Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.8").