Weather & Climate in Nichols, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Nichols experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.7 inches. The area receives 23.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 74% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 631 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.0°F |
| 6% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 631 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,709/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4797°N, 91.3080°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Muscatine County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 73.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
651 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 276 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF4 | 63 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 100 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 84 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 79 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 98 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 52 km | 91.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 78 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF3 | 98 km | 26.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 | EF3 | 25 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2004 | EF3 | 76 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 42 km | 47.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 38 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 79 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF3 | 87 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 53 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 | EF3 | 50 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 | EF3 | 54 km | 48.6 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1974 | EF3 | 61 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 93 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 18, 1971 | EF3 | 74 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | UNIT 3 | 1,206 | 45 km |
| 2002 | HSB 03 2 | 1,130 | 44 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 939 | 90 km |
| 2010 | FOLEY | 786 | 87 km |
| 2000 | DESTRUST A | 756 | 44 km |
| 2011 | ACE AUTO | 676 | 77 km |
| 2006 | HSB 003 | 674 | 45 km |
| 2004 | HSB 009 | 608 | 44 km |
| 2011 | IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 | 510 | 97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.2 in | |
| March | 40°F (4°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 51°F (11°C) | 3.8 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.5 in | |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 5.3 in | Wettest |
| July | 76°F (24°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 53°F (12°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 40°F (4°C) | 2.2 in | |
| December | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.5 in |
Nichols has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.0").