Weather & Climate in Nielsville, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Nielsville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 23.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 866 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg | |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 866 ft (264 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 234/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5293°N, 96.8157°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Norman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
479 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 199 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 | EF5 | 81 km | 52.4 mi | 10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 36 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF4 | 63 km | 5.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 | EF4 | 74 km | 5.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 | EF3 | 22 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 49 km | 15.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF3 | 87 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 | EF3 | 93 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 | EF3 | 75 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 | EF3 | 26 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 | EF3 | 80 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 | EF3 | 84 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 | EF3 | 50 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 | EF3 | 70 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 | EF2 | 73 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 | EF2 | 81 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 | EF2 | 46 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 | EF2 | 60 km | 15.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 | EF2 | 21 km | 11.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 | EF2 | 41 km | 12.8 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: OXCART (12,538 acres, 2021).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2021 | OXCART | 12,538 | 47 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 10,819 | 100 km |
| 2008 | UNNAMED | 2,420 | 43 km |
| 2024 | 4 SQUARE MILE RX | 2,320 | 48 km |
| 2008 | UNNAMED | 2,092 | 45 km |
| 2010 | NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA | 1,779 | 65 km |
| 2012 | VIKING FIRE | 1,698 | 86 km |
| 2009 | DOWNING | 1,506 | 75 km |
| 2020 | GRAVEL PIT | 1,468 | 43 km |
| 2012 | SPRING CREEK | 1,413 | 80 km |
| 2010 | BEJOU WMA | 1,270 | 62 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 1,270 | 42 km |
| 2007 | FLICKERTAIL | 1,239 | 62 km |
| 2011 | NEAL WMA | 1,213 | 53 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 1,193 | 92 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,153 | 81 km |
| 1996 | P CHICKEN | 1,121 | 76 km |
| 2006 | FULLERS LAKE 06 | 1,109 | 65 km |
| 1998 | UNNAMED | 1,026 | 80 km |
| 1999 | HELLIKSEN | 993 | 74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°F (-13°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 13°F (-10°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.2 in | |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 1.3 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 2.9 in | |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 4.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 2.8 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 2.5 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 1.8 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.7 in | |
| December | 17°F (-9°C) | 0.7 in |
Nielsville has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 9°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").