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Weather & Climate in Orleans, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Orleans experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,420 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,420 ft (433 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 525/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4527°N, 95.0859°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 77 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 119 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 70 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
537 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 386 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF5 | 85 km | 16.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 | EF5 | 96 km | 9.1 mi | 9 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 83 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 70 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 66 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF4 | 86 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 100 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 91 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF4 | 100 km | 24.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 58 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 62 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 62 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 95 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 93 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 | EF3 | 96 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 76 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 34 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF3 | 71 km | 15.9 mi | 2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 36 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 | EF3 | 57 km | 11.2 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 | 32 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.7 in | |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.4 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 49°F (9°C) | 2.1 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 1.3 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in |
Orleans has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").