Weather & Climate in Perham, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Perham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,368 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.8°F |
| 26% below US avg | |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,368 ft (417 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 999/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5996°N, 95.5771°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Otter Tail County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR) 63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Very High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Relatively 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: M4.1.
| Jun 5, 1993 | 11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota | M4.1 | 117 km | 10 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 | 8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota | M3.7 | 134 km | 5 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 | Minnesota | M2.5 | 68 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
365 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 129 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 | EF4 | 63 km | 8.9 mi | 1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 | EF4 | 97 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 58 km | 39.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 37 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 | EF4 | 93 km | 5.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 1966 | EF4 | 92 km | 72.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 | EF3 | 60 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 | EF3 | 51 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 | EF3 | 95 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1982 | EF3 | 94 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 | EF3 | 87 km | 26.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 | EF3 | 82 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 66 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1964 | EF3 | 100 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 | EF3 | 99 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 | EF3 | 86 km | 18.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 | EF2 | 77 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 | EF2 | 30 km | 30.9 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF2 | 86 km | 6.8 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF2 | 83 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 9,055 | 98 km |
| 2009 | CENTER TANK RANGE | 6,131 | 99 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 4,475 | 99 km |
| 2003 | ROTHSAY | 3,015 | 61 km |
| 2009 | HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA | 2,757 | 98 km |
| 2024 | DORAN WMA | 2,455 | 70 km |
| 2009 | DOWNING | 1,506 | 69 km |
| 2012 | JEEP FIRE | 1,437 | 53 km |
| 2012 | SPRING CREEK | 1,413 | 65 km |
| 2000 | 00 14 | 1,377 | 42 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,341 | 86 km |
| 2007 | FLICKERTAIL | 1,239 | 79 km |
| 2011 | NEAL WMA | 1,213 | 87 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,153 | 73 km |
| 1998 | UNNAMED | 1,026 | 65 km |
| 1999 | HELLIKSEN | 993 | 66 km |
| 2010 | UNNAMED | 931 | 93 km |
| 1992 | MEADOWS | 922 | 74 km |
| 2010 | UNNAMED | 888 | 89 km |
| 2002 | 1000 AC S | 880 | 41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°F (-14°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.6 in | |
| March | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.9 in | |
| April | 40°F (4°C) | 2.0 in | |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 4.5 in | |
| July | 69°F (20°C) | 4.9 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 3.2 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 2.9 in | |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.8 in | |
| December | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.8 in |
Perham has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 8°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.4").