Weather & Climate in Peterson, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Peterson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.9 inches. The area receives 42.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 745 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 745 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 533/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7885°N, 91.8320°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winona County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
389 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 172 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 80 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 98 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 54 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 59 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 72 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 87 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 64 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 51 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 | EF3 | 80 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF3 | 36 km | 65.2 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1959 | EF3 | 41 km | 34.3 mi | 0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 | EF3 | 96 km | 24.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 | EF2 | 72 km | 3.9 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF2 | 31 km | 13.8 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF2 | 68 km | 28.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2009 | EF2 | 97 km | 9.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 | EF2 | 91 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 1999 | EF2 | 24 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF2 | 76 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF2 | 77 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-9°C) | 1.1 in | Coldest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.1 in | Driest |
| March | 31°F (-0°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 3.9 in | |
| May | 56°F (14°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 67°F (19°C) | 5.7 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 4.7 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 4.0 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 35°F (1°C) | 1.8 in | |
| December | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.3 in |
Peterson has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.7") and February the driest (1.1").