Weather & Climate in Portal, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Portal has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 83% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,955 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
65°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 37.9°F |
| 30% below US avg | |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,955 ft (596 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 203/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.9944°N, 102.5484°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Burke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA) 75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 83.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 10 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very 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: M3.5.
| Nov 11, 1998 | 10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota | M3.5 | 120 km | 5 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 | 22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota | M3.3 | 121 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
110 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 4 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 | EF4 | 65 km | 28.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 | EF3 | 33 km | 5.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 6, 1977 | EF3 | 83 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 | EF3 | 77 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1950 | EF3 | 90 km | 23.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 | EF2 | 83 km | 0.2 mi | 1 |
| Jun 5, 1976 | EF2 | 73 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 | EF2 | 18 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 | EF2 | 77 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 | EF1 | 91 km | 1.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 | EF1 | 55 km | 10.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 | EF1 | 8 km | 9.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2007 | EF1 | 84 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2003 | EF1 | 55 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 2001 | EF1 | 51 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 | EF1 | 54 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 | EF1 | 94 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1990 | EF1 | 78 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1990 | EF1 | 88 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1985 | EF1 | 75 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE (67,150 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE | 67,150 | 85 km |
| 2015 | LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 | 6,837 | 38 km |
| 2005 | H RX 05 WILD | 5,644 | 38 km |
| 1986 | WILDERNESS | 5,615 | 38 km |
| 1997 | WILDERNESS | 5,556 | 38 km |
| 2005 | CLEAR LAKE | 5,040 | 65 km |
| 2005 | LOSTWOOD NON-NFP | 2,769 | 44 km |
| 2006 | HB 35 | 2,164 | 37 km |
| 2023 | NDLWR-HFR-FY23-RX-ASPEN | 2,074 | 42 km |
| 2017 | NDLWR FY17 RX CENTRAL CORE | 1,899 | 43 km |
| 2016 | LWR WUI RX FESCUE 2016 | 1,802 | 45 km |
| 1993 | KRUSES | 1,802 | 46 km |
| 1990 | KRUSES | 1,619 | 47 km |
| 1986 | KRUSES | 1,615 | 47 km |
| 1996 | KRUSES | 1,516 | 47 km |
| 2003 | KRUSE | 1,507 | 47 km |
| 1987 | TEAL | 1,470 | 39 km |
| 2001 | HB 35 | 1,441 | 38 km |
| 2010 | ASPEN HFR | 1,333 | 43 km |
| 1992 | ASPEN | 1,328 | 43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°F (-13°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest |
| February | 11°F (-12°C) | 0.4 in | Driest |
| March | 23°F (-5°C) | 0.6 in | |
| April | 39°F (4°C) | 0.9 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 2.3 in | |
| June | 61°F (16°C) | 3.7 in | Wettest |
| July | 65°F (19°C) | 2.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 64°F (18°C) | 1.4 in | |
| September | 55°F (13°C) | 1.5 in | |
| October | 40°F (5°C) | 1.0 in | |
| November | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.5 in | |
| December | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.5 in |
Portal has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 8°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (0.4").