Weather & Climate in Princeton, IL

Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.

Princeton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.8 inches. The area receives 28.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 683 feet.

Temperature

22°F Jan (-6°C) 74°F Jul (23°C)

Annual Average	49.7°F
	8% below US avg
January Average	22°F (-6°C)
July Average	74°F (23°C)
Sunny Days	275 days/yr

Geography

Elevation	683 ft (208 m)
Area	8.2 sq mi (21.3 km²)
Population Density	950/sq mi
Coordinates	41.3806°N, 89.4641°W
Timezone	America/Chicago
County	Bureau County County
Nearest Airport	Illinois Valley Regional-Walter A Duncan Field (VYS) 16 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 39.8"

5% above US avg

Snowfall 28.5"

Wettest Month (Jun) 4.25"

Driest Month (Feb) 1.22"

Air Quality

AQI Median	43.0
Rating	Good

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall Risk	Relatively Low
Risk Score	62.3 / 100
Social Vulnerability	41.7 / 100
Community Resilience	80.1 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado	Relatively Moderate
Hurricane	Very Low
Earthquake	Relatively Low
Wildfire	Very Low
Flood	Relatively Low
Hail	Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind	Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave	Relatively Low
Winter Weather	Relatively Low
Lightning	Relatively Low
Ice Storm	Relatively Moderate
Drought	Relatively High
Cold Wave	Relatively Moderate
Landslide	Relatively Low

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

8 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.

Jun 28, 2004	12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois	M4.2	48 km	10 km
Feb 10, 2010	2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois	M3.8	104 km	10 km
Sep 2, 1999	8 km W of Amboy, Illinois	M3.5	38 km	5 km
Nov 4, 2013	1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois	M3.2	144 km	1 km
Jul 15, 2024	2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois	M3.1	69 km	10 km
Mar 25, 2015	3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois	M2.9	128 km	6 km
Jun 10, 2013	4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois	M2.6	104 km	5 km
Mar 15, 2025	6 km W of Dwight, Illinois	M2.6	87 km	5 km

Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Tornado History

643 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 52 fatalities, 846 injuries.

Date	Rating	Distance	Path	Fatalities
Aug 28, 1990	EF5	99 km	16.4 mi	29
Apr 9, 2015	EF4	55 km	30.1 mi	2
Nov 17, 2013	EF4	85 km	46.4 mi	3
Jul 13, 2004	EF4	66 km	9.6 mi	0
Mar 29, 1981	EF4	52 km	5.1 mi	0
Jun 29, 1976	EF4	69 km	4.9 mi	0
Feb 28, 2017	EF3	53 km	17.8 mi	0
Feb 28, 2017	EF3	43 km	11.5 mi	2
Jun 22, 2015	EF3	91 km	16.3 mi	0
Jun 5, 2010	EF3	69 km	8.6 mi	0
Apr 20, 2004	EF3	21 km	15.8 mi	8
May 9, 1995	EF3	29 km	22.0 mi	0
Mar 13, 1990	EF3	72 km	15.5 mi	0
Apr 27, 1984	EF3	96 km	9.0 mi	1
Aug 5, 1979	EF3	72 km	5.7 mi	0
Jun 30, 1977	EF3	45 km	6.1 mi	0
Mar 12, 1976	EF3	97 km	22.6 mi	0
Mar 4, 1976	EF3	22 km	0.8 mi	0
Jun 20, 1974	EF3	95 km	10.6 mi	1
May 13, 1974	EF3	98 km	3.6 mi	0

Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	22°F (-6°C)	1.4 in	Coldest
February	25°F (-4°C)	1.2 in	Driest
March	37°F (3°C)	2.6 in
April	49°F (10°C)	3.7 in
May	61°F (16°C)	4.0 in
June	70°F (21°C)	4.3 in	Wettest
July	74°F (23°C)	3.8 in	Warmest
August	72°F (22°C)	4.1 in
September	64°F (18°C)	3.8 in
October	52°F (11°C)	2.7 in
November	39°F (4°C)	2.5 in
December	26°F (-3°C)	2.1 in

Princeton has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.2").

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