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Weather & Climate in Rhinelander, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Rhinelander has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 276 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 29.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,609 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,609 ft (490 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 905/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.6361°N, 89.4255°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Oneida County County |
| Nearest Airport | Menominee Regional (MNM) 94 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| 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 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.5.
| Jan 7, 2024 | 3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin | M2.5 | 40 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
166 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 88 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 25, 1950 | EF4 | 14 km | 13.1 mi | 2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 | EF3 | 69 km | 21.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 | EF3 | 77 km | 40.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 | EF3 | 87 km | 68.0 mi | 2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF3 | 31 km | 29.0 mi | 1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 67 km | 78.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 | EF3 | 80 km | 37.9 mi | 0 |
| May 3, 1955 | EF3 | 41 km | 6.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 | EF2 | 93 km | 1.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 | EF2 | 47 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 | EF2 | 95 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 | EF2 | 41 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 1997 | EF2 | 58 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1996 | EF2 | 81 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1994 | EF2 | 40 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 | EF2 | 78 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 27, 1991 | EF2 | 45 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 | EF2 | 19 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 24, 1984 | EF2 | 93 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF2 | 51 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: RILEY (1,254 acres, 2019).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2019 | RILEY | 1,254 | 62 km |
| 1987 | FOULDS CREEK | 750 | 56 km |
| 2022 | UNNAMED | 702 | 61 km |
| 2022 | LDF MARSH BURN 2022 | 503 | 60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°F (-11°C) | 1.1 in | Coldest |
| February | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.9 in | Driest |
| March | 26°F (-3°C) | 1.6 in | |
| April | 40°F (5°C) | 2.4 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 in | |
| July | 67°F (20°C) | 3.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 64°F (18°C) | 4.2 in | |
| September | 56°F (13°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
| October | 44°F (7°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.0 in | |
| December | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.5 in |
Rhinelander has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 13°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.9").