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Weather & Climate in Rochester, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Rochester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°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 35.0 inches. The area receives 39.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,125 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,125 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 54.7 sq mi (141.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,146/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0143°N, 92.4786°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dodge County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| 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: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 123 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
503 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 47 fatalities, 382 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF5 | 99 km | 33.7 mi | 21 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 87 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 84 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 97 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 91 km | 38.7 mi | 5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 87 km | 20.1 mi | 6 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 86 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 5 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 63 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 67 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 83 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 55 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 69 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 81 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 82 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 | EF3 | 65 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 80 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| May 17, 1982 | EF3 | 80 km | 46.0 mi | 0 |
| May 28, 1974 | EF3 | 97 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 88 km | 15.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | SNAKE TRAIL | 1,496 | 78 km |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 42 km |
| 1990 | UNNAMED | 598 | 86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.0 in | |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in | Driest |
| March | 31°F (-0°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.1 in | |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.8 in | |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 4.1 in | |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.6 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 4.3 in | |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.2 in | Coldest |
Rochester has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 18°F in December to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.8").