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Weather & Climate in Rushmore, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Rushmore has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches. The area receives 45.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,663 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,663 ft (507 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,404/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6197°N, 95.7990°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nobles County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M2.7.
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 105 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
576 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 317 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF5 | 27 km | 16.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 | EF5 | 61 km | 9.1 mi | 9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 23 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 43 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF4 | 91 km | 54.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF4 | 38 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF4 | 97 km | 24.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 92 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 17 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 98 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 88 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 70 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 53 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 | EF3 | 39 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 74 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 | EF3 | 73 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 94 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 | EF3 | 71 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 39 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 48 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in | |
| March | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 2.7 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.2 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.1 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.1 in | |
| November | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.2 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.8 in |
Rushmore has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").