Weather & Climate in Sabula, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Sabula experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. The area receives 33.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 582 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 582 ft (177 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,086/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0702°N, 90.1825°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jo Daviess County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 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 | 126 km | 10 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 | 2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois | M3.8 | 140 km | 10 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 | 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois | M3.5 | 73 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 | 2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois | M3.1 | 131 km | 10 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 | 4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois | M2.6 | 139 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
602 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 223 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 | EF4 | 78 km | 30.1 mi | 2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 | EF4 | 48 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 67 km | 91.5 mi | 1 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 91 km | 22.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 79 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 52 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 79 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF3 | 53 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 61 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 57 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 | EF3 | 50 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 | EF3 | 12 km | 10.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 | EF3 | 87 km | 48.6 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1974 | EF3 | 61 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 | EF3 | 62 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 | EF3 | 54 km | 27.8 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF3 | 13 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF3 | 89 km | 24.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1966 | EF3 | 69 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 7, 1962 | EF3 | 63 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | COLD SPRINGS | 552 | 81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.8 in | |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 2.5 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.9 in | |
| May | 60°F (15°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 4.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 51°F (11°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 38°F (3°C) | 2.6 in | |
| December | 26°F (-3°C) | 2.2 in |
Sabula has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.7").