Weather & Climate in Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Sault Ste. Marie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. The area receives 120.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 704 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 704 ft (215 m) |
| Area | 20.2 sq mi (52.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 906/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4762°N, 84.3705°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Chippewa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa County International (CIU) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
13 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF1. Total: 1 injury.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1993 | EF1 | 74 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1993 | EF1 | 74 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 16, 1988 | EF1 | 90 km | 0.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1987 | EF1 | 63 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 16, 1978 | EF1 | 63 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 22, 1977 | EF1 | 90 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 5, 1977 | EF1 | 9 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 2016 | EF0 | 81 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 14, 1996 | EF0 | 91 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 1987 | EF0 | 51 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 1, 1987 | EF0 | 24 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1983 | EF0 | 95 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1972 | EF0 | 50 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DUCK LAKE (21,484 acres, 2012).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2012 | DUCK LAKE | 21,484 | 81 km |
| 2007 | SLEEPER LAKE | 17,623 | 88 km |
| 1998 | CAMP FAUNCE | 1,922 | 40 km |
| 1999 | MACKINAC3 | 741 | 79 km |
| 2019 | RIFLE RANGE | 729 | 39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 2.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.5 in | Driest |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 39°F (4°C) | 2.6 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 2.6 in | |
| June | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 in | |
| July | 66°F (19°C) | 3.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 3.2 in | |
| September | 58°F (15°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 4.4 in | Wettest |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 3.4 in | |
| December | 24°F (-5°C) | 2.8 in |
Sault Ste. Marie has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 16°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with October being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.5").