Weather & Climate in Sioux Center, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Sioux Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,427 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,427 ft (435 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,302/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0748°N, 96.1704°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sioux County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD) 45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Feb 6, 1996 | 1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska | M3.6 | 128 km | 5 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 | 5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota | M3.1 | 138 km | 5 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 91 km | 10 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 | 6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska | M2.5 | 137 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
664 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 7 fatalities, 170 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF5 | 82 km | 16.0 mi | 1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 | EF4 | 83 km | 24.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 44 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF4 | 94 km | 54.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF4 | 100 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 | EF4 | 79 km | 52.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 | EF4 | 87 km | 7.8 mi | 1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF4 | 45 km | 24.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 95 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 51 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 | EF3 | 84 km | 1.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 | EF3 | 92 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 | EF3 | 83 km | 12.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 83 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1979 | EF3 | 70 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 | EF3 | 27 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 | EF3 | 56 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 59 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 76 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 24 km | 46.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 0.9 in | |
| March | 36°F (2°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 49°F (9°C) | 3.0 in | |
| May | 61°F (16°C) | 4.2 in | |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 3.4 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.0 in |
Sioux Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").