Weather & Climate in Sleepy Eye, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Sleepy Eye experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.1 inches. The area receives 38.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,034 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,034 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,839/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2989°N, 94.7236°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT) 40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.1.
| Feb 9, 1994 | 6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota | M3.1 | 81 km | 5 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 59 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
460 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 674 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 | EF5 | 83 km | 9.1 mi | 9 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 75 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 94 km | 12.3 mi | 3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 | EF4 | 70 km | 52.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 | EF3 | 92 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 36 km | 33.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 44 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 62 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 44 km | 12.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 69 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 89 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 90 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 52 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF3 | 61 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 | EF2 | 93 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF2 | 64 km | 1.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF2 | 7 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF2 | 52 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF2 | 30 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 2003 | EF2 | 76 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: LINCOLN WPA RX (575 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.9 in | |
| March | 33°F (0°C) | 1.6 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 2.9 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.1 in | |
| June | 69°F (20°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 34°F (1°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.9 in |
Sleepy Eye has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.7").