Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
South Bend experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The area receives 64.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. 65% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 725 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)72°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average
49.3°F
9% below US avg
January Average
24°F (-4°C)
July Average
72°F (22°C)
Geography
Elevation
725 ft (221 m)
Area
41.8 sq mi (108.3 km²)
Population Density
2,455/sq mi
Coordinates
41.6766°N, 86.2688°W
Timezone
America/Indiana/Indianapolis
County
St. Joseph County County
Nearest Airport
South Bend International (SBN) 3 miles away
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall39.2"
3% above US avg
Snowfall64.5"
Wettest Month (May)4.20"
Driest Month (Feb)2.31"
Air Quality
AQI Median
45.0
Rating
Good
Good Days %
64.8%
Unhealthy Days
2
Natural Hazard Risk
Overall Risk
Relatively Moderate
Risk Score
85.8 / 100
Social Vulnerability
37.2 / 100
Community Resilience
90.0 / 100
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado
Relatively High
Hurricane
Very Low
Earthquake
Relatively Low
Wildfire
Very Low
Flood
Relatively Moderate
Hail
Relatively High
Strong Wind
Relatively High
Heat Wave
Relatively Moderate
Winter Weather
Relatively Moderate
Lightning
Relatively Moderate
Ice Storm
Relatively Moderate
Drought
Very Low
Cold Wave
Relatively High
Landslide
Very Low
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.
May 2, 2015
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan
M4.2
93 km
4 km
Jun 30, 2015
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan
M3.3
114 km
5 km
Nov 4, 2013
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois
M3.2
130 km
1 km
Jan 26, 2012
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana
M3.0
66 km
5 km
Jun 12, 2015
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio
M2.6
149 km
5 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
399 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 118 fatalities, 1,461 injuries.
Date
Rating
Distance
Path
Fatalities
Apr 2, 1977
EF4
90 km
12.4 mi
0
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
48 km
21.6 mi
5
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
91 km
90.3 mi
23
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
24 km
21.2 mi
31
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
12 km
37.0 mi
36
May 27, 2019
EF3
78 km
13.7 mi
0
Oct 18, 2007
EF3
43 km
20.3 mi
0
Oct 24, 2001
EF3
15 km
47.0 mi
1
May 13, 1980
EF3
83 km
10.6 mi
5
May 13, 1980
EF3
61 km
21.0 mi
0
Mar 12, 1976
EF3
58 km
12.6 mi
0
Mar 12, 1976
EF3
54 km
12.1 mi
0
Apr 3, 1974
EF3
72 km
36.2 mi
5
Oct 24, 1967
EF3
80 km
0.1 mi
0
Nov 26, 1965
EF3
19 km
1.0 mi
0
Apr 11, 1965
EF3
86 km
33.1 mi
0
Apr 11, 1965
EF3
45 km
35.6 mi
10
Apr 11, 1965
EF3
95 km
14.2 mi
0
Apr 30, 1962
EF3
21 km
36.5 mi
0
Apr 30, 1962
EF3
76 km
0.1 mi
0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
Year
Location
Cause
Max Wave
Deaths
Distance
1954
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN)
Avalanche
3.0 m
7
51 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km.
Largest: OGDEN DUNS (863 acres, 1986).
Year
Name
Acres Burned
Distance
1986
OGDEN DUNS
863
79 km
2021
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST
594
78 km
2017
17 INDU COWLES DUNES
522
70 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
Month
Avg Temperature
Precipitation
Summary
January
24°F (-4°C)
2.7 in
Coldest
February
27°F (-3°C)
2.3 in
Driest
March
37°F (3°C)
2.4 in
April
48°F (9°C)
3.5 in
May
59°F (15°C)
4.2 in
Wettest
June
69°F (20°C)
4.0 in
July
72°F (22°C)
3.8 in
Warmest
August
71°F (22°C)
4.0 in
September
64°F (18°C)
3.5 in
October
52°F (11°C)
3.7 in
November
40°F (4°C)
2.8 in
December
30°F (-1°C)
2.4 in
South Bend has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.3").