Weather & Climate in Spencer, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,317 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,317 ft (401 m) |
| Area | 11.1 sq mi (28.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,040/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1470°N, 95.1527°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| 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: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 148 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 36 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 177 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 52 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 72 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 94 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 73 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 79 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF4 | 72 km | 24.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 70 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 89 km | 10.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 91 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 29 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 67 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 76 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 0 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF3 | 74 km | 15.9 mi | 2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 32 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 | EF3 | 30 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 65 km | 46.5 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 28 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 37 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 26, 1969 | EF3 | 98 km | 22.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.3 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.4 in | |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 1.4 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.8 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (21°C) | 3.3 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 2.2 in | |
| November | 35°F (1°C) | 1.1 in | |
| December | 22°F (-5°C) | 0.4 in |
Spencer has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.3").