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Weather & Climate in St. James, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
St. James has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches. The area receives 50.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,074 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,074 ft (327 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,935/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9834°N, 94.6254°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Watonwan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT) 39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very 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 Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 | 117 km | 5 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 55 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 135 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
513 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 593 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 | EF5 | 92 km | 9.1 mi | 9 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 91 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 73 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 91 km | 20.1 mi | 6 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 43 km | 33.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 12 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 66 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 49 km | 12.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 96 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 72 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 81 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 93 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF3 | 87 km | 15.9 mi | 2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 85 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 88 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF3 | 91 km | 18.4 mi | 2 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF3 | 86 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 | EF3 | 79 km | 31.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 93 km | 2.2 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 | EF2 | 97 km | 4.9 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | SNAKE TRAIL | 1,496 | 96 km |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 92 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.6 in | |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 60°F (15°C) | 3.4 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 4.1 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 49°F (9°C) | 2.1 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.8 in |
St. James has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").