Weather & Climate in St. Joseph, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
St. Joseph 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 34.1 inches. The area receives 35.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,102 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 | 1,102 ft (336 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,624/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9133°N, 94.2272°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
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 | 143 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 72 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 876 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 92 km | 62.1 mi | 13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 | EF5 | 49 km | 9.7 mi | 6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 55 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 88 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 83 km | 66.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 44 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 43 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 44 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 98 km | 38.7 mi | 5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 96 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 71 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 1 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 | EF4 | 81 km | 9.9 mi | 1 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 60 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 | EF3 | 86 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 | EF3 | 44 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 86 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 | EF3 | 84 km | 17.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 65 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 | EF3 | 54 km | 6.0 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 | 64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 20°F (-7°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 33°F (0°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.7 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.3 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 34°F (1°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 in |
St. Joseph has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (0.9").