Weather & Climate in Three Lakes, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Three Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 207.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,634 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 39.0°F |
| 28% below US avg | |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,634 ft (498 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 37/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5342°N, 88.1839°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Baraga County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | No Rating |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.5.
| Jan 7, 2024 | 3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin | M2.5 | 129 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
41 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 18 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 11, 1987 | EF3 | 88 km | 71.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 | EF3 | 91 km | 24.3 mi | 0 |
| May 28, 1991 | EF2 | 98 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1981 | EF2 | 51 km | 2.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 | EF2 | 93 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 22, 1968 | EF2 | 21 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1964 | EF2 | 91 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 1959 | EF2 | 85 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 | EF1 | 100 km | 0.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 | EF1 | 75 km | 4.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 | EF1 | 57 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 2016 | EF1 | 29 km | 3.9 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 2016 | EF1 | 11 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 2012 | EF1 | 30 km | 7.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 | EF1 | 80 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 10, 2000 | EF1 | 53 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 1995 | EF1 | 86 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 | EF1 | 97 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 | EF1 | 67 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF1 | 71 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: MARQUETTE9 (4,224 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | MARQUETTE9 | 4,224 | 16 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE11 | 3,983 | 69 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE13 | 2,491 | 68 km |
| 2007 | BARAGA BUMP | 1,047 | 33 km |
| 2009 | FALLS | 820 | 35 km |
| 2009 | PINERY | 695 | 31 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE10 | 671 | 34 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE9 | 521 | 21 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°F (-11°C) | 1.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 13°F (-11°C) | 1.2 in | Driest |
| March | 24°F (-5°C) | 1.3 in | |
| April | 37°F (3°C) | 2.5 in | |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 3.1 in | |
| June | 60°F (15°C) | 3.2 in | |
| July | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 in | |
| September | 56°F (13°C) | 3.8 in | Wettest |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 3.5 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.4 in |
Three Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 12°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.2").