Weather & Climate in Washington, IL
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Washington experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. The area receives 23.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 755 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg | |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 755 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 8.6 sq mi (22.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,865/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7064°N, 89.4335°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Woodford County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| Jun 28, 2004 | 12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois | M4.2 | 95 km | 10 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 | 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois | M3.5 | 113 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 | 2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois | M3.1 | 121 km | 10 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 | 6 km W of Dwight, Illinois | M2.6 | 89 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
711 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 651 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF4 | 15 km | 46.4 mi | 3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 | EF4 | 14 km | 9.6 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 82 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1977 | EF4 | 53 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 | EF4 | 29 km | 4.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 | EF3 | 86 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 | EF3 | 24 km | 17.8 mi | 0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 | EF3 | 80 km | 11.5 mi | 2 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 88 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 | EF3 | 74 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 | EF3 | 84 km | 24.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 | EF3 | 62 km | 15.8 mi | 8 |
| May 10, 2003 | EF3 | 34 km | 17.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | EF3 | 44 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF3 | 53 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 95 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 73 km | 22.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 | EF3 | 56 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 78 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 65 km | 14.0 mi | 2 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°F (-4°C) | 2.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.0 in | Driest |
| March | 41°F (5°C) | 2.8 in | |
| April | 53°F (12°C) | 4.0 in | |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| June | 73°F (23°C) | 4.0 in | |
| July | 76°F (25°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 75°F (24°C) | 3.5 in | |
| September | 67°F (20°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 3.2 in | |
| November | 42°F (6°C) | 2.9 in | |
| December | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.3 in |
Washington has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (2.0").