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Weather & Climate in Wausau, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Wausau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 33.9 inches. The area receives 64.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,325 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,325 ft (404 m) |
| Area | 20.0 sq mi (51.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,075/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9618°N, 89.6465°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marathon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW) 74 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | 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 | 82 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
253 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 163 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 | EF4 | 41 km | 31.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 | EF4 | 75 km | 26.4 mi | 6 |
| Jun 25, 1950 | EF4 | 69 km | 13.1 mi | 2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 | EF3 | 25 km | 21.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 | EF3 | 51 km | 40.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 98 km | 10.5 mi | 2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 | EF3 | 100 km | 28.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF3 | 75 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF3 | 80 km | 29.0 mi | 1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 11 km | 78.4 mi | 0 |
| May 3, 1955 | EF3 | 41 km | 6.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 84 km | 1.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 2013 | EF2 | 94 km | 13.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 | EF2 | 72 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 | EF2 | 99 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 | EF2 | 24 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 | EF2 | 82 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 | EF2 | 60 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 | EF2 | 95 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 1997 | EF2 | 22 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 acres, 2005).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2005 | COTTONVILLE INCIDENT | 3,466 | 96 km |
| 1987 | BIG BURN | 3,154 | 98 km |
| 2024 | 2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX | 2,717 | 88 km |
| 1994 | BIG BURN | 2,248 | 99 km |
| 2023 | 2023 RX | 1,992 | 88 km |
| 1997 | BIG BURN | 1,642 | 98 km |
| 1998 | UNNAMED | 1,297 | 98 km |
| 2021 | 2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX | 987 | 88 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 901 | 100 km |
| 2007 | PR 16 | 778 | 99 km |
| 2006 | PR 17 RX FIRE | 701 | 98 km |
| 2003 | PR 17 | 632 | 98 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 580 | 96 km |
| 2001 | BIG BURN | 565 | 98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-10°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.9 in | Driest |
| March | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 65°F (18°C) | 3.8 in | |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (19°C) | 4.2 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 4.2 in | Wettest |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.3 in |
Wausau has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.9").