Weather & Climate in Wells, VT
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Wells experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.5 inches. The area receives 74.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 477 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 477 ft (145 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 535/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4187°N, 73.2123°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rutland/Southern Vermont Regional (RUT) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.3.
| Apr 20, 2002 | 8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York | M5.3 | 128 km | 5 km |
| Jun 17, 1991 | 7 km NE of Worcester, New York | M4.0 | 148 km | 5 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 | 7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York | M3.8 | 103 km | 5 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 | 8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire | M3.8 | 142 km | 5 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 | 6 km W of Hardwick, Massachusetts | M3.7 | 141 km | 10 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 | 5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York | M3.7 | 125 km | 5 km |
| Oct 6, 1992 | 1 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire | M3.4 | 133 km | 5 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 | 1 km NW of Hardwick, Massachusetts | M3.3 | 143 km | 10 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M3.2 | 119 km | 10 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 | 2 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire | M3.2 | 132 km | 5 km |
| May 24, 2002 | 6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York | M3.1 | 126 km | 10 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 | 0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York | M3.1 | 37 km | 13 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 | 12 km SSW of Altamont, New York | M3.1 | 117 km | 15 km |
| May 18, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M3.1 | 119 km | 9 km |
| Jun 25, 2002 | 6 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York | M3.0 | 126 km | 9 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 | 3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York | M3.0 | 133 km | 4 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 | 4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire | M2.9 | 145 km | 8 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 | 13 km WNW of North Creek, New York | M2.9 | 83 km | 16 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M2.9 | 119 km | 7 km |
| May 14, 2007 | 5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont | M2.8 | 31 km | 8 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Category 1+) recorded within 500 km since 1980. Strongest on record: Category 2.
| Year | Name | Category | Max Wind | Closest |
| 1991 | Bob | Category 2 | 104 mph | 239 km |
| 1985 | Gloria | Category 1 | 86 mph | 172 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980-2026).
Tornado History
103 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 92 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 31, 1998 | EF3 | 72 km | 30.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 20, 1968 | EF3 | 49 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 | EF3 | 88 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 2002 | EF2 | 47 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1998 | EF2 | 100 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 | EF2 | 43 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 | EF2 | 64 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| May 29, 1969 | EF2 | 26 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 1966 | EF2 | 61 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 1, 1966 | EF2 | 86 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 9, 1962 | EF2 | 51 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 9, 1962 | EF2 | 60 km | 7.7 mi | 0 |
| Oct 24, 1955 | EF2 | 58 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 22, 1955 | EF2 | 47 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 | EF1 | 97 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 | EF1 | 97 km | 1.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 | EF1 | 80 km | 4.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 | EF1 | 71 km | 8.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 2023 | EF1 | 93 km | 12.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 | EF1 | 83 km | 0.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: EAST MOUNTAIN (964 acres, 2021).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2021 | EAST MOUNTAIN | 964 | 78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 2.6 in | Driest |
| March | 33°F (0°C) | 3.0 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 3.3 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.4 in | |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.6 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 4.1 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 3.0 in | |
| December | 28°F (-2°C) | 3.6 in |
Wells has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.6").