Climate of South Dakota, USA
Area-weighted average across South Dakota. For where people actually live and travel, see the cities below.
South Dakota, a subdivision of United States of America, has a strongly continental climate on average. Area-weighted monthly temperatures across the whole territory range from -8.8°C / 16.2°F in January to 22.7°C / 72.9°F in July, with rainfall from 10 mm / 0.4 in to 83 mm / 3.3 in depending on the season (490 mm / 19.3 in total across the year). See the city listed below for point-value climate at specific locations — these often differ from the area-weighted average, especially in geographically diverse subdivisions.
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -8.8°C16.2°F | 10 mm0.4″ | — |
| February | -5.1°C22.8°F | 13 mm0.5″ | — |
| March | 0.4°C32.7°F | 31 mm1.2″ | Snowy |
| April | 7.4°C45.3°F | 53 mm2.1″ | — |
| May | 14°C57.2°F | 75 mm3″ | — |
| June | 19.4°C66.9°F | 83 mm3.3″ | — |
| July | 22.7°C72.9°F | 66 mm2.6″ | — |
| August | 21.9°C71.4°F | 52 mm2″ | — |
| September | 16.2°C61.2°F | 43 mm1.7″ | Sunny & Mild |
| October | 9°C48.2°F | 34 mm1.3″ | — |
| November | -0.1°C31.8°F | 18 mm0.7″ | — |
| December | -6.5°C20.3°F | 12 mm0.5″ | — |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit South Dakota?
The best months to visit South Dakota, United States of America for sunny, dry weather are September. The warmest month is July at an area-wide average of 22.7°C / 72.9°F, and the driest is January with about 10 mm / 0.4 in of rainfall.
What is the climate of South Dakota?
South Dakota, United States of America has area-weighted monthly average temperatures ranging from -8.8°C / 16.2°F in January to 22.7°C / 72.9°F in July. Annual rainfall averages about 490 mm / 19.3 in, with the wettest month being June (83 mm / 3.3 in) and the driest January (10 mm / 0.4 in). Because this is an area average across the whole subdivision, local city values can differ substantially.
What is the hottest month in South Dakota?
The hottest month in South Dakota is July, with an area-wide average temperature of 22.7°C / 72.9°F.
What is the coldest month in South Dakota?
The coldest month in South Dakota is January, with an area-wide average temperature of -8.8°C / 16.2°F.
When does it rain most in South Dakota?
The wettest month in South Dakota is June, averaging about 83 mm / 3.3 in of rainfall. The driest is January with about 10 mm / 0.4 in.