Seasons of the Year Seasons in South Dakota
South Dakota is a predominantly flat state with a temperate continental climate. The territory is divided in two by the Missouri River.
Winters are cold, summers are warm and rainy, there are many forests, lakes and rivers. In the west, the climate is drier than in the east. Thunderstorms and tornadoes are more common in the southwestern regions. Most rainfall occurs in the Black Hills.
Seasons
Contents:
Spring in South Dakota
South Dakota has a mild spring with little rainfall. Snow is still possible in the western part of the state in March. There is a ski resort in the town of Lid, where the snow stays until the beginning of April. Temperatures average 50 °F (+10 °C) to 60 °F (+15 °C) during the day, with temperatures dropping to 45 °F (+7 °C) at night. In March, there are mild frosts at night. Showers and thunderstorms come in May.
In the spring, it is recommended to explore the Black Hills National Forest and Caster State Park. Use insect repellents to keep out insects. If you are a little lucky, you will see bison, bears, coyotes. Do not approach wild animals, it is dangerous. The hunting season begins in April. Wear bright clothes so hunters can see you from afar.
Climate of the Spring Months
| March Max average t°: 46 °F (+8 °C) Min average t°: 26 °F (-3.5 °C) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 1.9" (49 mm) |
| April Max average t°: 59 °F (+15 °C) Min average t°: 38 °F (+3.5 °C) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 3.7" (94 mm) |
| May Max average t°: 69 °F (+21 °C) Min average t°: 50 °F (+10 °C) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 4.6" (118 mm) |
(Sioux Falls)
Spring Holidays
March 1st: National Women of Color Day.
March 17: St.Patrick 's Day.
April 1: April Fools' Day.
April 22: International Earth Day.
2nd Sunday of May: Mother’s Day.
last Monday in May: Memorial Day.
Summer in South Dakota
Summers in South Dakota are quite hot. The temperature rises to 90 °F (+32 °C). The hottest month is July. Nights in June and August can be chilly, as low as 60 °F (+15 °C). Several times a year, there are record temperatures above 100 °F (+37 °C). Dry periods are likely after spring thunderstorms, especially in the western part of the state. In the southeast, tornadoes with a low hazard category are possible.
In summer, tourists are offered hiking or cycling tours to Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave and other national parks. History lovers can see the monuments of the Wild West. Traditional local entertainment is kayaking, canoeing. Fata and Raflok waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon make a majestic impression. Swimming and fishing are allowed in rivers and lakes.
Climate of the Summer Months
| June Max average t°: 77 °F (+26 °C) Min average t°: 60 °F (+16 °C) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 5.4" (138 mm) |
| July Max average t°: 84 °F (+29 °C) Min average t°: 66 °F (+19 °C) Sundial in the day: 11.5 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 3.4" (86 mm) |
| August Max average t°: 81 °F (+27 °C) Min average t°: 63 °F (+17 °C) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 3.5" (89 mm) |
(Sioux Falls)
Summer Holidays
June 14: Day of the American flag.
June 19: Juneteenth Day.
Third Sunday of June: Father’s Day.
July 4: Independence Day.
August 26: Women's Equality Day.
Autumn in South Dakota
Autumn is mild in South Dakota. Precipitation is likely, but it cannot spoil the weather for long. Average daytime temperatures reach 57 °F (+14 °C). The likelihood of storms or tornadoes is greatly reduced. The first frosts are likely in October.
Autumn colors glow especially brightly in places like Sica Hollow State Park or Badlands National Park. It is better to plan walks in the first half of the day, as precipitation is likely in the second half. October is the best time to see the sunrise and sunset over Lake Silvan.
Climate of the Autumn Months
| September Max average t°: 75 °F (+24 °C) Min average t°: 56 °F (+13.5 °C) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 3.2" (82 mm) |
| October Max average t°: 60 °F (+15.5 °C) Min average t°: 43 °F (+6 °C) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 2.6" (65 mm) |
| November Max average t°: 45 °F (+7 °C) Min average t°: 29 °F (-1 °C) Sundial in the day: 6.5 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 1.7" (42 mm) |
(Sioux Falls)
Autumn Holidays
1st Monday in September: Labor Day.
2nd Monday in October: Native American’s Day.
October 31: Halloween (All Hallows' Eve).
November 11: Veterans Day.
4th Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day.
Winter in South Dakota
The first snow may appear in autumn, but it gets really cold only in December. In South Dakota, the average temperature from December to February is below 10 F. Peak winter temperatures are around 32 °F (0 °C). Snowfalls are frequent. This pleases winter sports enthusiasts.
From December to January, tourist activity in South Dakota dies down. However, ski and snowmobile enthusiasts will find over 1,500 miles (~2400 km) of snow trails. The motorways are regularly cleared of snow, so you can easily get to the ski base. Locals willingly go ice skating, play hockey, and ice fishing. Don't forget to wear warm clothes. Winters in South Dakota are frosty.
Climate of the Winter Months
| December Max average t°: 30 °F (-1 °C) Min average t°: 16 °F (-9 °C) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Snowy days: 4 days Precipitation: 1.2" (30 mm) |
| January Max average t°: 28 °F (-2.5 °C) Min average t°: 11 °F (-12 °C) Sundial in the day: 5.5 hours Snowy days: 4 days Precipitation: 0.9" (23 mm) |
| February Max average t°: 32 °F (0 °C) Min average t°: 14 °F (-10 °C) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Snowy days: 4 days Precipitation: 1.1" (27 mm) |
(Sioux Falls)
Winter Holidays
December 25: Christmas Day.
January 1: New Year’s Day.
January 20 every fourth year: Inauguration Day.
3rd Monday in January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 14: St. Valentine's Day.
3rd Monday in February: Washington and Lincoln’s Birthdays.
