The climate of Rapid City
Rapid City,
South Dakota lies within the Dfa Köppen climate zone, predominantly characterized by a humid continental climate, without a dry season and with hot summers. The geographical placement of Rapid City contributes to the varied weather conditions throughout the year.
Examining available climatological data, a significant variation in temperature exists throughout the year. High temperatures range from a brisk 32.5°F (0.3°C) in
December to a warm 84.7°F (29.3°C) in
July. Low temperatures similarly fluctuate, registering at 18°F (-7.8°C) in
January and ascending to 63.3°F (17.4°C) in July. Concurrently, relative humidity remains generally moderate to high, peaking at 77% in January and dipping to its lowest at 50% between July and
September.
Precipitation patterns reveal insightful details about Rapid City's climate. Monthly average rainfall amounts range from a relatively low 0.43" (11mm) in January to a substantial 2.28" (58mm) in
May. Rainfall days per month vary from approximately five days in winter months to a high of 17.1 days in May. Moreover, while snowfall primarily occurs from December to
April peak at 5.43" (138mm) in April, traces can be found as late as May and as early as
October. The amount of daylight and sunshine hours fluctuate according to the season, with the maximum daylight of 15.4 hours in
June and minimum of 8.9 hours in December.
The best time to visit Rapid City
Given the multiple facets of
Rapid City's climate, the best time to visit largely depends on the activities one desires to partake in. Travelers seeking warmer weather and longer days should consider visiting between
May and
September. During this period, average high temperatures range from 63.1°F (17.3°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C), whilst average low temperatures span from 45.3°F (7.4°C) to 63.3°F (17.4°C).
June provides the most daylight with approximately 15.4 hours per day, henceforth providing ample time for outdoor explorations. Sunshine levels peak in
July with an average of 11.7 hours a day.
The worst time to visit Rapid City
Conversely, the worst time to visit
Rapid City, particularly for travelers averse to cold weather, would be from
December to
February. During these months, average high temperatures fluctuate between 32.5°F (0.3°C) and 33.4°F (0.8°C), whereas low temperatures fluctuate between 18°F (-7.8°C) and 17.8°F (-7.9°C). Both daylight and sunshine hours decrease significantly during this period, with the shortest daylight hours seen in December at a mere 8.9 hours and the lowest sunshine hours observed in February with 5.9 hours a day.
Spring weather in Rapid City
Springtime in
Rapid City can be characterized by warming temperatures, increased rainfall, and expanding daylight hours. From
March to
May, average high temperatures increase from 45.5°F (7.5°C) to 63.1°F (17.3°C), whereas average low temperatures rise from 28.8°F (-1.8°C) to 45.3°F (7.4°C). Concurrently, rainfall escalates from 1.14" (29mm) in March to a peak of 2.28" (58mm) in May. Days of rainfall also follow this trend with a significant increase from 9.4 days in March to 17.1 days in May.
Summer weather in Rapid City
Summer in
Rapid City is marked by the warmest temperatures, longest days, and relatively reduced rainfall. From
June to
August, average high temperatures oscillate between 76.5°F (24.7°C) and 84.7°F (29.3°C), and average low temperatures from 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 63.3°F (17.4°C). Rainfall decreases from 1.73" (44mm) in June to 1.5" (38mm) in August whereas the number of rainy days remains relatively stable, hovering just below 14 days per month.
Autumn weather in Rapid City
Autumn ushers in a gradual decrease in temperatures, reduction in hours of daylight and sunshine, and a decrease in precipitation. From
September to
November, average high temperatures fall from 73.9°F (23.3°C) to 45.1°F (7.3°C), while average low temperatures tumble from 54°F (12.2°C) to 29.1°F (-1.6°C). Rainfall levels drop from 0.94" (24mm) in September to 0.63" (16mm) in November, with the number of rainy days decreasing from nearly eight in September to nearly six in November.
Winter weather in Rapid City
Winter in
Rapid City is characterized by cold temperatures, relatively low precipitation, and shortest daylight hours. Throughout
December to
February, average high temperatures range from 32.5°F (0.3°C) to 33.4°F (0.8°C), while average low temperatures shift between 18°F (-7.8°C) and 17.8°F (-7.9°C). Rainfall is at its lowest, reporting 0.63" (16mm) in both December and
January. Average snowfall peaks at 2.64" (67mm) in December, with an average of nine snowy days in a month.
Weather in January
Cold weather persists in
January, making it integral for residents and tourists in
Rapid City,
South Dakota to layer up. Some of the coldest temperatures of the year occur during this month with a chilling low at around 18°F (-7.8°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Gradual temperature changes occur in
Rapid City heading into
February, following the
January chill. Snow continues to grace the city, but the total snowfall decreases slightly compared to the previous month. An extra hour of daylight is welcomed, heralding the slow approach of spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March ushers in subtle signs of spring in
Rapid City. The days become noticeably longer, and temperatures start to climb, mirroring the seasonal transition. Snowfall starts to dwindle with highest temperature now sitting comfortably at 45.5°F (7.5°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings with it more rainfall than
March—registering at approximately 2.24" (57mm). It marks the onset of the wet season in
Rapid City. Temperature highs continue to climb, reaching into the 50s°F, much to the relief of residents.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May manifests classic spring weather features in
Rapid City. Residents begin to appreciate the warmer temperatures, extended daylight hours, and the beautiful blossoming flora associated with spring. Average rainfall during this time is 2.28" (58mm), with daylight spanning for an impressive 14.8 hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Rapid City ushers in summer with
June’s consistent warmth. The longer daylight hours persist, presenting an ideal time for outdoor activities. When compared to
May, June brings fewer rainy days, and the city welcomes a decrease in humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the quintessential summer month in
Rapid City. With an average high of 84.7°F (29.3°C), this is the hottest month of the year. Days see more sunshine than any other month, ensuring a true summer experience. Snowfall naturally becomes nonexistent, while daylight hours peak at the zenith of summer.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer trend in
Rapid City,
South Dakota. Although temperatures start to cool down a notch, the heat persists, keeping the ambiance summery. It's one of the months with the least cloud cover, maximizing visibility, and promoting extended hours of sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Even though
September ushers in autumn, the weather may still feel summery, especially at the month's onset. However, this month has a notorious reputation for a sharp decrease in temperature, signalling the end of summer.
Rapid City experiences a significant reduction in rainfall from 1.5" (38mm) in
August to 0.94" (24mm).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October further amplifies the autumn vibe in
Rapid City, carrying in a cooler scent of the air. Dipping temperatures give rise to warm-layer dressing, and the first signs of snow appear, hinting at winter's proximity. A slight increase in rainfall accompanies the weather shift.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November translates into colder weather in
Rapid City. The shift towards winter becomes even clearer as daylight hours continue to reduce. Snowfall becomes more frequent, blanketing the city with an average of 2.4" (61mm). Likewise, a hike in relative humidity sets a damper atmosphere.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Rapid City,
South Dakota culminates in full-blown winter weather. An average temperature low at around 18.7°F (-7.4°C) suggests the harshness of the season. Snowfall, combined with a decrease in daylight hours, creates quintessential cozy winter days.
Weather in December »