Dakota, SD has a continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Summers are generally short and mild with most of the precipitation happening in spring and early summer. As the summer progresses temperatures tend to increase slightly while humidity levels rise, making for balmy conditions throughout much of the season. Winters are snowy and cold with temperatures typically below freezing from December through March. Snowfall is abundant during these months as well as occasional blizzards that can cause temporary road closures and disruption of daily life. On average, temperatures range from 25°F in January to 81°F in July, making Dakota’s climate moderate compared to other parts of the country.
Dakota, South Dakota gets 18 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
Dakota averages 43 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
On average, there are 226 sunny days per year in Dakota. The US average is 205 sunny days.
Dakota gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 70 days per year. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. In order for precipitation to be counted you have to get at least .01 inches on the ground to measure.
Weather Highlights
Summer High: the July high is around 88 degrees
Winter Low: the January low is 10
Rain: averages 18 inches of rain a year
Snow: averages 43 inches of snow a year