The best times to visit Western South Dakota for ideal weather are

May 14th to July 15th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

 

 


Other Western South Dakota Travel Info

Weather in Western South Dakota

Temperature

Average temperatures in Western South Dakota vary an incredible amount. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 39th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Western South Dakota, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid July where highs are regularly around 95°F (35°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 62.6°F (17°C) at night.

Western South Dakota Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Key
High
Average
Low

Western South Dakota Temperatures (Celsius)

Key
High
Average
Low

“Feels-Like” Temperatures

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Western South Dakota Perceived Temperature (F)

Key
High
Average
Low

Western South Dakota Perceived Temperature (C)

Key
High
Average
Low

 

Average Western South Dakota Temperatures by Month

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Month Avg. High (°F) Avg. Mean (°F) Avg. Low (°F)
Jan 36.5 22.9 12
Feb 37 22.7 11.9
Mar 53.7 36.8 24.4
Apr 61.7 45.6 32.8
May 71.4 56.3 43.3
Jun 82.1 67.2 53.9
Jul 92.4 75.9 61
Aug 90.4 73.3 58.7
Sep 82.7 64.1 48.6
Oct 64.6 48.8 36
Nov 50.5 35 22.9
Dec 34.1 21.5 10.9

Show Celsius

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Mean (°C) Avg. Low (°C)
Jan 2.5 -5.1 -11.1
Feb 2.8 -5.2 -11.2
Mar 12.1 2.7 -4.2
Apr 16.5 7.6 0.4
May 21.9 13.5 6.3
Jun 27.8 19.6 12.2
Jul 33.6 24.4 16.1
Aug 32.4 22.9 14.8
Sep 28.2 17.8 9.2
Oct 18.1 9.3 2.2
Nov 10.3 1.7 -5.1
Dec 1.2 -5.8 -11.7

 


 

Precipitation (Rain or Snow)

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Western South Dakota are January, November, and then March. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in mid June with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of June 18th.

When can you find snow in Western South Dakota? Weather stations report no annual snow. Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Western South Dakota.

Key
Days with precipitation

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Western South Dakota (in).

Key
Snow depth

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show Inches

Month Daily Chance of Rain Average Snow Depth (in) Total Precipitation (in)
Jan 2% 0 0.3
Feb 6% 0 0.5
Mar 5% 0 0.7
Apr 16% 0 1.6
May 18% 0 3.2
Jun 23% 0 3.5
Jul 11% 0 1.6
Aug 14% 0 1.9
Sep 8% 0 0.8
Oct 10% 0 1.6
Nov 4% 0 0.5
Dec 6% 0 1.3

Show Centimeters

Month Daily Chance of Rain Average Snow Depth (cm) Total Precipitation (cm)
Jan 2 0 0.8
Feb 6 0 1.3
Mar 5 0 1.8
Apr 16 0 4.1
May 18 0 8.1
Jun 23 0 8.9
Jul 11 0 4.1
Aug 14 0 4.8
Sep 8 0 2
Oct 10 0 4.1
Nov 4 0 1.3
Dec 6 0 3.3

 

Humidity and Wind

Western South Dakota has some slightly muggy months, with moderately humid months on the other side of the year. The least humid month is September (43.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (63.4%).

Wind in Western South Dakota is usually moderate. The windiest month is April, followed by May and March. April’s average wind speed of around 10 knots (11.5 MPH or 18.5 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early May where average top sustained speeds reach 20 knots, which is considered a fresh breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Western South Dakota.

Key
Avg. Relative Humidity

Wind

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Key
Max Sustained Wind
Average Daily Wind

Average Wind Speeds

Show Wind Speeds

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Month Avg. Wind Avg. Wind Feel Sustained High Wind High Wind Feel
Jan 9 Gentle breeze 17.5 Strong breeze
Feb 8.4 Gentle breeze 16.5 Significant breeze
Mar 9.1 Gentle breeze 17.7 Strong breeze
Apr 10 Gentle breeze 19 Strong breeze
May 9.5 Gentle breeze 18.6 Strong breeze
Jun 8 Gentle breeze 17.8 Strong breeze
Jul 7.3 Gentle breeze 15.8 Strong breeze
Aug 7.3 Gentle breeze 16 Significant breeze
Sep 7.7 Gentle breeze 15.8 Strong breeze
Oct 8.7 Gentle breeze 17.1 Strong breeze
Nov 7.9 Gentle breeze 15.8 Strong breeze
Dec 7.7 Gentle breeze 15.2 Significant breeze

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Month Avg. Relative Humidity
Jan 56.5%
Feb 59%
Mar 50.5%
Apr 48.6%
May 54.3%
Jun 57.1%
Jul 46.1%
Aug 48.5%
Sep 43.2%
Oct 50.8%
Nov 51.6%
Dec 63.4%

 

Is it Safe to Travel to Western South Dakota?

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for the United States; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. This advisory was last updated on Dec 04, 2023.


 

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Western South Dakota, SD, US is August, followed by September and May. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Western South Dakota in October. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

 

Most Popular Months to Visit

Key
Tourists Seeking Accommodations

Tourism graph is based on Google searches for services used by tourists relative to the rest of the year. Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. Displayed data is calculated relative to the peak, so a score of 51.9 in October means 51.9% of the tourists vs. August.

 

 

Overall Western South Dakota Travel Experience by Season

Spring (March through May)

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 76.5°F (24.7°C) and 36.7°F (2.6°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 2 to 6 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is fairly slow for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the most precipitation with 3 to 7 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Western South Dakota, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 85.6°F (29.8°C) and 42.8°F (6°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 1 to 3 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is far too cold this time of year in Western South Dakota to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 41.8°F (5.4°C) and 31°F (-0.6°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 1 to 2 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.

 

Best Times to Travel› the United States › Western South Dakota, SD, US