Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bismarck, ND

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The historical building of the State Capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota
The historical building of the State Capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota

The climate of Bismarck

The city of Bismarck, North Dakota, bears the Köppen climatic classification of Dfb, typically characterizing the region with a Humid continental climate, no dry season, and warm summers. Positioned geographically in the North-central part of the United States, the climate predominantly experiences significant variations in weather parameters throughout the year.

An analysis of climatological data reveals a fluctuating pattern of weather elements across the months. Temperature highs show a progressive increase from a chilly 20.8°F (-6.2°C) in January to a peak of 83.7°F (28.7°C) in July before declining to the lower side of 23.2°F (-4.9°C) by December. Simultaneously, the temperature lows follow a parallel trend, shifting from a freezing 6.1°F (-14.4°C) in January, peaking to 61.3°F (16.3°C) in July, and dip to 11.3°F (-11.5°C) in December.

Rainfall, while not very high, is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with a maximum of 2.28" (58mm) in June and a minimum of 0.59" (15mm) in January. Snowfall in Bismarck is characteristic of winter months with highest snowfall, 4.33" (110mm) in February while ceasing completely between June and September.

The climatic uniqueness of Bismarck is observed in the high humidity levels, particularly during winter months with an average relative humidity of 89% in January. In contrast, a significantly lower relative humidity is recorded during summer months ranging from 55% to 59% between July to September.

The best time to visit Bismarck

Factoring all the weather components, the ideal time-frame to schedule a visit to Bismarck would be during the warmer months, between May to September. During these months, the average daily maximum temperature is comfortably warm, oscillating between 64.9°F (18.3°C) and 83.7°F (28.7°C). The precipitation is moderate, and sunshine is abundant, lasting for 9.5 hours to 11.4 hours a day. Furthermore, wind speeds are generally milder, compared with other months, averaging between 8.5mph (13.7km/h) and 10mph (16.1km/h).

The worst time to visit Bismarck

Travel plans in winter months, specifically between November to February, may likely face unfavorable weather conditions. During this period, the city experiences sub-freezing temperatures, with average daily maximum temperatures dwindling between 20.8°F (-6.2°C) to 38.7°F (3.7°C). Moreover, snowfall is prevalent, peaking at 4.33" (110mm) in February, partnered with relatively high wind speeds averaging above 9.6mph (15.4km/h), thus enhancing the winter chill.

Spring weather in Bismarck

The spring season, spanning March to May, witnesses a considerable rise in temperatures from the winter lows. The average daily high temperatures rise consistently from 37.9°F (3.3°C) in March to a comfortable 64.9°F (18.3°C) in May. However, relative humidity dips from 80% to 63%, marking the transition from a moist winter to a dry Summer. Rainfall also shows an increasing trend with April and May receiving 1.42" (36mm) and 2.17" (55mm) respectively. On average, the city enjoys between 11.9 hours and 15.1 hours of daylight throughout this season.

Summer weather in Bismarck

Summers, extending from June to August, bring a warm and relatively dry climate to Bismarck. The average daily high temperatures hover between a mild 75.6°F (24.2°C) in June to a warm 83.7°F (28.7°C) in July while the average daily low temperatures range from 55.6°F (13.1°C) to 61.3°F (16.3°C). Relative humidity continues to decrease, reaching a minimum of 55% in August. Although rainfall is relatively high during the Summer with June witnessing 2.28" (58mm), the city experiences the most extensive daylight hours ranging from 15.1 hours in June to 14.2 hours in August.

Autumn weather in Bismarck

Autumn in Bismarck, defined by the months of September to November, observes a steady drop in temperatures. The daily high averages, decline from a mild 72°F (22.2°C) in September to a chilly 38.7°F (3.7°C) in November. Similarly, daily low averages plummet from 52°F (11.1°C) in September to 25.5°F (-3.6°C) in November. The relative humidity begins to increase, indicating the onset of a moist winter. Rainfall during this season registers a slight dip from 1.22" (31mm) in September to 0.63" (16mm) in November.

Winter weather in Bismarck

The winter season in Bismarck, lasts from December to February. It is characterized by biting cold temperatures, with daily high averages varying from 20.8°F (-6.2°C) in January to 23.2°F (-4.9°C) in December. The daily lows dip significantly as well, touching a freezing point of 6.1°F (-14.4°C) in January. Additionally, snowfall is synonymous with winters in Bismarck with February experiencing the highest snowfall of 4.33" (110mm). The relative humidity also rises to approximately 86% in December, accompanied by short days experiencing an average of nine hours daylight.

Weather in January

January signals the arrival of winter in full force in Bismarck, North Dakota. This month is characterized by its low temperatures, relatively high humidity, and voluminous amounts of snow. The average high temperature and low temperature run from 20.8°F (-6.2°C) to 6.1°F (-14.4°C), accompanied by a significant 3.58" (91mm) of snowfall. Weather in January »

Weather in February

In February, the frigid grip of winter maintains its hold on Bismarck, with a continued pattern of low temperatures, high humidity levels, and significant snowfall. Even though the transition into slightly warmer temperatures has begun, Bismarck's weather in this month witnesses 4.33" (110mm) of snowfall. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Emerging from the traditional winter months, March portrays a blend of meteorological extremes in Bismarck. As March approaches, it carries along the first hints of warmer days, whilst still afflicted by 4.25" (108mm) of snowfall. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April marks the transition to spring in Bismarck with increasing temperatures and less snowfall. By this time, the last traces of winter snow are melting, with only 2.36" (60mm) of snowfall projected for the month. The rise of mercury is slow yet noticeable, as spring gradually unrolls with considerable changes in the characteristics of the Bismarck landscape. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Spring takes root in Bismarck in the month of May with increasing temperatures and an abundance of rain showers. A conspicuous feature of weather in this month is the highest rainfall of the year, recorded at 2.17" (55mm). May witnesses a consistent upsurge in daylight duration, enabling the residents to indulge in outdoor activities. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June inaugurates the onset of summer in Bismarck, boasting higher temperatures and an augmented amount of daylight. Citied amongst the hottest months of the year, a sliver of the arid conditions can be attributed to the marginal rainfall drop to 2.28" (58mm). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July stands as the zenith of summer in Bismarck, with the most sweltering temperatures of the year. The city endures the scorching highs of the mercury barometer, scaling from 83.7°F (28.7°C) down to 61.3°F (16.3°C). Although July is the hottest month, the humidity is manageable, making the summer heat more tolerable. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Bismarck characteristically portrays a consistent summer pattern, with high temperatures, isolated thunderstorms, and ample sunshine hours. While maintaining a similar temperature range to July, August sees a slight decrement in the rainfall to 1.38" (35mm). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September ushers in fall in Bismarck, demonstrated by cooler temperatures, less rain, and the onset of the foliage transition. Notwithstanding the decrease from the summer heat, Bismarck experiences rainfall of 1.22" (31mm). Remaining relatively mild, September serves a gentle transition between the hot summer days to the cooler times of autumn. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Bismarck is synonymous with autumn; the leaves are at their peak of color, temperatures continue to drop, and occasional rain showers persist. In a surprising turn of events, the city witnesses an unseasonal 1.65" (42mm) of snowfall. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November announces the dawn of winter in Bismarck, displaying a plunge in temperatures, recurrent snowfall, and reduced daylight hours. From the beginning of winter, Bismarck starts to accumulate snow, with an average of 2.76" (70mm) in November. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Bismarck carries the full blast of winter with it. It's characterized by low temperatures, high humidity, and prominent snowfall. With temperatures nosediving from 23.2°F (-4.9°C) to 11.3°F (-11.5°C), the city sees the highest amount of snowfall at 3.98" (101mm), contributing to the winter wonderland ambiance. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 14, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest?

The coldest temperatures occur during January, when averages reach a peak of 20.8°F (-6.2°C) and a low of 6.1°F (-14.4°C).

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 89%, January is the most humid month.

What is the driest month in Bismarck?

January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 4 days and accumulates 0.59" (15mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain?

In Bismarck, during the entire year, the rain falls for 105.9 days and collects up to 15" (381mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December.

How many days does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 73.7 snowfall days, and 23.11" (587mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 3.8h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the snowiest month?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 15 days and accumulates 4.33" (110mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 14.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.28" (58mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Bismarck, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 15h and 48min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Bismarck.

What is the hottest time of year?

The warmest period tends to be July, when average temperatures fluctuate between a high of 83.7°F (28.7°C) and a low of 61.3°F (16.3°C).

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 11.4h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

With an average maximum UV index of 6, July is the month with the highest UV index.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 55%, August is the least humid month in Bismarck.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 8h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Bismarck, ND

Average temperature - Bismarck, ND

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (83.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (20.8°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (61.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (6.1°F).

Average pressure
Bismarck, ND

Average pressure - Bismarck, ND

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (30.17"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.85"Hg).

Average wind speed
Bismarck, ND

Average wind speed - Bismarck, ND

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (10.7mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (8.3mph).

Average humidity
Bismarck, ND

Average humidity - Bismarck, ND

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (89%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (55%).

Average rainfall
Bismarck, ND

Average rainfall - Bismarck, ND

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (2.28").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.59").

Average rainfall days
Bismarck, ND

Average rainfall days - Bismarck, ND

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (15.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.4 days).

Average snowfall
Bismarck, ND

Average snowfall - Bismarck, ND

The month with the highest snowfall is February (4.33").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Bismarck, ND

Average snowfall days - Bismarck, ND

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (15.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Bismarck, ND

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Bismarck, ND

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 36min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Bismarck, ND

Average sunshine days - Bismarck, ND

The month with the most sunshine days is September (19.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (12.3 days).

Average visibility
Bismarck, ND

Average visibility - Bismarck, ND

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (5mi).

Bismarck, North Dakota, USA

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