December weather forecast
South Dakota, USA

December in South Dakota is emblematic of winter in its full splendor. The state, blanketed in snow and gripped by the cold, exhibits a serene yet stark beauty. Daytime temperatures during December are typically quite chilly, fluctuating between 25°F (-3.9°C) and 35°F (1.7°C). Nighttime sees an even sharper descent, with temperatures often ranging between 10°F (-12.2°C) and 20°F (-6.7°C). The bitter cold is accentuated by brisk winds, making it feel even colder than the thermometer indicates.

The Black Hills, with their elevated landscapes, consistently exhibit colder conditions, especially during nighttime. Snowfall is prominent in this region, with the hills and trees often enveloped in a thick, white cloak, presenting a picturesque winter wonderland.

December's precipitation is predominantly snow, with occasional heavier snowfall as fronts move through the area. Rain is rare, but if it does occur, it quickly transitions to snow or freezing rain, adding to the icy conditions.

Compared to November, December is decidedly colder, with consistently freezing temperatures and frequent snow events. The transition from November's early winter feel to December's full-blown winter conditions is unmistakable.

Throughout December, South Dakota immerses itself in the holiday spirit against the backdrop of its icy landscapes. The crisp air, often filled with the scent of wood-burning stoves, and the sparkling snow under the pale winter sun, set the scene for festive celebrations. As the month draws to a close, there's an anticipatory buzz for the New Year, with hopes of a fresh start and what January will usher in for the state.

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• Sioux Falls - December »
  December has the shortest days of the year in Sioux Falls with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight. In Sioux Falls during December, the rain falls for 4.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.02" (26mm) of precipitation.
• Rapid City - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Rapid City is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight. With average high temperatures of 32.5°F (0.3°C) and lows of 18.7°F (-7.4°C), December is the coldest month in Rapid City, South Dakota.
• Aberdeen - December »
  In Aberdeen during December, the rain falls for 3.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation. In Aberdeen in December, it is raining for 3.1 days, with typically 0.87" (22mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Brookings - December »
  In Brookings in December, during 13.3 snowfall days, 4.65" (118mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In Brookings, in December, snow falls for 13.3 days, with typically accumulated 4.65" (118mm) of snow.
• Watertown - December »
  The months with the most snowfall in Watertown are January and December, with an average 3.74" (95mm) of accumulated snow. The months with the most snowfall in Watertown are January and December, with an average 3.74" (95mm) of accumulated snow.
• Mitchell - December »
  In Mitchell during December, snow falls for 7.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.1" (28mm) of snow. On the first day of December in Mitchell, South Dakota, sunrise is at 7:46 am and sunset at 4:56 pm.
• Yankton - December »
  In Yankton, South Dakota, in December, it is raining for 3.7 days, with typically 1.18" (30mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Yankton in December, it is raining for 3.7 days, with typically 1.18" (30mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Pierre - December »
  In Pierre in December, during 8.2 snowfall days, 2.48" (63mm) of snow is typically accumulated. December has the shortest days of the year in Pierre, South Dakota, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.
• Huron - December »
  In Huron, South Dakota, in December, snow falls for 9.5 days, with typically accumulated 2.95" (75mm) of snow. The month with the shortest days in Huron is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.
• Spearfish - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Spearfish is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight. In Spearfish during December, snow falls for 9 days and regularly aggregates up to 4.09" (104mm) of snow.
• Vermillion - December »
  In Vermillion in December, during 3.5 rainfall days, 1.22" (31mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Vermillion, in December, snow falls for 6.6 days, with typically accumulated 2.64" (67mm) of snow.
• Brandon - December »
  In Brandon, in December, snow falls for 10 days, with typically accumulated 2.91" (74mm) of snow. The onset of December in Brandon brings a clear temperature shift, with the average high-temperature decreasing from a chilly 43°F (6.1°C) in November to a freezing cold 27.3°F (-2.6°C).