The climate of Aberdeen
Situated in the great plains region of
South Dakota, USA,
Aberdeen's climatic conditions fall under the classification of Dfa by Köppen. This classification implies that the city exhibits a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and no dry season. The temperature swings between extremes of warmth and cold over the course of the year, with peaks reaching up to 84.7°F (29.3°C) in
July and lows plummeting to 6.3°F (-14.3°C) in
January.
Ranging from 20.7°F (-6.3°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C), the high temperatures tell a tale of climatic variety, while the humidity tends to follow a similar pattern with its highest increase in January and
December with 88% and 85% respectively. Rainfall varies across the year, the highest volume being recorded in
June with 3.46" (88mm) and the least in January with just 0.59" (15mm). Aberdeen experiences snow as well, with highest snowfall recorded in January and December, at 3.82" (97mm) and 3.43" (87mm) respectively.
Notable are the city's daylight hours which peak during the summer reaching up to 15.6 hours, troughing to 8.8 hours during the shorter winter days. Overall, Aberdeen's climate is a mixed bag of diverse weather phenomena marked by unique patterns, such as the maximum rainfall in June coupled with the longest daylight hours.
The best time to visit Aberdeen
Given
Aberdeen's continental climate, the ideal time for a visit depends greatly on the desired weather and activities. Tourists who favor comfortable temperatures and longer daylight hours,
June offers the most favorable conditions. With an average high temperature of 76.8°F (24.9°C), it is an ideal time for outdoor activities. Additionally, it has the longest daylight hours, averaging 15.6 hours per day giving visitors ample time to explore Aberdeen in broad daylight.
The worst time to visit Aberdeen
Travelers averse to harsh cold should avoid the months of
January and
December, both of which receive the heaviest snowfall. With the lowest recorded temperature spiraling down to 6.3°F (-14.3°C) in January, these winter months can be inhospitable. Furthermore, January has the shortest daylight hours, averaging 8.8, which might result in restricted sightseeing opportunities.
Spring weather in Aberdeen
Spring kicks off in
Aberdeen from
March. The high temperature rises from 39.7°F (4.3°C) in March through 54.1°F (12.3°C) in
April to 66.7°F (19.3°C) in
May, while the respective low temperatures shift from 24.8°F (-4°C) to 36.9°F (2.7°C) and then 48.2°F (9°C). An increase in rainfall is also evident, shooting from 1.1" (28mm) in March to 1.65" (42mm) in April and 2.32" (59mm) in May.
Summer weather in Aberdeen
Summers in
Aberdeen span from
June to
August, these months witnessing the highest temperatures and longest daylight hours. The highest temperature registers at 84.7°F (29.3°C) in
July and the daylight hours peak at 15.6 hours in June. Rainfall is pronounced, with June recording the highest rainfall of 3.46" (88mm).
Autumn weather in Aberdeen
Autumn in
Aberdeen from
September through
November is marked by a decline in temperatures, daylight hours, and rainfall. September begins with a high temperature of 74.3°F (23.5°C), which gradually decreases to 56.3°F (13.5°C) by November. Correspondingly, the rainfall drops from 1.26" (32mm) in September to 0.63" (16mm) in November.
Winter weather in Aberdeen
Winter in
Aberdeen is characterized by extreme cold and snowfall. From
December through
February, the temperature plummets with the lowest reaching 6.3°F (-14.3°C) in
January. The city also experiences significant snowfall, with January and December recording the highest at 3.82" (97mm) and 3.43" (87mm) respectively. Furthermore, these months have the shortest daylight hours with an average of roughly 8.8 hours in December.
Weather in January
Aberdeen,
South Dakota, ushers in the New Year with a chilly outlook. A fair amount of snowfall registers, with 3.82" (97mm) falling over 13 days. Sunshine hours are scant, and the possibility of foggy mornings can reduce visibility.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
February continues
January's trend, remaining cold and often giving
Aberdeen its trademark winter appearance. February is a month of light, with a slight increase in daylight hours noticeable. The relative humidity remains high, fostering a chilly raw feel.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings the first whispers of spring to
Aberdeen, with a noticeable increase in temperatures. In this month, Aberdeen experiences the highest number of rainfall days, tallying up to 7.1. The days gradually lengthen, hinting at the approaching season change.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The month of
April is a time of noticeable change in
Aberdeen's weather. The rainfall volume in April reaches 1.65" (42mm). With the increase of daylight hours, the need for warmer clothing gradually decreases. The snow gives way to rainfall, heralding full-on spring.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Aberdeen could be described as the true beginning of spring. It has the highest amount of rainfall volume, at 2.32" (59mm). The temperatures become milder, making outdoor activities more appealing. This growth in warmth and precipitation gives way to lush landscapes.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the first brush with summer for
Aberdeen, with its weather marked by a distinct warmth. It has the highest relative humidity, hovering around 72%. By June, rainfall is less frequent but daylight hours peak. With its comfortable temperatures and extended daylight, June serves as the gateway to summer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Aberdeen,
South Dakota, experiences the heart of summer. This month records the maximum temperatures, soaring to a high of 84.7°F (29.3°C). Daylight hours are still plentiful, complimented by beautiful sunsets. The summer's heat is at its peak, often leading to clear, sunny days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August brings a pause to the increasing warmth, with a subtle dip in temperatures.
Aberdeen sees a slight dip in humidity relative to
July. Even though daylight hours begin to wane, there is still ample sunshine. Rainfall is sparser, creating a balance of sunshine and cool winds.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the start of autumn, with temperatures taking a noticeable dive. During this month, rainfall drops to 1.26" (32mm). Golden hues start to appear as trees shed their leaves, while the weather remains relatively dry.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The crisp weather of
October in
Aberdeen unfolds a breathtaking palette of rich and vibrant colors. Snow makes a reappearance with 0.51" (13mm) falling during this month. The wind picks up a bit, rustling the fallen leaves and creating picturesque views.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November engages
Aberdeen in a slow waltz into winter. Snowfall is more frequent, accounting for 2.09" (53mm) during this month. The shortened daylight hours and longer nights set an early stage for the approaching winter. The landscape becomes a canvas of white, spelling the end of autumn colors.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings full-fledged winter to
Aberdeen. Registering 3.43" (87mm) of snow over 11.4 days, it is a month marked with a significant amount of snowfall. Hoteliers light up fireplaces, casting a warm glow against the snow-blanketed backdrop.
Weather in December »