The climate of Belle Fourche
Belle Fourche occupies a geographical space in
South Dakota where it experiences a mid-latitude steppe climate throughout the year. According to the Köppen climate classification, Belle Fourche's climate is named BSk. This type of climate is known for featuring cold winters, hot summers and moderate precipitation levels.
Throughout the year, the city experiences significant fluctuations in temperatures. During the coldest month of
January, the lower temperature limit is around 17.6°F (-8°C) while the upper limit hovers around 30.7°F (-0.7°C). On the other hand,
July, the hottest month, observes the temperature range from 63°F (17.2°C) to 85.8°F (29.9°C).
Relative humidity dips from 80% in January to 47% in
August and again climbs up to 78% in
December. Rainfall measurements show a peak in
May with 2.05" (52mm), while the lowest rainfall occurs in January and
November, with averages of 0.43" (11mm) and 0.47" (12mm) respectively. Even snowfall exhibits a clear pattern with the average being highest during
April at 4.88" (124mm) and lowest in
June, July, August and
September.
Additionally, Belle Fourche enjoys about 15 hours of daylight in the peak summer month of June. However, this number almost halves to 8.9 hours during the foggy, dark days of December. The daily sunshine hours also show a similar trend reaching its zenith in July and August at 11.9 hours whereas they show a floor value of 5.7 hours in January.
Winds start the year at 10.4mph (16.7km/h) in January, decrease slightly to 8.4mph (13.5km/h) by July, and then rise again 10.1mph (16.3km/h) by December. Wind gusts demonstrate a somewhat similar pattern, starting the year at 18.6mph (29.9km/h) in January, slowing down to 12.9mph (20.8km/h) by August, then increasing again to 18.1mph (29.1km/h) by December.
The best time to visit Belle Fourche
For those considering a trip to
Belle Fourche, the period between
June and
September could be the most rewarding. During this period, the weather stays relatively warm with high temperatures ranging between 73.9°F (23.3°C) to 85.8°F (29.9°C), combined with the least amount of rainfall, averaging between 0.75" (19mm) to 1.57" (40mm). Also, these months see the longest daylight hours coupled with maximum sunshine, which augments the visiting experience manifold.
The worst time to visit Belle Fourche
Winters marked by cold temperatures and minimal daylight might not provide the optimal visiting conditions to travelers. Therefore, the months from
November through
February could be viewed as the least hospitable. During these months, temperatures typically fluctuate between 17.6°F (-8°C) and 31.3°F (-0.4°C), and the city sees minimum daylight and sunshine hours.
Spring weather in Belle Fourche
Spring carries in a fresh wave of warmth in
Belle Fourche as it transforms the cold winter weather into the comforting heat of the summer. The months of
March,
April and
May experience temperatures ranging from 27.9°F (-2.3°C) to 63.5°F (17.5°C). Rainfall starts to pick up from 0.91" (23mm) in March to a yearly high of 2.05" (52mm) in May, indicating the onset of summers.
Summer weather in Belle Fourche
Summer sets in
Belle Fourche from
June to
August. During these months, the weather remains at its warmest with temperatures ranging from 55.2°F (12.9°C) to 85.8°F (29.9°C). Even rainfall sees a downturn in June, averaging at 1.5" (38mm), and then retreating to 1.34" (34mm) by August. Sunlight reaches its years' peak with daily sunshine hours ranging from 11.3 hours in June to 11.9 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Belle Fourche
September,
October, and
November mark the Autumn season in
Belle Fourche. A corresponding decrease in temperature and increase in rainfall signifies the transition from summer to winter. While September starts on a warmer note with temperatures swinging between 53.6°F (12°C) and 73.9°F (23.3°C), by November, they range between 28.9°F (-1.7°C) and 43.9°F (6.6°C).
Winter weather in Belle Fourche
Winter comes calling in
Belle Fourche from
December through
February with frigid air, decreased sunshine, and longer nights. Temperatures during this season are at their lowest, from 17.6°F (-8°C) to 31.3°F (-0.4°C). Snowfall reaches its peak in these months, with levels ranging from 2.32" (59mm) in December to 2.91" (74mm) in February. Reduced daylight hours, below 10 hours, and minimal sunshine validate the arrival of winter.
Weather in January
The month of
January in
Belle Fourche,
South Dakota, represents the start of the year with its coldest average temperatures. This month, marked contrast to warmer times ahead, presents conditions typical of a harsh winter. While the temperature dips to as low as 17.6°F (-8°C), the highest recorded in the month is a modest 30.7°F (-0.7°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, the wintry chill remains in
Belle Fourche, even though the minimum temperatures inch up slightly from the previous month. As the city waits for the onset of spring, residents still have to navigate through persistently cold days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The transition to spring begins in earnest in
March, with the weather in
Belle Fourche experiencing significant changes. After the long winter, sunnier days and higher temperatures seem a welcome relief. As the maximum temperature sees a considerable rise to 44.2°F (6.8°C), the city witnesses a series of thaws.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April takes a leap into typical springtime weather with further warming of the city. The shift from
March is quite pronounced, with decidedly more sunshine hours and a significantly lower percentage of cloud cover. Reaching a maximum temperature of 52.9°F (11.6°C), the city begins to warm up.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Belle Fourche in
May witnesses an impressive escalation in warmth and brightness that brings definitive spring characteristics. The city sees temperatures rise, trees begin to bud and daylight hours stretching out. With the highest temperature peaking at 63.5°F (17.5°C), it is one of the warmest months of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Belle Fourche offers the first taste of summer with the maximum temperature reaching a hot 76.3°F (24.6°C). The city, now fully in the grips of summer, enjoys more hours of daylight than any other month. Cloud coverage decreases significantly, offering bright sunny days to the locals.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July scales both temperatures and UV index to their highest averages of the year in
Belle Fourche. Being the hottest month, it provides an opportunity to take full advantage of the peak summer season. The temperature gauge reads a sweltering 85.8°F (29.9°C), underlining the stark contrast from the cold winter months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The summer reigns in
Belle Fourche in
August with high temperatures, although slightly less than
July. While the residents continue to enjoy plenty of sunlight and warm weather, the first signs of fall start to emerge. The highest temperature drops to 83.1°F (28.4°C) and the amount of rainfall sees a slight decrease.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a gradual end to the summer season in
Belle Fourche, as temperatures begin to cool and daylight hours shorten. The pace of life slows and the city eases into the rhythms of autumn. A significant drop in maximum temperatures, reaching only 73.9°F (23.3°C), signals the impending change.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Belle Fourche sees a distinct shift in weather in
October, as fall sets in and temperatures continue to drop. The trees dress in autumn colors and days grow shorter. Despite the substantial decrease in temperatures, rainfall increases to 1.18" (30mm), indicating the onset of a wet period.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November rolls in, so does the first taste of winter in
Belle Fourche with lower temperatures and an increase in snowfall. The transformation of the landscape starts as the city prepares for the winter months. The maximum temperature steadily decreases to 43.9°F (6.6°C), providing an impression of the colder times ahead.
Weather in November »Weather in December
With
December, winter gets in full swing in
Belle Fourche as it becomes one of the coldest months. The landscape turns into a winter wonderland with increased snowfall and freezing temperatures. Comparatively colder than
November, the temperatures drop down to an average low of 18.1°F (-7.7°C).
Weather in December »