The climate of Brookings
Brookings,
South Dakota experiences a unique array of weather conditions throughout the year. It sits firmly under the realm of a Dfa climate, denoted by the Köppen climate classification, which represents a humid continental climate, free of dry seasons while hosting hot summers. This leads to a diverse array of weather patterns throughout the year, with each season marked by distinct characteristics.
Over the course of the year, there is a significant variation in the weather parameters in Brookings. Temperatures can range from a low of 7°F (-13.9°C) in the coldest months to as high as 81.3°F (27.4°C) in the heat of summer. Humidity levels also fluctuate, peaking at 90% to settling as low as 68% later in the year, which directly influences the overall feel of the weather. Rainfall increases along with the rising temperatures, with
June recording the highest of 3.46" (88mm) while the winter months record comparatively lesser rain.
Unique weather patterns are observable in Brookings. For instance, snowfall is prevalent during winter with measurements standing at 4.65" (118mm) in
December. Conversely, summer months are devoid of any snowfall. The amount of daylight exposure also sees a considerable swing, starting from 9.3 hours in
January to a peak of 15.5 hours in June.
The best time to visit Brookings
Based on the climate patterns, the most fruitful period to visit
Brookings is during late spring to early summer. During this season, temperatures are generally comfortable, ranging between 53.1°F (11.7°C) and 75.7°F (24.3°C). Rainfall is moderate during these months, ensuring lush and vibrant flora. It also marks the period of longest daylight hours, from 13.5 hours in
April, increasing to 14.8 hours in
May and reaching a peak of 15.5 hours in
June, providing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration.
The worst time to visit Brookings
Winter months, particularly between
December and
February, might be challenging for visitors due to potentially harsh weather conditions. Cold temperatures dip deep to 7°F (-13.9°C) with snowfalls of over 4" (102mm) in December.
January brings about a decrease in daylight hours to only 9.3 hours while visibility is reduced to 5 miles due to the weather conditions, making it the least favourable period for touring.
Spring weather in Brookings
Spring ushers in moderate weather in
Brookings. Commencing in
March, the weather begins to warm up with temperatures ranging from 25.2°F (-3.8°C) to 48.4°F (9.1°C). A notable increase in temperatures is more pronounced in
April, with it further climbing up to 53.1°F (11.7°C). Rainfall averages from 1.34" (34mm) in March to 2.72" (69mm) in
May. This season marks the departure from the cold, snow-laden winter, paving the way for blooming flowers and greener landscapes.
Summer weather in Brookings
Summer in
Brookings, from
June to
August, is characterized by hot temperatures, peaking at 81.3°F (27.4°C). The relative humidity during this season fluctuates between 70% and 77%. Approximately 3" (76mm) of rainfall can be expected each month which contributes towards maintaining the freshness in the air. Lengthy daylight hours exceeding 14 hours provide an abundance of time for kayaking, hiking, and other recreational activities that can be undertaken in Brookings' landscape.
Autumn weather in Brookings
As autumn sets in from
September to
November,
Brookings transitions into cooler weather. September sees temperatures from 52.3°F (11.3°C) to 72.5°F (22.5°C), dropping to 39.6°F (4.2°C) to 55.6°F (13.1°C) in
October, and falling further to 27.5°F (-2.5°C) to 41.2°F (5.1°C) in November. Despite this decrease, one can expect a fair amount of sunshine, averaging approximately six hours per day, and rainfall of approximately 1.7" (43mm) per month.
Winter weather in Brookings
Winter in
Brookings showcases a completely different face of the city. Temperatures fall significantly, plummeting from 25.7°F (-3.5°C) in
December to 7°F (-13.9°C) in
February. Snowfall becomes a common sight with an accumulation of up to 4.65" (118mm) in December, gradually receding to 4.13" (105mm) in February. With reduced daylight hours of around nine hours a day and maximum cloud cover hovering around 60%, the atmosphere exudes a certain winter charm, albeit a cold one.
Weather in January
Starting off the new year,
January sees the lowest temperatures in
Brookings,
South Dakota. With dips reaching as low as 7°F (-13.9°C) and hardly peaking above 20.7°F (-6.3°C), bitter winter chill glazes over the city. Humidity levels remain high due to the stark cold and lack of evaporation, causing increased snowfall from 4.13" (105mm) over 14.4 days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the severe frost of
January offers way to
February's milder winter clime,
Brookings aggrandizes its spectral beauty under a clear blue sky filled with sunshine for 4.8 hours on average each day. Heated afternoons with temperatures reaching up to 24.3°F (-4.3°C) start to challenge the bitter cold.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March is the starting point of the spring season in
Brookings with the mercury rising to 39.7°F (4.3°C). This month symbolizes a departure from the bleak winter days as temperatures rebound. The frequent rainfall of 1.34" (34mm) and relative humidity dropping down to 81%, evinces a clear shift in the weather pattern.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April encounters a significant rise in temperatures in
Brookings, a clear acknowledgement of spring's full advent. The warming trend carries the mercury to 53.1°F (11.7°C), revealing the increased daylight hours. Rainfall increases to 2.24" (57mm) across the days, an indication of the change in season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ensures the concluding stage of spring in
Brookings, as daily temperature averages crest at an enjoyable 65.8°F (18.8°C). Nothing is quite as refreshing as the springtime bloom giving way to the hush of early summer. Rainfall reaches its peak of 2.72" (69mm) during this month, fostering the vegetation before summer takes over and starts searing the lush fields.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The summer solstice occurring in
June signals the onset of summer in
Brookings. With temperatures soaring as high as 75.7°F (24.3°C), the weather establishes a comfortable warmth ideal for outdoor activities. The longer daylight durations of up to about 15.5 hours come into effect, affording increased sunshine hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is marked by the highest temperatures in
Brookings, reaching up to a sweltering 81.3°F (27.4°C). This not just underscores the apex of summer, but it also adds a definite sizzle to the city's weather. The clearer skies reward residents and visitors with up to 10.6 hours of sunshine daily.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings about a slight respite in
Brookings as the weather begins to cool off slightly from
July’s peak heat, dropping to a high of 80.2°F (26.8°C). Despite the subtropical humidity which hangs in the air, August ballads the last dance of summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The month of
September witnesses a significant drop in temperature to 72.5°F (22.5°C), indicating the advent of autumn in
Brookings. Leaves begin their annual metamorphosis, transforming the green canopy into hues of gold and ochre.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October offers a definitive goodbye to the lingering warmth, with temperatures plunging to a cooler 55.6°F (13.1°C). This month emphasizes the blending of the last few warm days with the upcoming chill, coloring the city in shades of red and brown.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November announces the approach of winter in
Brookings. With temperatures sliding to a chillier zone of 41.2°F (5.1°C), the city succumbs to the yearnings of the impending cold season. The rustic tints of autumn give way to the frigid hues of winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December hails as the harbinger of the festive season as well as the spirited cold in
Brookings. Since the temperatures sink to as low as 25.7°F (-3.5°C), and snowfall sums up to 4.65" (118mm), a white Christmas graces the city.
Weather in December »