Climate and monthly weather forecast
Brookings, SD

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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 »

Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest?

January is the coldest month, exhibiting average temperatures of 20.7°F (-6.3°C) at the peak and 7°F (-13.9°C) at the base.

What is the most humid month?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 90%.

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, in Brookings, there are 125.5 rainfall days, and 21.65" (550mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

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 61.5 snowfall days, and 21.38" (543mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.8h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

With an average maximum UV index of 1, January is the month with the lowest UV index.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 11.5 days and typically aggregates up to 4.69" (119mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Brookings?

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?

June is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 19.8 days and accumulates 3.46" (88mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

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

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 30min of daylight.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index in Brookings are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What is the hottest time of year?

The warmest month is July, with an average high-temperature of 81.3°F (27.4°C) and an average low-temperature of 62.2°F (16.8°C).

What month has the most sunshine?

July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10.6h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 68%, October is the least humid month.

What is the driest month in Brookings?

The month with the least rainfall is November, when the rain falls for 5.5 days and typically collects 0.67" (17mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.

Average temperature
Brookings, SD

Average temperature - Brookings, SD

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (20.7°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (62.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (7°F).

Average pressure
Brookings, SD

Average pressure - Brookings, SD

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and February (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).

Average wind speed
Brookings, SD

Average wind speed - Brookings, SD

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (8.4mph).

Average humidity
Brookings, SD

Average humidity - Brookings, SD

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (90%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (68%).

Average rainfall
Brookings, SD

Average rainfall - Brookings, SD

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.46").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (0.67").

Average rainfall days
Brookings, SD

Average rainfall days - Brookings, SD

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (19.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (3.2 days).

Average snowfall
Brookings, SD

Average snowfall - Brookings, SD

The month with the highest snowfall is February (4.69").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Brookings, SD

Average snowfall days - Brookings, SD

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (14.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Brookings, SD

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Brookings, SD

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 54min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Brookings, SD

Average sunshine days - Brookings, SD

The month with the most sunshine days is November (18.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (8.3 days).

Average visibility
Brookings, SD

Average visibility - Brookings, SD

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

Brookings, South Dakota, USA

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