The climate of Canton
Canton,
South Dakota, USA falls under the Dfa climate category according to the Köppen climate classification, meaning it experiences a Humid continental climate with no dry season, and a hot summer. The climate patterns align with typical Midwestern climates, including cold winters, warm summers, and a moderate level of annual precipitation.
Throughout the year, the temperature varies significantly in Canton, ranging from lows of 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in winter to highs of 82.9°F (28.3°C) in summer. Humidity levels stay relatively high, peaking at 87% in the coldest months and dropping to 66% during the fall.
Rainfall in the region peaks in
June, recording an average of 3.35" (85mm), which coincides with the peak relative humidity level of 75%. The driest period is experienced in the winter months, with an average of 0.67" (17mm) of rain, accompanied by snowfall between 2.91" (74mm) to 3.31" (84mm). This dip in the precipitation level coincides with the highest relative humidity months which are
January and
December, with an average of 87% and 84% respectively.
Wind speeds show modest change throughout the year, with a peak wind gust speed of 16.8mph (27km/h) recorded in the month of January and a marginally lower speed on average. The clear days, characterized by sunshine duration, range between 10.2 days in June to 21 days in
November.
The best time to visit Canton
Based on the climatological data, the best time to visit
Canton would be from
May to
September. These months offer a pleasant temperature range from 68.5°F (20.3°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C), coupled with generous daylight hours, ranging from 14.7 hours in May to 13.9 hours in September. Sunshine duration is also at its highest with a peak of 10.7 sunshine hours in
July, ensuring the most daylight to enjoy outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Canton
As per the recorded data, the least favorable time to visit
Canton would be from
November to
March, when the region endures its coldest temperatures and highest snowfall. The average low temperatures drop to the lowest at 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in
January. Snowfall increases dramatically during these months, with accumulations from 2.91" (74mm) to 3.31" (84mm) and snowfall days from 9.5 to 9.9. These conditions, with shorter daylight hours, make outdoor activities challenging.
Spring weather in Canton
Spring in
Canton transitions from cooler to warmer temperatures, from lows of 28.8°F (-1.8°C) in
March to highs of 68.5°F (20.3°C) in
May. Rainfall begins to increase from an average of 1.5" (38mm) in March to a high of 3.07" (78mm) in May. Sunshine hours climb steadily, reaching a high point of 8.8 hours in May, making spring a suitable time to visit Canton.
Summer weather in Canton
The summer months bring the highest temperatures of the year in
Canton, peaking at an average high of 82.9°F (28.3°C) in
July. Rainfall is at its maximum during these months, however, it tapers off towards
August. Sunshine duration peaks in July with 10.7 hours of daylight per day. These conditions, combined with the lowest cloud cover of the year, allow for plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Autumn weather in Canton
Canton witnesses lower temperatures during the autumn months along with a decrease in both rainfall and sunshine hours. Temperatures drop from a high of 74.5°F (23.6°C) in
September to a moderate 43.7°F (6.5°C) in
November. Meanwhile, average rainfall decreases from 2.09" (53mm) to 0.67" (17mm). Despite the drop in weather, the mild conditions of Canton in autumn create an enjoyable environment for outdoor activities, such as leaf-peeping.
Winter weather in Canton
Winter in
Canton features cold temperatures with lows of 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in
January, coupled with the highest snowfall numbers from
December to
February varying from 1.73" (44mm) to 3.31" (84mm). Sunshine duration decreases to its lowest point with 4.5 hours in December. Despite the cold, the months offer a unique charm to visitors who enjoy snowy landscapes and wintry sports.
Weather in January
Temperature extremes vary drastically in
Canton,
South Dakota, during
January. A battle between a high of 24.1°F (-4.4°C) and a low of 10.6°F (-11.9°C) is typical, making it the coldest month of the year. Snowfall, although sporadic, accompanies some of the coldest temperatures.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February embraces an upward inclination in temperature when compared to the biting cold of
January. The month is characterized by extended periods of daylight, reaching up to 10.5 hours. It is the last month of winter and marks an end to heavy snowfalls in
Canton.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signals the beginning of spring in
Canton. Mild temperatures along with a significant increase in daylight hours usher in the new season. Rainfall, accompanied by 6 hours of sunshine, revitalizes the city's scenery, bringing verdant parks and gardens back to life.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With season transition from winter to spring,
April brings a substantial rise in temperatures. Days become pleasantly warmer, allowing for more outdoor activities. Snowfall is replaced with rainfall, which enriches the soil and revitalizes dormant fauna.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May signifies a rise in temperatures in
Canton, marking an imposing transition towards summer. Rain showers are quite frequent and demonstrate the highest accumulation for the year at 3.07" (78mm). This period is loved by flora, which thrive in the favorable weather and extended daylight of 14.7 hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the advent of summer in
Canton. This is the warmest time of the year, and it also provides the longest daylight hours of 15.4. Foregoing the rain showers of
May, residents and visitors enjoy mostly sunny, clear skies. The disappearance of windy gusts in favor of gentle breezes further enhances the joy of summer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees the continuation of summer’s heat in
Canton, despite being slightly cooler than
June. With 15 hours of daylight, outdoor activities are irresistibly enticing. Periods of sunshine are followed by soothing summer rains, striking the perfect balance.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Riding on the coattails of
July,
August weather in
Canton experiences only slight changes in temperature. Even though still summer, the city starts feeling the initial signs of autumn as daylight hours begin to reduce. Despite the humid conditions, a refreshing wind speed of 8mph (12.9km/h) cools down overheated summers.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The arrival of Autumn is announced in
September with a marked drop in temperatures.
Canton’s scenery transforms into an array of warm colors, revealing the natural beauty of the cityscape in a different light. The wind picks up to speeds of 9.2mph (14.8km/h), adding to the crisp atmosphere.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues with the fall season in
Canton, displaying a further decline in temperature from
September. The pleasant weather conditions make exploring the city’s landscape a joy. The daylight hours shrink noticeably, casting a beautiful autumnal shade over the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Canton welcomes the onsets of winter in
November with a sudden drop in temperature from
October. The city's colors shift from the warm hues of autumn to frost-tinged landscapes. Filters of sunshine are sparse, and daylight hours of 9.7 barely keep the cold at bay.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December concludes the year in
Canton with the peak of winter season. The air is filled with holiday spirit, under a thick layer of snowfall amounting to 3.31" (84mm). Sunshine hours reduce to the year's lowest at 4.5 hours, allowing the glow of holiday lights to take over.
Weather in December »