Climate and monthly weather forecast
Canton, SD

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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 »
Updated: Jun 18, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months?

January, recording an average high temperature of 24.1°F (-4.4°C) and a low temperature of 10.6°F (-11.9°C), is Canton's coldest month.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 87%.

What is the driest month?

January, February and November are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 3.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.67" (17mm) of rain.

How much does it rain?

In Canton, during the entire year, the rain falls for 119.2 days and collects up to 21.73" (552mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow in Canton?

In Canton, during the entire year, snow falls for 40.5 days and aggregates up to 16.77" (426mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 4.1h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the snowiest month?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 7.3 days and accumulates 3.54" (90mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

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 rainiest month?

June is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17.7 days and accumulates 3.35" (85mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in Canton?

The month with the longest days in Canton is June, with an average of 15h and 18min of daylight.

When is the highest UV index in Canton?

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

What is the warmest month in Canton?

The month of July, characterized by an average high of 82.9°F (28.3°C) and a low of 63.3°F (17.4°C), is recognized as the warmest.

What month has the most sunshine?

July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10.7h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is October, with an average relative humidity of 66%.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Canton, SD

Average temperature - Canton, SD

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (24.1°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (10.6°F).

Average pressure
Canton, SD

Average pressure - Canton, SD

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

Average wind speed
Canton, SD

Average wind speed - Canton, SD

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.2mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.8mph).

Average humidity
Canton, SD

Average humidity - Canton, SD

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (66%).

Average rainfall
Canton, SD

Average rainfall - Canton, SD

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.35").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, February and November (0.67").

Average rainfall days
Canton, SD

Average rainfall days - Canton, SD

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (3.3 days).

Average snowfall
Canton, SD

Average snowfall - Canton, SD

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Canton, SD

Average snowfall days - Canton, SD

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (9.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Canton, SD

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Canton, SD

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 6min).

Average sunshine days
Canton, SD

Average sunshine days - Canton, SD

The month with the most sunshine days is November (21 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.2 days).

Average UV index
Canton, SD

Average UV index - Canton, SD

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Canton, SD

Average visibility - Canton, SD

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

Canton, South Dakota, USA

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