The climate of Custer
Custer, located in
South Dakota, USA, lies in the predominate climate zone classified under Köppen as Dfb. The city experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by the absence of a dry season and a warm summer.
Comparatively steady precipitation patterns are found throughout the year in Custer, with the highest recorded average rainfall coming in at 3.19" (81mm) during the summer month of
June. Rainfall is least commonplace in the month of
November, with an average of 0.63" (16mm). Winter months, notably from
December to
February, witness significant snowfall.
January sees the most, with an average of 5.71" (145mm).
Temperature fluctuations across the year are noteworthy as well. The warmest month is typically in
July, with an average high temperature reaching 81.7°F (27.6°C), and an average low dipping to a crisp 60.4°F (15.8°C). It is during January that Custer's weather is at its coldest, maintaining average high temperatures around 31.1°F (-0.5°C) and lows at freezing 17.1°F (-8.3°C).
Spending a day under a cloud in Custer is less likely as the year progresses into summer, with cloud cover percentages reducing from 38% in
April to a minimal 17% in
August. Coinciding with this, average relative humidity drops from 77% in January and February to 52% during August and
September.
The best time to visit Custer
The best time for a trip to
Custer would be from
June through to
August. The average high temperature ranges from 74.1°F (23.4°C) in June to 80.1°F (26.7°C) in August, perfect for outdoor activities. These months also have the longest average daylight hours ranging from 15.1 hours in
July to 13.9 hours in August. These conditions combined with a relatively lower average cloud% of 19% in July and 17% in August mean plenty of sunshine for visitors.
The worst time to visit Custer
The winter months from
December to
February are conventionally less favorable for tourism considering the harsh weather conditions. With average high temperatures plummeting to around 31.1°F (-0.5°C) in
January and creeping up just slightly to 31.5°F (-0.3°C) in February; lower than that are the stiffing temperatures at 17.1°F (-8.3°C) in January and a mere 16.2°F (-8.8°C) in February, conditions can be seen as less than hospitable. Adding to this, the city experiences significant snowfall during these months with an average of 4.57" (116mm) in December.
Spring weather in Custer
Springtime in
Custer, aligning with
March,
April, and
May sees temperatures make a steep rise. The average high temperature increases from 43.9°F (6.6°C) in March, through 50.9°F (10.5°C) in April and up to 61°F (16.1°C) in May. It's also a relatively wet period with the highest recorded average rainfall of 3.11" (79mm) in May. Wind speeds during these months are high, averaging at 9.5mph (15.3km/h) in April.
Summer weather in Custer
From
June to
August,
Custer's weather shifts to warm and abundant sunshine. The temperature stretches to an average high of 81.7°F (27.6°C) in
July, before slightly coming back down to 80.1°F (26.7°C) in August. This is coupled with the city's longest daylight hours, peaking at an average of 15.4 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Custer
During the autumn months falling between
September to
November,
Custer's temperatures begin to cool. Average highs drop from 71.4°F (21.9°C) in September, down to 54°F (12.2°C) in
October and further to a cooler 42.3°F (5.7°C) in November. Rainfall and snowfall both find themselves at a moderate level during this period. Moreover, Custer enjoys longer sunshine hours, averaging at 10.5 hours in September.
Winter weather in Custer
December ushers in the winter that persists through
January and
February. It brings along a significant drop in temperature, registering an average high only being 29.8°F (-1.2°C) in December, and dipping further to 31.1°F (-0.5°C) in January and a slight increase to 31.5°F (-0.3°C) in February. The period is also characterized by significant snowfall, reaching an average of 4.57" (116mm) in December. Days are short with average daylight hours of 9.4 hours in December, decreasing to 9 hours in February. Hence, amidst the chill, the winter season turns
Custer into a winter wonderland.
Weather in January
The New Year begins with fresh snowfall in
Custer,
South Dakota. Weather conditions in
January and
February are quite similar, both marked by sub-freezing temperatures and significant snow accumulations. Notably, the lowest temperatures of the year occur in January, with dips down to 17.1°F (-8.3°C) and rarely exceeding 31.1°F (-0.5°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February not just follows
January regarding winter weather, it also brings a slight increase in both snowfall and winter temperature levels. Compared to the 3.54" (90mm) of snowfall in January, February sees a surge to 5.71" (145mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings along weather changes as winter begins to fade away in
Custer. The weather transition is more pronounced when compared to the still winter-clad
February. It is this month when temperatures start rising above the freezing mark, transforming the snow-covered city into a landscape of melting snow and budding trees.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Custer comes with the promise of spring, markedly distinct from its
March predecessor. As snow melts away, the soil absorbs the moisture, leading to the sprouting of new vegetation. It is also the time when temperatures make a noticeable leap, often reaching 50.9°F (10.5°C), ensuring the complete disappearance of snow.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Custer is when signs of summer begin to appear, distinct from the somewhat chilly weather in
April. A pleasant transformation is observed in the city’s climate, introducing residents and visitors to comfortably warm days. The temperatures increase, along with relative humidity levels, nurturing the growth of diverse flora across the city.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The month of
June stands as the threshold for summertime in
Custer, showing a noticeable shift from the spring-like climate in
May. As the hottest month of the year, regularly aggressive humidity levels make their presence felt. The average high temperature in June reaches 74.1°F (23.4°C), making it the ideal time for summertime outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Custer is identified by its characteristic high temperatures, the warmest in the year, reaching up to 81.7°F (27.6°C). However, it's not simply the escalating temperatures but also the reduced rainfall that distinguishes July from its precursor month,
June.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August arrives,
Custer starts witnessing the measured fade of summer, unlike the peak summer seen in
July. Declining temperatures and upcoming rainfall herald the close of the hot season. However, the differences are slight, keeping the atmosphere still comfortably warm.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Custer marks noticeable meteorological and aesthetic shifts, different from the warm
August weather. The month ushers in autumn, and as warmth starts to give way, nature adorns a new color palette. A stark decrease in temperature and rainfall from August to September also aids the onset of the fall season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, in
Custer, is synonymous with the heightened brilliance of autumn, contrasting sharply with the fading colors seen in
September. But with the beauty of fall also comes colder temperatures, especially in comparison to the mild warmth of September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is when
Custer starts to witness the consolidated arrival of winter, quite different from the vibrant fall of
October. Lower temperatures coupled with decreased daylight hours portray the transformation from fall to winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Custer indicates the solid arrival of winter, a stark contrast to the transitional weather of
November. The city starts decking in white, courtesy of frequent and extended spells of snowfall. Peak winter sets in, with daily temperature ranges seldom climbing above the freezing point.
Weather in December »