Climate and monthly weather forecast
Custer, SD

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Large, scenic rocks and trees around this tiny Sylvan Lake located in the tranquil Custer State Park in Custer City, South Dakota
Large, scenic rocks and trees around this tiny Sylvan Lake located in the tranquil Custer State Park in Custer City, South Dakota

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 »
Updated: Feb 14, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the most humid months in Custer?

January and February, with an average relative humidity of 77%, are most humid months in Custer.

What is the driest month in Custer?

The month with the least rainfall in Custer, South Dakota, is January, when the rain falls for 6.2 days and typically collects 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain in Custer?

Throughout the year, in Custer, South Dakota, there are 135.4 rainfall days, and 20.39" (518mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Custer?

Months with snowfall in Custer are January through May, September through December.

How much does it snow in Custer?

Throughout the year, in Custer, there are 75.1 snowfall days, and 40.24" (1022mm) of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Custer?

January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Custer, South Dakota.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Custer?

The month with the least sunshine is February, with an average of 6h of sunshine.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Custer?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.

When does it snow the most in Custer?

April is the month with the most snowfall in Custer. Snow falls for 8.8 days and accumulates 7.24" (184mm) of snow.

What is the wettest month in Custer?

June is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 18 days and accumulates 3.19" (81mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Custer?

June through August are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in Custer?

The month with the longest days in Custer, South Dakota, is June, with an average of 15h and 24min of daylight.

What part of the year is the hottest in Custer?

July is Custer's warmest month, registering average high temperatures of 81.7°F (27.6°C) and lows of 60.4°F (15.8°C).

When is the highest UV index in Custer?

July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What is the least humid month in Custer?

The months with the lowest humidity are August and September, with an average relative humidity of 52%.

What month has the most sunshine in Custer?

With an average of 11.7h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the coldest time of year in Custer?

December, with its high-temperature average of 29.8°F (-1.2°C) and a low-temperature average of 16.5°F (-8.6°C), is the coldest month.

What is the month with the shortest days in Custer?

December has the shortest days of the year in Custer, South Dakota, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight.

Average temperature
Custer, SD

Average temperature - Custer, SD

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (29.8°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (60.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (16.2°F).

Average pressure
Custer, SD

Average pressure - Custer, SD

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.84"Hg).

Average wind speed
Custer, SD

Average wind speed - Custer, SD

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7mph).

Average humidity
Custer, SD

Average humidity - Custer, SD

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (77%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are August and September (52%).

Average rainfall
Custer, SD

Average rainfall - Custer, SD

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.19").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.47").

Average rainfall days
Custer, SD

Average rainfall days - Custer, SD

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (18.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (4.5 days).

Average snowfall
Custer, SD

Average snowfall - Custer, SD

The month with the highest snowfall is April (7.24").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

Average snowfall days
Custer, SD

Average snowfall days - Custer, SD

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (12.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Custer, SD

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Custer, SD

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 11h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 6h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Custer, SD

Average sunshine days - Custer, SD

The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (7.8 days).

Average UV index
Custer, SD

Average UV index - Custer, SD

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

Average visibility
Custer, SD

Average visibility - Custer, 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).

Custer, South Dakota, USA

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