The climate of Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota, USA, lies within the Dfa category of the Köppen climate classification, commonly denoted as a humid continental climate with no dry season and moderately hot summer. Reflecting this classification, the weather displays a wide span of temperatures throughout the year, with cold winters and warm summers.
Moving sequentially through the year, the highest average monthly high temperatures, ranging from 76.6°F (24.8°C) to 81.9°F (27.7°C), occur from
June to
August. This is in stark contrast to the coldest months,
December to
February, showing average low temperatures from 8.2°F (-13.2°C) to 14.9°F (-9.5°C). Humidity follows its own annual cycle, with the air most saturated from December to February and during
July, carrying relative humidity values around 85% to 89%.
Rainfall in Dell Rapids varies from month to month, reaching its peak during June with an average of 3.27" (83mm), while February sees the least precipitation, averaging just 0.71" (18mm). This difference in precipitation output aligns with the number of rainfall days, which measures 17.4 days in June and only 2.8 days in February. Snowfall, however, reaches its highest levels at the start and towards the end of the year, accumulating up to 4.29" (109mm) in February and 4.17" (106mm) in December.
Daylight hours and sunshine duration follow the expected annual pattern, extending from a minimum of 9 hours in December to a maximum of 15.4 hours in June. Wind speeds in Dell Rapids remain fairly constant throughout the year, averaging between 8.2mph (13.2km/h) to 11.4mph (18.3km/h), with the highest gusts of up to 17.6mph (28.3km/h) occurring in
January.
The best time to visit Dell Rapids
For those interested in warmer temperatures and milder conditions, the best time to visit
Dell Rapids would be in summer, particularly between
June to
August. During this period, average high temperatures range from 76.6°F (24.8°C) to 81.9°F (27.7°C), daylight extends up to 15.4 hours, and levels of sunshine peak at 10.7 hours in
July.
The worst time to visit Dell Rapids
Winter brings challenging weather to
Dell Rapids. From
December to
February, average low temperatures plunge to between 8.2°F (-13.2°C) and 14.9°F (-9.5°C), and snowfall averages from 2.91" (74mm) to 4.29" (109mm). The reduced visibility due to snowfall, combined with the shorter daylight hours of 9 to 9.4 hours and the enhanced wind chill because of frequent gusts, may prove inhospitable for outdoor activities during this season.
Spring weather in Dell Rapids
Spring in
Dell Rapids, occurring from
March to
May, is marked by an upward shift in temperatures. Average high temperatures increase steadily from 41.5°F (5.3°C) to 66.7°F (19.3°C), while low temperatures rise from 27°F (-2.8°C) to 48.9°F (9.4°C). Rainfall also increases throughout the season, with the month of May receiving an average of 2.8" (71mm) of rain over 15.6 days.
Summer weather in Dell Rapids
Summer, from
June to
August, brings the warmest conditions in
Dell Rapids. Average high temperatures peak at 81.9°F (27.7°C) in
July, while lows are at 62.2°F (16.8°C). Despite this, humidity remains quite high, averaging around 75%, and the month of June sees the highest amount of rainfall of 3.27" (83mm).
Autumn weather in Dell Rapids
Dell Rapids enters its autumn season with a decrease in average high temperatures, dropping from 73.2°F (22.9°C) in
September to 42.3°F (5.7°C) in
November. Average low temperatures follow a similar trend, falling from 52.9°F (11.6°C) to 28°F (-2.2°C). Rainfall, however, decreases steadily throughout the season, with an average of 1.73" (44mm) in September dropping to 0.71" (18mm) by November.
Winter weather in Dell Rapids
Winter in
Dell Rapids, running from
December to
February, presents the coldest conditions. Average high temperatures fall to between 22.3°F (-5.4°C) and 26.4°F (-3.1°C), with average lows dropping between 8.2°F (-13.2°C) and 14.9°F (-9.5°C). Snowfall is also notable during these months, accumulating up to 4.29" (109mm) in February and 4.17" (106mm) in December. Despite these chilly conditions, average wind speeds remain fairly constant, sitting between 10.3mph (16.6km/h) to 10.6mph (17.1km/h), with gusts up to 17mph (27.4km/h).
Weather in January
January in
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota is often characterized by its chilly conditions. It tends to be the coldest month of the year with the lowest average temperature resting at a frosty 8.2°F (-13.2°C). Snowfall is also a common occurrence during this month, lending a characteristic white blanket to the city's landscape.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The conditions in
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota do not change drastically moving into
February. The city continues to experience cold temperatures, although there's a slight increase compared to
January. Snow remains a common sight during February, with the city usually still covered under a thick white blanket from January's snowfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the arrival of
March,
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota begins to thaw out. Temperatures slowly start to climb, indicating the city's transition from winter to spring. This month is notably warmer, with an average high temperature of 41.5°F (5.3°C), a considerable shift from
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April exhibits distinct spring features in
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota. The month comes with warmer temperatures and more sunshine. Gardens begin to bloom and trees regain their foliage, offering landscapes in hues of green. However, April is not devoid of rainfall; showers can occur, bringing an occasional chill.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota moves into
May, temperatures continue their upward trend. The city experiences more hours of sunlight, which infuse warmth into the days. Rainfall persists, often accompanied by the mellow fragrance of wet earth, hallmarking the month of May.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the beginning of summer in
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota. With an average high temperature of 76.6°F (24.8°C), it's a warm and welcoming time of the year. The day stretches out with longer hours of sunshine. Outdoor activities flourish with perfect weather conditions for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the mid-summer month in
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota, has the highest average temperature, peaking at 81.9°F (27.7°C). This means that residents, as well as visitors, should prepare for heat waves and pack their summer essentials accordingly.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The warmth continues in
August in
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota as summer rolls on. Although the temperature takes a slight dip from the peak of
July, the weather remains consistently warm and inviting for outdoor pursuits. August often brings with it sporadic rainfall.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Weather in October
October in
Dell Rapids,
South Dakota continues the autumnal trend. The cooling weather becomes more pronounced, and residents adorn their warmer clothing. October sees the city adorned in fall colors, with the trees exhibiting a colorful display of reds, yellows, and oranges.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in December