The climate of Fort Pierre
A predominately Dwa climate as classified on the Köppen climate scale,
Fort Pierre,
South Dakota, fits the framework of a humid continental zone with severe dry winters and hot summers. Geographically nestled in the Midwestern portion of the United States, the city is subject to a typical continental climate with wide weather variations across seasons.
Throughout the course of a year, Fort Pierre experiences significant contrasts in temperature. The thermometer dips to a frigid 12.6°F (-10.8°C) in the peak of winter, while during the height of summer, it can surge to as high as 88.7°F (31.5°C). The dichotomy in temperatures is mirrored in humidity measures that fluctuate between 52% in the summer season to 85% in winter. This contrast in climatic conditions predicates an overall weather scenario that is perpetually changing and characterized by extremes.
Fort Pierre stands out in its weather conditions not only on account of temperature swings but also due to distinct rainfall and snowfall patterns. With precipitation levels veering from 0.35" (9mm) at the start of the year to as much as 2.24" (57mm) in
May, rainfall exhibits a broad spread across months. The snowfall follows a more consistent pattern, hitting its peak at the beginning and end of the year with 1.97" (50mm) and 2.48" (63mm) respectively, completely absent from May to
September. This peculiar dynamic interplay of climatic factors impacts the overall weather of Fort Pierre, crafting its unique identity.
The best time to visit Fort Pierre
A composite picture of the climate determines the best time to visit
Fort Pierre. The agreeable balance of climate variables is struck from
May through
September. Daylight hours peak in the range from 14.8 to 15.5 hours per day, complemented by the highest sunshine hours climbing between 9.6 to 11.5 hours. The UV index hovers between 5 and 7, indicating a moderate level of sun exposure. The moderate rainfall levels and the pleasant high temperature of between 68°F (20°C) and 88.7°F (31.5°C) make this period conducive for outdoor activities and explorations.
The worst time to visit Fort Pierre
Contrarily, the adverse weather conditions in
Fort Pierre are also evident. Considering factors such as low temperatures, high humidity, and increased snowfall, the unfavorable period to visit Fort Pierre would be from
December to
February. During these months, temperatures can plummet from 26.2°F (-3.2°C) to 12.6°F (-10.8°C), visibility stands at a constant 6 miles, and snowfall can peak at 1.97" (50mm) in December and 3.66" (93mm) in February. Coupled with the shortest daylight hours of 8.9 to 9.3 hours, this season registers as the most challenging to navigate and experience Fort Pierre in its full glory.
Spring weather in Fort Pierre
Transitioning from the bitter winters, spring in
Fort Pierre is marked by gradual rising temperatures and scattered showers.
March ushers in increasing warmth with temperatures stretching from 28.8°F (-1.8°C) to 44.1°F (6.7°C), leading into
April with a rise in temperature. The town witnesses rainfall figures swinging between 0.94" (24mm) and 1.38" (35mm), adding a moist feel to the air. The daylight hours extend from 12 to 13.5 hours, paving the way for longer outdoor excursions.
Summer weather in Fort Pierre
Summer in
Fort Pierre steps in with warmth and abundant sunshine. From
June to
August, the mercury pushes the boundaries between 80.6°F (27°C) and 88.7°F (31.5°C). The arrival of summer is synonymous with the least amount of rainfall, registering at 2.17" (55mm) in June and diminishing to 1.34" (34mm) in August. The sunshine hours beam with intensity between 11 to 11.5 hours, supported by an optimal UV index of between 6 and 7, signaling the onset of ideal outdoor conditions.
Autumn weather in Fort Pierre
Autumn in
Fort Pierre reveals a drop in temperatures from 76.8°F (24.9°C) in
September down to 44.2°F (6.8°C) by
November. Rainfall follows a similar downward trajectory, tapering from 0.67" (17mm) in September to 0.47" (12mm) in November. In sync with the seasonal changes, daylight hours and sunshine diminish from 12.5 hours to 9.6 hours, and 9 hours to 6.1 hours respectively, marking the transition into the darker winter months.
Winter weather in Fort Pierre
Winter months in
Fort Pierre offer a sharp contrast to the temperate summer months. Amidst falling temperatures that range from 28.2°F (-2.1°C) in
December to a low of 12.6°F (-10.8°C) come
February, the city embraces a snow-laden landscape. Snowfall arrives in December, delivering 2.48" (63mm) and tapering to 1.97" (50mm) by
January. These months also observe the shortest daylight hours, delimiting from 8.9 to 9.3 hours, thus painting a wintry scene of short, snowy days and long, cold nights.
Weather in January
January unfurls a blanket of chilly temperatures and snowfall in
Fort Pierre with average monthly high temperatures reaching 26.2°F (-3.2°C) and low temperature dropping to 12.6°F (-10.8°C). Assisting in the winter landscape is an average snowfall of 1.97" (50mm).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February brings a slight elevation in temperature when compared to
January, but it remains a winter month with frequent snowfall. Snowfall is higher in February with a monthly average of 3.66" (93mm). Closing slightly warmer than January, February sees an enhanced daylight hour count, paving the path for those longer spring days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signals
Fort Pierre's transition from winter to spring with notable increments in temperature. The observed spread in temperature during this month is from 28.8°F (-1.8°C) to 44.1°F (6.7°C). With the cloud cover slowly diminishing, March brings the promise of added sunshine and longer daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sets in with mild temperatures and a considerable number of rainy days, marking the full swing of spring in
Fort Pierre. Rain falls more frequently in April, peaking with a rainfall average of 1.38" (35mm). A notable weather shift is observed from
March as the city experiences increased rain, warmer temperatures, and reduced snowfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May manifests a warm transition from spring toward summer with average high temperatures reaching the 60s range. However, the city encounters the highest rainfall of the year in May, with an average of 2.24" (57mm). This means that while May is warmer, the rain-soaked landscapes unfold a vibrant natural spectacle.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June kicks off summer in
Fort Pierre with the longest days of the year and rising high temperatures. With the mercury lever reaching up to 80.6°F (27°C), fluctuating between minimum and maximum temperatures is wide. Despite being one of the warmest months, June is also one of the wettest months of the year, which may affect some outdoor plans.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the heart of summer in
Fort Pierre, boasts ample sunshine with more than 15 hours of daylight daily. Temperatures in July touch the highest for the year at 88.7°F (31.5°C) and minimums remaining at 67.5°F (19.7°C). Long days, clear skies, and the absence of snowfall concocts perfect weather conditions for outdoor activities and festivals.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings a subtle hint of forthcoming autumn despite maintaining warm temperatures. The maximum temperature shows a slight decrement, dropping to an average of 86°F (30°C) in August from
July's record-highs. This reduction in heat, coupled with a decline in daylight hours, paints the first strokes of fall onto
Fort Pierre.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the dawn of autumn, bringing noticeable changes to
Fort Pierre's weather landscape. A significant drop in temperature is noticed, falling from highs of 86°F (30°C) in
August to a still comfortable 76.8°F (24.9°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings cool autumn breezes and a further dip in temperature to
Fort Pierre, displaying vibrant fall foliage around the city. From the temperatures of 76.8°F (24.9°C) in
September, it dwindles to lower highs of 58.5°F (14.7°C) in October.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Fort Pierre is characterized by noticeable downward temperature trends and reappearances of winter elements such as snow. The temperature varies between highs of 44.2°F (6.8°C) and lows of 29.5°F (-1.4°C), pointing toward the winter onset.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December wraps up the year with the reemergence of winter's stronghold in
Fort Pierre, bringing with it chilly temperatures and frequent snowfall. The temperature spread is from a chilling 28.2°F (-2.1°C) down to a low 16.3°F (-8.7°C) along with an average snowfall of 2.48" (63mm).
Weather in December »