The climate of Harrisburg
Harrisburg,
South Dakota is geographically situated in the midwestern region of the United States, and sees weather patterns indicative of a Dfa Köppen climate classification. The Dfa climate typifies a humid continental climate, characterized by no dry season and a hot summer.
Harrisburg's weather displays considerable fluctuation, not only season to season, but also from one month to the next. Total daylight hours vary from 9 hours in the winter to over 15 hours during peak summer months. Sunshine hours follow a similar pattern, scaling from 4.1 hours in
January to a high of 10.7 hours in
July.
Detailed precipitation data reveals a distinct pattern throughout the year. It is clear that rainfall is highest in
June, reaching up to 3.35" (85mm). Cumulative snowfall, on the other hand, is decidedly present from
December through
March, reaching its peak in
February with an average snowfall depth of 3.54" (90mm).
The graph of average wind speed throughout the year does not show substantial fluctuations, with wind speeds ranging from 7.8mph (12.6km/h) in July to 11.2mph (18km/h) in
April. Meanwhile, Harrisburg experiences a relatively steady atmospheric pressure throughout the year, with minor variations ranging from 29.86" (758mm) in June to 30.16" (766mm) in January.
The best time to visit Harrisburg
The optimal time to pay a visit to
Harrisburg is from late
May to early
September when temperatures reach their zenith - between 68.5°F (20.3°C) in May and 82.9°F (28.3°C) in
July. This is also when daylight is most abundant, hitting a high of 15.4 hours in
June, coupled with sunshine hours peaking at 10.7 hours in July. Rainfall does increase up to 3.35" (85mm) in June, however, this is offset by maximum daily sunshine hours and higher temperatures making the experience enjoyable.
The worst time to visit Harrisburg
For those less keen on dealing with chilly temperatures, planning a trip to
Harrisburg between
November and
March might not be advisable. During this period, temperatures regularly plummet as low as 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in
January and 16.2°F (-8.8°C) in
December. The highest concentration of snowfall can also be seen during this time, reaching depths of 2.91" (74mm) in December and 3.54" (90mm) in January.
Spring weather in Harrisburg
In
Harrisburg, spring starts subtly in
March, with an average low temperature still fairly cool at 28.8°F (-1.8°C) and ramps up to a pleasant 50.7°F (10.4°C) by
May. This is when the city begins to warm up, with average high temperatures hiking up from 44.1°F (6.7°C) in March and culminating at 68.5°F (20.3°C) in May. Precipitation in spring ranges from 1.5" (38mm) in March and peaks at 3.07" (78mm) in May.
Summer weather in Harrisburg
Summer stretches from
June to
August in
Harrisburg, offering a warm and inviting climate with average high temperatures varying from 78.3°F (25.7°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C). Rainfall during these months is fairly consistent, tallying around 2" (51mm). However, the amount of sunlight bolsters substantially with the longest day in June experiencing nearly 15.4 hours of daylight.
Autumn weather in Harrisburg
The Autumn season, which spans from
September to
November, sees a significant dip in temperatures - tumbling from a warm 74.5°F (23.6°C) in September to a much cooler 43.7°F (6.5°C) in November. Even so, rainfall remains relatively flat and starts tapering off in November with an average of 0.67" (17mm). Autumn is also characterized by shorter daylight intervals, decreasing from 12.5 hours in September to around 9.7 hours by November.
Winter weather in Harrisburg
Winter in
Harrisburg occupies the months of
December,
January, and
February and displays average high temperatures fluctuating from 28°F (-2.2°C) in December and January, increasing slightly to 27.9°F (-2.3°C) in February. Low temperatures can drop to a frigid 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in January. Both snowfall intensities and the number of snowfall days peak during winter, with February experiencing the highest snowfall at 3.31" (84mm) over 9.9 days. The average daylight is at its shortest during winter, ranging from 9.4 hours to 9 hours.
Weather in January
Cold and snowy best describe
January weather in
Harrisburg,
South Dakota. The region sees its most frigid temperatures during this month, with a maximum of 24.1°F (-4.4°C) and minimum down to 10.6°F (-11.9°C). It's not unusual to see significant snow, making it popular for winter sports enthusiasts.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Slightly warmer than
January, the chilly clime of
February is still marked with snowfall. The weather continues to be cold, although a slight increase in both daylight hours and temperature can be noticed. Interestingly, the area sees snowfall totalling to 3.54" (90mm) over about 7.3 days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings with it the first inkling of spring in
Harrisburg. A notable increase in temperature, longer daylight hours and a decline in snowfall mark this month's transformation from winter. The beginning of the rainy season is observed, with a total rainfall of 1.5" (38mm) scattered across roughly 9.6 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is distinct for being the transitional month, where winter weather softens into spring. There is a marked increase in temperatures, paired with a noticeable uptick in rainfall as the snow melts away. This month also boasts wind speeds of up to 11.2mph (18km/h), revealing a dynamic weather pattern.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May officially ushers in Spring in its full glory. Warmer temperatures, ample sunshine and considerable rainfall characterize this vibrant month in
Harrisburg. Witness the onset of the true rainy season with a total rainfall of 3.07" (78mm) spanning approximately 16.6 days; this vital fact is an indication towards the quintessence of the season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the harbinger of summer in
Harrisburg, marked by warm temperatures and steady sunlight. The city experiences its highest humidity level in this time frame. Prolonged daylight hours provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July typically sees the warmest weather of the year. Extended daylight hours and the city's highest UV index are at their peak. With high temperatures reaching their zenith at 82.9°F (28.3°C), sunblock becomes a necessity. Green landscapes, blue skies, and sun-soaked outdoor spaces become the hallmark of
Harrisburg in July. Harrisburg's warmest month, July, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 82.9°F (28.3°C) to a low of 63.3°F (17.4°C). The heat index for July is appraised at a tropical 89.6°F (32°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Harrisburg continues to bask in the summer heat. There's a slight reduction in temperature from
July, but the overall environment remains hot yet inviting for activities like picnicking or hiking. With a humidity level of 74%, an ultraviolet index of 5, and nearly 9.9 hours of daily sunshine, it remains a popular month for tourists and residents to explore outdoors. Harrisburg,
South Dakota, records an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 81.1°F (27.3°C) in August, closely mirroring the climate of the previous month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the onset of Autumn in
Harrisburg. This month sees a substantial decrease in temperature when compared to
August. The outdoor experience becomes more pleasant with the city's more manageable temperatures. Additionally, lowered UV indices and fewer daylight hours signal the close of summer.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is characterized by cooling temperatures and richly hued foliage across
Harrisburg. As brisk autumn firmly sets in, the daylight hours shorten considerably while the outdoor ambiance turns crisp. Remarkably, this is the month where wind speeds pick up again, registering at 10.3mph (16.6km/h), offering a refreshing treat for those indulging in outdoor pursuits. As Harrisburg steps into October, a marked temperature drop is observed, with the average high-temperature reducing from
September's moderately hot 74.5°F (23.6°C) to a moderate 58.1°F (14.5°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
The city of
Harrisburg experiences a sizable drop in temperature in
November. This, along with the shift from rainfall to snowfall, signals the onset of winter. This month is characterized by cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours, along with an increase in relative humidity.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December heralds the arrival of a full-fledged winter in
Harrisburg. The crisp frosty weather is accompanied by the return of significant snowfall, adding a festive spirit to the city. Amongst the winter months, December stands out with the highest amount of snowfall, recording a noteworthy 3.31" (84mm).
Weather in December »