Climate and monthly weather forecast
Hot Springs, SD

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The climate of Hot Springs

Hot Springs in South Dakota is classified under BSk or the Mid-latitude steppe along the Köppen climate classification. It is dominantly characterized by a semi-arid climate indicative of dry grassland that covers extensive plains. Tracking climate details over the year gives insight into harsh extremes, subtle turns of the seasons, and variability in weather parameters.

Weather characteristics shift noticeably throughout the year with temperatures fluctuating between a high of 86°F (30°C) in July to a low of 18.5°F (-7.5°C) in February. Precipitation displays clear patterns with yearly variations in total amounts and the number of rainy days. More than half of the annual rainfall, specifically from 0.55" (14mm) to 2.87" (73mm), occurs between March and July. This period registers the highest number of rainfall days, from 8.1 to 16.8 days in a month.

Cloud cover maintains a relatively uniform distribution, hovering around 34% to 39%. However, sunshine hours tend to reach a peak from June to August with 11.2 hours to 11.8 hours of average sunshine. Wind speeds change less dramatically, with an average yearly range of 7.8mph (12.6km/h) to 9.9mph (15.9km/h). This creates a pleasant balance, allowing a moderate climate feel. A notable point of interest is the winter snowfall experienced from November to March, reaching a peak depth of 3.66" (93mm) in February.

The best time to visit Hot Springs

Determining the perfect time to visit Hot Springs hinges on weather preferences and planned activities. Nonetheless, the period from June to September comes highly recommended. Average temperatures dictate comfortable weather, with highs oscillating between 75.2°F (24°C) and 86°F (30°C). Combined with the highest average sunshine hours ranging from 10.4 to 11.8, these months are an outdoor enthusiast's delight.

Despite the drier nature of this semi-arid environment, rainfall does occur. June, marshaling the start of this favored visiting period, experiences a peak rainfall of 2.87" (73mm), which gradually dwindetails to 1.77" (45mm) in August. Relative humidity averages around 47% to 56%, and cloud coverage lowers, allowing more daylight and sunshine hours.

The worst time to visit Hot Springs

Hot Springs is less inviting during the colder months, particularly between December and February. Average low temperatures drop to 18.5°F (-7.5°C), while highs wait at a chilly 33.4°F (0.8°C) to 34.3°F (1.3°C). A significant snowfall of 2.56" (65mm) to 3.66" (93mm) accompanies these temperatures. The conditions during these months can be difficult to handle, especially for those unaccustomed to lower temperatures.

Further, sunlight hours decrease notably to 6.1 hours per day, and the total daylight hours fall to 9 hours. Although humidity is moderate at around 72% to 75%, the cloud coverage increases to 36% to 39%, often heralding gloomy days and colder temperatures.

Spring weather in Hot Springs

Spring is marked by moderate weather changes in Hot Springs. Average temperatures ascend steadily from 18.9°F (-7.3°C) to 45.1°F (7.3°C) at the beginning of Spring to between 35.4°F (1.9°C) to 64.9°F (18.3°C) by the end. The precipitation experiences a significant increase from 0.39" (10mm) in February to 1.81" (46mm) in April, furthering the soothing beauty of Spring.

In addition, Spring sees the termination of snowfall, with only 1.77" (45mm) falling in March. Wind speeds during this period range from 9.2mph (14.8km/h) to 9.9mph (15.9km/h), making it slightly breezy. The daylight hours rise from 12 hours to 14.7 hours, with increasing sunshine hours, invigorating the vibrant colors of Spring.

Summer weather in Hot Springs

Summer in Hot Springs is a period of warmth and ample sunshine. Average temperatures hover between 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 86°F (30°C), marking these months as the warmest of the year. The period sees a decrease in precipitation from 2.87" (73mm) in June to 1.77" (45mm) in August.

Summer also brings with it the highest daylight hours, peaking at 15.4 hours in June. Sunshine hours consistently stay above 10, providing ample light for outdoor activities. The average wind speeds slow to a gentle 8.3mph (13.4km/h) to 8.8mph (14.2km/h), complementing the overall inviting atmosphere of the summer months.

Autumn weather in Hot Springs

Early autumn in Hot Springs remains an inviting period with September temperatures of 54°F (12.2°C) to 75.2°F (24°C). However, colder conditions descend with November lows falling to 28.8°F (-1.8°C) and highs reaching 45.5°F (7.5°C). Rainfall during this period dips to a yearly low of 0.55" (14mm) in November, further intensifying the crisp autumn atmosphere.

Sunshine hours decrease to 7.1 hours by October, and cloud coverage increases to 29% by November. With wind speeds varying from 8.8mph (14.2km/h) to 9.3mph (15km/h), the environment in Autumn continues to carry a mild breeze. Visitors will need to bundle up to enjoy the outdoors comfortably as the season progresses towards winter.

Winter weather in Hot Springs

Winter transforms Hot Springs to a colder landscape. Average temperatures range from 18.5°F (-7.5°C) to 32.4°F (0.2°C), making it the coldest season. Snowfall becomes customary, peaking at 3.58" (91mm) in December, visibly defining the ambiance of a classical winter holiday.

On average, daylight hours linger at only 9 hours, and sunshine hours bottom out at 6.1 hours. Interestingly, winter months have the highest cloud coverage, making for gray, chilly days. The average wind speeds do not vary dramatically, anchoring at about 9.3mph (15km/h), adding to the icy presence of winter in Hot Springs.

Weather in January

January in Hot Springs, South Dakota faces winter months where the city becomes a snowy haven. Residents can expect to experience an average high temperature of 33.4°F (0.8°C) while the lows can plummet to approximately 18.9°F (-7.3°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

During February, the city of Hot Springs remains under the winter spell but at a diminished intensity. The weather witnesses a slight increase to about 34.3°F (1.3°C) in the average highs and 18.5°F (-7.5°C) in the lows, compared to January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March brings a transition period in weather conditions as Hot Springs moves towards spring. Temperatures start to climb, with a significant jump to a soothing 47.5°F (8.6°C) as the average high. No longer a winter wonderland, the city sees a decrease in snowfall quantities, down to 2.99" (76mm), but this is still significant compared to many spring-dominated areas. Weather in March »

Weather in April

By April, the grip of winter has mostly loosened, and the average high temperature rises further to a more comfortable 54.9°F (12.7°C). While this is a significant change from the chilly previous months, rainfall becomes more prevalent, clocking an average of 1.81" (46mm). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is when the charm of spring is in full bloom in Hot Springs. This month witnesses a substantial increase in the city's average maximum temperature to a warm 64.9°F (18.3°C). Alongside the increased temperatures comes a significant increase in rainfall, peaking to an average of 2.64" (67mm), making it the wettest month of the year in the City. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June ushers in the onset of the summer season as day temperature shoots up to an average high of 78.1°F (25.6°C). This is a significant climb from May, the last vestiges of spring disappearing. This month offers ample sunlight hours and represents the shift of Hot Springs into its summer phase. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July epitomizes the summer season in Hot Springs with temperatures soaring to an annual high of 86°F (30°C) on average. Increasingly clear skies lead to the city basking in daylight for a significant 15 hours on average. The reduction in rainfall to about 2.24" (57mm) marks the city's transition into the drier part of the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the summer trend seen in July but with slightly reduced temperatures. The city's summer heat sees a slight drop compared to July, with the maximum temperature averaging around 84°F (28.9°C). A further reduction in rainfall to 1.77" (45mm) solidifies the city's dry spell, with barely a hint of the torrents experienced during the wettest month of May. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September introduces the arrival of fall in Hot Springs. While remnants of the summer heat persist, the city's average high temperature decreases to 75.2°F (24°C), signaling the start of cooler days. Average rainfall dips to 1.14" (29mm), offering clear skies and pleasant weather for most of the month. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October further showcases the beauty of the fall season. The city's temperature experiences another substantial drop down to an average high of 57.6°F (14.2°C). A decrease in rainfall to 1.1" (28mm) adds to the city's array of clear, pleasing autumn days. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November is the gateway to winter in Hot Springs, with the average high temperature dipping to 45.5°F (7.5°C). Snowfall resurfaces in the city's weather forecast with an average accumulation of 2.6" (66mm), a sharp contrast to the preceding rain-dominated months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December brings back the city's wintery feel with the average high temperature dropping further to 32.4°F (0.2°C). As the year concludes, snowfall increases to 3.58" (91mm), marking the return of the city's snowy landscape. The reduction in daily sunlight hours and higher cloud coverage characterize the classic winter atmosphere in Hot Springs. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 14, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month in Hot Springs?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 75%.

What is the driest month in Hot Springs?

January is the month with the least rainfall in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Rain falls for 4 days and accumulates 0.39" (10mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in Hot Springs?

In Hot Springs, during the entire year, the rain falls for 115.8 days and collects up to 16.61" (422mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Hot Springs?

January through May, September through December are months with snowfall in Hot Springs.

How much does it snow in Hot Springs?

In Hot Springs, during the entire year, snow falls for 49.2 days and aggregates up to 23.19" (589mm) of snow.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Hot Springs?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the snowiest month in Hot Springs?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 10.4 days and accumulates 3.66" (93mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Hot Springs?

The month with the least sunshine is February, with an average of 5.8h of sunshine.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Hot Springs?

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.

What is the wettest month in Hot Springs?

June is the month with the most rainfall in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Rain falls for 15.2 days and accumulates 2.87" (73mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Hot Springs?

June through August are months without snowfall in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

When are the longest days in Hot Springs?

June has the longest days of the year in Hot Springs, South Dakota, with an average of 15h and 24min of daylight.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Hot Springs?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.

What part of the year is the hottest in Hot Springs?

The highest temperatures in Hot Springs, South Dakota, are recorded in July, with averages reaching a high of 86°F (30°C) and a low of 63.9°F (17.7°C).

What is the least humid month in Hot Springs?

With an average relative humidity of 47%, August is the least humid month in Hot Springs.

What month has the most sunshine in Hot Springs?

With an average of 11.8h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year in Hot Springs.

What month is the coldest in Hot Springs?

Hot Springs's December weather reaches an average high of 32.4°F (0.2°C) and an average low of 18.5°F (-7.5°C), making it the coldest month.

What is the month with the shortest days in Hot Springs?

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

Average temperature
Hot Springs, SD

Average temperature - Hot Springs, SD

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (86°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (32.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63.9°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are February and December (18.5°F).

Average pressure
Hot Springs, SD

Average pressure - Hot Springs, 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
Hot Springs, SD

Average wind speed - Hot Springs, SD

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7.8mph).

Average humidity
Hot Springs, SD

Average humidity - Hot Springs, SD

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (75%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (47%).

Average rainfall
Hot Springs, SD

Average rainfall - Hot Springs, SD

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (2.87").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.39").

Average rainfall days
Hot Springs, SD

Average rainfall days - Hot Springs, SD

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (16.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is December (3.5 days).

Average snowfall
Hot Springs, SD

Average snowfall - Hot Springs, SD

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.66").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

Average snowfall days
Hot Springs, SD

Average snowfall days - Hot Springs, SD

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (10.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Hot Springs, SD

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Hot Springs, 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 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Hot Springs, SD

Average sunshine days - Hot Springs, SD

The month with the most sunshine days is December (21.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (11.2 days).

Average UV index
Hot Springs, SD

Average UV index - Hot Springs, SD

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Hot Springs, SD

Average visibility - Hot Springs, 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).

Hot Springs, South Dakota, USA

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