The climate of Mitchell
Mitchell,
South Dakota falls under the Dfa predominate climate according to the Köppen climate classification, delineating it as a region with a humid continental climate, no dry seasons, and hot summers. Geographically positioned far from any marine influence, the climatological pendulum swings broadly on this patch of the North American continent.
Exploring the region’s monthly climate data uncovers a salient variation in weather conditions over the course of the year. Across all parameters, a discernible disparity is noted between the colder and warmer months in Mitchell. Seasonal fluctuation in the climatic factors certainly makes its mark, crafting a diverse weather profile.
On the temperature scale, the coldest month average drops to 10.2°F (-12.1°C) while the peak summer highs touch 85.6°F (29.8°C). Observing the pattern in rainfall, the rainiest period spans from
April to
August with rainfall between 1.14" (29mm) to 1.65" (42mm). Contrasting this, the driest months record a mere 0.28" (7mm) in
February and
November. The spectacle of snowfall is largely confined between
December and April, with the heaviest at the year's end and beginning - 1.38" (35mm) in December and 1.42" (36mm) in
January.
The fluctuation in daylight hours owes to the axial tilt of the earth; the maximum daylight extends to 15.4 hours in
June whereas the shortest day is in December with only 9 hours of daylight.
The best time to visit Mitchell
For visitors with a preference for milder weather, the months from
May to
August offer the most agreeable conditions in
Mitchell. During these months, the temperature largely navigates between 56.8°F (13.8°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C), while daylight hours range from 13.5 hours to a lengthy 15.4 hours. The rainfall hovers within a comfortable 1.61" (41mm) to 1.65" (42mm) range. Sunshine averages from 10.3 hours to 11.1 hours a day, with a UV index peaking at 6 in
June and
July, cautioning the need for sun protection measures.
The worst time to visit Mitchell
Contrary to the warm, sunbathing-friendly months, the period from
December to
February in
Mitchell poses the coldest conditions. Temperatures plunge as low as 10.2°F (-12.1°C) with snowfall averages standing at 1.38" (35mm) in December, 1.42" (36mm) in
January and 1.3" (33mm) in February. Days are relatively shorter with daylight often limited to 9 hours in December to 10.5 hours in February. Travelers may find this period less conducive due to the wintry weather and reduced sunlight.
Spring weather in Mitchell
Spring in
Mitchell unfolds gradually between
March and
May with temperatures ascending from a lower average of 27.9°F (-2.3°C) in March to an agreeable 68.4°F (20.2°C) in May. Rainfall begins its upward swing, with totals of 0.83" (21mm) in March and surging to 1.65" (42mm) in May. The daylight period also lengthens, beginning at 12 hours in March and advancing to 14.7 hours by May.
Summer weather in Mitchell
Between
June and
August, the scorching summer months in
Mitchell, temperatures rise to a maximum of 85.6°F (29.8°C) in
July. Accompanying the heat, rainfall measures from 1.61" (41mm) to 1.54" (39mm). Lengthy sunlight exposure is prevalent during this period, frequently lasting up to 15.4 hours per day. Cooling breezes navigate between 9.2mph (14.8km/h) to 8.6mph (13.8km/h) during this season.
Autumn weather in Mitchell
Autumn months from
September to
November observe a descending temperature trend in
Mitchell. Starting from 76.1°F (24.5°C) in September, the thermometer drops to 45°F (7.2°C) by November. Rainfall recedes, steadily reducing from 1.18" (30mm) in September to 0.28" (7mm) by November. The daylight hours shrink from 12.5 hours in September to 9.7 hours in November.
Winter weather in Mitchell
Winter in
Mitchell, spanning
December through
February, presents cold, harsh weather conditions with snowfall averaging 1.1" (28mm) in December to 1.3" (33mm) in February. The temperature averages hover around a freezing 28.6°F (-1.9°C) in December and dip further down to 10.2°F (-12.1°C) in February. Daylight hours are shorter, between 9 hours to 10.5 hours, with visibility often affected by the prevalent snow shroud. This period marks a drop in outside activity with increased indoor recreation.
Weather in January
January ushers in the coldest period of the year for
Mitchell,
South Dakota with temperatures fluctuating from as low as 10.2°F (-12.1°C) to a high of 24.4°F (-4.2°C). Icy conditions abound amid heavy snowfalls, with January recording an average of 1.38" (35mm).
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather gradually warms up in
February, providing a respite from
January's harsher climate. Yet, temperatures remain in the chill zone, averaging between 14.2°F (-9.9°C) and 28.6°F (-1.9°C). Though they may seem low, they represent a slight increase, signaling the forthcoming spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the transition season in
Mitchell, allowing locals and visitors to welcome the warmth of Spring. The city experiences a noticeable rise in temperatures, varying from 27.9°F (-2.3°C) to 44.4°F (6.9°C) on average. This month presents a fascinating blend of weather patterns, with the winter snow gradually melting away, and the rainfall nearly tripling from
February's levels.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showers bring forth spring flowers in
Mitchell. The city beats the chill of previous months with temperatures hovering between 38.8°F (3.8°C) and 56.8°F (13.8°C). The weather is typically mild and rainfall is frequent, making it one of the wetter months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Mitchell brings in the stirrings of summer, proven by a sharp rise in temperatures that range from 50°F (10°C) to 68.4°F (20.2°C). The city’s landscape changes dramatically from the melting snow, becoming greener and more vibrant with the bloom of summer flowers.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the ushering of summer in
Mitchell,
South Dakota, with temperatures skyrocketing to an average high of 79°F (26.1°C). It marks the start of a stretch of sunny, warm months, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July on average is the hottest month in
Mitchell as the city basks under the summer sun, with temperatures occasionally peaking at 85.6°F (29.8°C). This period witnesses longer daylight hours and lesser cloud cover, allowing for plenty of sunshine throughout the day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Mitchell experiences a slight dip in temperature, though it remains relatively high, varying between 62.1°F (16.7°C) and 84.4°F (29.1°C). The heat of
July begins to dissipate, signaling the onset of the upcoming fall season.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings the charm of fall to
Mitchell, with temperatures ranging comfortably between 55°F (12.8°C) and 76.1°F (24.5°C). It's a delightful transition from the summer heat to cooler autumn temperatures. With changing foliage, the city transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Mitchell experiences a steep drop in temperatures that vary anywhere from 42.1°F (5.6°C) to 58.5°F (14.7°C). People are prompted to bring out their sweaters as the autumn chill sets in. With the everchanging color palette of the trees, the city becomes a picturesque setting perfect for autumn walks and picnics.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November prepares
Mitchell for the harsh winter with temperatures dropping significantly, from around 29.5°F (-1.4°C) to 45°F (7.2°C). As the first snowfall is experienced, the reminders of the vibrant autumn start to disappear under a blanket of white.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Mitchell is the advent of full-fledge winter with temperatures ranging from a low of 16°F (-8.9°C) to a high of 28.6°F (-1.9°C). The city encounters the second-highest snowfall during this time, with an average of 1.1" (28mm) recorded, providing the perfect scenario for a white Christmas.
Weather in December »