Climate and monthly weather forecast
Mitchell, SD

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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 »

Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest?

In Mitchell, the average lowest temperatures are observed in January, with a high of 24.4°F (-4.2°C) and a low of 10.2°F (-12.1°C).

What is the most humid month?

January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 87%.

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 93.2 rainfall days, and 11.3" (287mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

January through April, October through December are months with snowfall.

How many days does it snow in Mitchell?

In Mitchell, during the entire year, snow falls for 35.3 days and aggregates up to 7.17" (182mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Mitchell?

January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 4.4h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January is the month with the lowest UV index in Mitchell, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the driest month?

February and November are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 1.9 days and typically aggregates up to 0.28" (7mm) of rain.

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall in Mitchell is February, when snow falls for 7.3 days and typically aggregates up to 1.42" (36mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 13.5 days and typically aggregates up to 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Mitchell, snow does not fall in May through September.

When are the longest days in Mitchell?

With an average of 15h and 24min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

When is the highest UV index in Mitchell?

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

What is the hottest time of year?

July, with average temperatures reaching a high of 85.6°F (29.8°C) and a low of 64.6°F (18.1°C), is the warmest month.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 11.1h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month?

September and October, with an average relative humidity of 63%, are the least humid months.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight.

Average temperature
Mitchell, SD

Average temperature - Mitchell, SD

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (85.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (24.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (10.2°F).

Average pressure
Mitchell, SD

Average pressure - Mitchell, SD

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and February (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.85"Hg).

Average wind speed
Mitchell, SD

Average wind speed - Mitchell, SD

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.2mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (8.6mph).

Average humidity
Mitchell, SD

Average humidity - Mitchell, SD

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (87%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are September and October (63%).

Average rainfall
Mitchell, SD

Average rainfall - Mitchell, SD

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (1.65").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are February and November (0.28").

Average rainfall days
Mitchell, SD

Average rainfall days - Mitchell, SD

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (13.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (1.9 days).

Average snowfall
Mitchell, SD

Average snowfall - Mitchell, SD

The month with the highest snowfall is February (1.42").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Mitchell, SD

Average snowfall days - Mitchell, SD

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (8.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Mitchell, SD

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Mitchell, 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 July (Average sunshine: 11h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Mitchell, SD

Average sunshine days - Mitchell, SD

The month with the most sunshine days is November (23.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (12.8 days).

Average visibility
Mitchell, SD

Average visibility - Mitchell, 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).

Mitchell, South Dakota, USA

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