The climate of Pierre
Comprehending
Pierre's climate necessitates a focus on its Köppen climate classification, which denotes it as Dwa. This classification captures the region's humid continental climate, predominantly marked by severe dry winters and hot summers. Geographically perched within the mainframe of
South Dakota, USA, Pierre experiences distinct climatic variations throughout the year.
The humidity remains on the higher scale at the onset of the year, with 85% in
January declining to 52% by
August. With the fluctuation in humidity, there is a visible shift in temperatures as well; January's average high temperature of 26.2°F (-3.2°C) soars to reach 88.7°F (31.5°C) in
July. The lowest temperature touches 12.6°F (-10.8°C) in January and scales up to 67.5°F (19.7°C) by July. It is interesting to note that July, despite having the highest temperature, records a moderately low relative humidity of 53%.
Rainfall patterns display intriguing trends, with less than an inch recorded in the initial two months of the year and amounting to over two inches from
May to
June. However, rainfall days show variation with 2.4 days in
February eventually reaching a high of 14.2 days in June. Similarly, patterns in daylight hours show an increase from the 9.3 hours in January to peak at 15.5 hours in June; setting a characteristic rhythm of light and precipitation throughout the year.
The best time to visit Pierre
Factoring in all climatic conditions, the period from
May to
September emerges as a favorable time to visit
Pierre. With the highest temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) in May through 88.7°F (31.5°C) in
July and reducing to 76.8°F (24.9°C) in September, it creates an ideal climate for outdoor activities. Moreover, these months witness longer daylight hours stretching between 14.8 hours and 15.1 hours, maximizing opportunities for sightseeing and explorations. While rainfall is highest during this period, it's balanced by a lower number of rainfall days - ensuring torrential downpours do not disrupt plans.
The worst time to visit Pierre
An appreciation of
Pierre's climatic diversity discourages travel plans between
November and
March. Drastic dip in temperatures across these months, ranging from a low of 12.6°F (-10.8°C) in
January to highs barely reaching 44.2°F (6.8°C) in November and 28.2°F (-2.1°C) in
December, potentially restrict travel flexibility. Despite these months registering lower rainfalls, the snowfall inches peak from 0.83" (21mm) in November and rise up to 2.48" (63mm) in December and 1.97" (50mm) in January.
Spring weather in Pierre
Spring ushers a fresh chapter into
Pierre's seasonal climate between
March and
June. Temperatures during spring climb from 44.1°F (6.7°C) in March through 56.1°F (13.4°C) in
April and reach 68°F (20°C) in
May. This period observes a considerable leap in rainfall from 0.94" (24mm) in March to 2.24" (57mm) in May. Despite an increase in precipitation, climatic conditions are adequately moderate to engage in outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Pierre
Summer sets in from
July and lasts until the beginning of
September, bringing in high temperatures and extended daylight. Temperatures peak at 88.7°F (31.5°C) in July and slowly descent to 76.8°F (24.9°C) in September. The season witnesses a drop in rainfall days from 14.2 in
June down to 8.9 in September, resulting in more ideal days for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Pierre
Autumn in
Pierre,
South Dakota, covers the final months of
September and
October and greets visitors with moderately high temperatures from 76.8°F (24.9°C) in September to 58.5°F (14.7°C) in October. The rainfall recedes from 0.67" (17mm) in September to 0.98" (25mm) in October, displaying a slight increase. The daylight hours descend from 12.5 hours in September to 11 hours in October, marginally defining the duration of sunlight available during this period.
Winter weather in Pierre
Winter, covering
November to
February, witnesses a severe drop in temperatures, with highs dropping from 44.2°F (6.8°C) in November to 26.2°F (-3.2°C) in
January. The low temperatures accentuate this drop, descending from 29.5°F (-1.4°C) in November to 12.6°F (-10.8°C) in January. Snowfall at this time records an increase from 0.83" (21mm) in November to a peak of 2.48" (63mm) in
December, followed by 1.97" (50mm) in January. These factors coupled with a reduced number of daylight hours, falling to a low of 8.9 hours in December, make this season the toughest yet visually enchanting.
Weather in January
January represents the quintessential winter season in
Pierre,
South Dakota, characterized by long nights and biting cold temperatures. This month experiences the year's shortest daylight hours, averaging only 9.3 hours per day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The winter chill remains strong in
February, but the city begins to witness a relative increase in daylight hours and slightly improved temperatures. The transition from
January's deep freeze is noticeable, but it is incremental and subtle.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Pierre,
South Dakota brings further relief from the winter extremities. The anticipation of spring is palpable with the continuing rise in temperature and daylight hours. March stands out as the month that the average high temperatures surpass the freezing point, now at 44.1°F (6.7°C), symbolizing a key turn in Pierre's weather pattern.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signals the true arrival of spring in the city, with significant improvements in daytime temperatures. Residents transition into lighter clothing as they welcome the newfound brightness and comfortably warm days. The average high temperature has now reached a balmy 56.1°F (13.4°C), exhibiting an appreciable warmth in the afternoon.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is the month that truly embodies the spring season in
South Dakota, boasting mild weather and visibly greener landscapes. The city bids farewell to the last traces of winter, embracing the pleasant daytime temperatures and extended daylight hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June welcomes the start of summer in
Pierre, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Citizens adorn summers dresses, light shirts and shorts, finding refuge in nearby lakes and rivers. The sun shines for more than half a day, on an average, ensuring clear skies for most of the day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the peak of summer in
Pierre, with daily temperatures expected to soar. The heat opposes the idea of staying indoors, making activities like swimming and boating even more appealing. The most significant take-away is that July experiences the year’s highest average temperatures, peaking at 88.7°F (31.5°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Pierre,
South Dakota continues riding the high wave of summer, with warm temperatures and clear skies. The city hosts a variety of outdoor events, capitalizing on the reliable sunny weather. However, the heat levels are slightly more forgiving compared to
July, compensating for the increasing humidity.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings the onset of autumn, with a noticeable change of climate following the hot summer.
Pierre's foliage starts showcasing shades of red, gold and brown, creating an impressionistic painting out of the city's landscapes.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October accentuates the autumnal characteristics in full swing, boasting cool weather and colorful decaying leaves. The trees city begin to shed their leaves, forming a crunchy, multicolored carpet on the ground. The milder weather, with cooler temperatures, provides an ideal opportunity for sightseeing and exploring the city's natural scenery.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Pierre represents the transition towards winter, with steadily falling temperatures and generally overcast skies. The city prepares for the winter season, with snow shovels and winter tires making an appearance. The transition from the mild weather of
October gets evident now, as November sees an average high temperature of 44.2°F (6.8°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December signals the peak of winter in
Pierre, characterized by low temperatures, frequent snowfall and minimal daylight. Christmas lights glisten against the snowy backdrop, creating a sight to behold. Despite the severe weather, December holds its charm with the festive spirit conquering the cold.
Weather in December »