The climate of Sioux Falls
According to the Köppen climate classification,
Sioux Falls,
South Dakota, falls under the predominate climate of Dfa - signifying a humid continental climate with no dry season and hot summers. Geographically, Sioux Falls lies in the Upper Midwest of the United States and lies under the direct influence of alternating air masses from the Arctic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest.
An analysis of climate data reveals variability in Sioux Falls's weather that exemplifies its classification as a humid continental climate. Temperatures over the year fluctuate widely, with the lowest average temperature recorded at 9.7°F (-12.4°C) in winter and the highest average temperature at 82.4°F (28°C) during summer. Similarly, rainfall amounts vary throughout the year, with the highest rainfall observed from
May to
June, and the driest months being
January and
February. A higher amount of rainfall coincides with the warmer months of the year, confirming the absence of a dry season.
Unique weather conditions appear in the form of frequent snowfall from
November to
April, with the highest amount of snow falling in January and February with average accumulation of 4.25" (108mm) and 3.35" (85mm) respectively. Another notable factor about Sioux Falls's weather is the significant drop in relative humidity during spring and autumn, while it peaks in winter and holds steady through the summer.
The Best Time to Visit Sioux Falls
In determining the best time to visit
Sioux Falls, various factors come into play such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity. Considering these factors, the period from
June to
August seems to be the most favorable. During this period, temperatures range from a comfortable 77.5°F (25.3°C) to a warm 82.4°F (28°C), combined with relatively moderate rainfall ranging from 2.28" (58mm) to 3.27" (83mm). Furthermore, the hours of sunshine per day peak at a favorable 9.9 to 10.7 hours.
The Worst Time to Visit Sioux Falls
The winter months from
December to
February could be considered the least favorable time to visit
Sioux Falls due to severe weather conditions. The average low temperatures dip to single digit degrees, going as low as 9.7°F (-12.4°C) along with frequent snowfall amounting up to 4.25" (108mm) in February. Moreover, daylight hours are at their shortest and sunlight is minimal, with daily sunshine hours decreasing to only 4 to 5.1 hours per day.
Spring Weather in Sioux Falls
As winter makes way for spring in
Sioux Falls, the weather embodies transitional qualities.
March sees temperatures rising from sub-freezing averages of 27.7°F (-2.4°C) to pleasant highs in
May of 67.5°F (19.7°C). Corresponding to the rising temperatures, rainfall volume increases as well over this period, from 1.34" (34mm) in March to its highest annual volume of 3.27" (83mm) in May.
Summer Weather in Sioux Falls
Summer in
Sioux Falls embraces warm temperatures, with average highs ranging from 77.5°F (25.3°C) in
June to 82.4°F (28°C) in
July. Concurrently, rainfall sees a slight decrease from spring levels but remains somewhat high through the summer, with a recorded average of 2.28" (58mm) to 2.24" (57mm) from June through
August. Daily sunshine hours increase, offering between 9.9 to 10.7 hours of sunlight every day.
Autumn Weather in Sioux Falls
Autumn ushers in cooler temperatures in
Sioux Falls, with temperatures falling from 74.3°F (23.5°C) in
September to a noticeably colder 43.2°F (6.2°C) in
November. Rainfall also decreases in this period, from 1.89" (48mm) in September to 0.67" (17mm) in November, indicating the onset of the dry season. Sunshine hours drop, and daylight hours start to reduce, signaling the arrival of winter.
Winter Weather in Sioux Falls
Winter in
Sioux Falls is characterized by consistently cold temperatures and a substantial number of snowfall days. Average temperatures range from 27.5°F (-2.5°C) in
December to 9.7°F (-12.4°C) in
February.
January and February also see the highest snowfall, ranging from 3.35" (85mm) to 4.25" (108mm). Sunshine hours are at their lowest in winter, with daily sunshine ranging from 4 to 5.1 hours.
Weather in January
The start of the new year in
Sioux Falls,
South Dakota ushers in chilly weather conditions that envelop the city in a cold blanket. Interestingly, snowfall is at a peak with up to 3.35" (85mm) of snow. This does not deter daylight from shining for up to 9.4 hours, casting an ethereal glow on the snowy landscape, particularly around lunchtime.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues the cold spell from
January, but with a slight increase in sunshine, signalling a forthcoming thaw. Snowfall decreases to 4.25" (108mm), paving the way for the commencement of the transition to spring. The relative humidity drops from January, marking an end to the crystalline cityscape but continuing to keep the air crisp and refreshing.
Weather in February » Weather in March
By
March,
Sioux Falls commences its slow ascent from the depths of winter. The mercury begins to rise, and a notable decrease in relative humidity to 77% indicates the gradual receding of the winter chill. Rainfall measures at 1.34" (34mm), ushering in the moist spring season, leading to a sprouting of new growth, transforming the city into a lively green.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Sioux Falls marks the definitive arrival of spring. The weather conditions display considerable warmth compared to
March, inviting citizens outdoors to enjoy nature's bounty. An increase to 2.13" (54mm) of rainfall fosters the blooming of flowers and trees, tingeing the city with vibrant colours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings in the full vigour of spring in
Sioux Falls with the city blossoming under the longer daylight hours. Rainfall increases slightly to 2.83" (72mm); the showers bring fresh nourishment to the thriving flora. The gentle rhythm of the rain bestows a sense of calm, making the city hum with life.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the advent of summer in
Sioux Falls. The general weather conditions swerve towards warmth and vibrancy, opening the season of breezy summer nights and balmy days. With the temperature climbing to 77.5°F (25.3°C), citizens flock to outdoor spaces to soak in the sun's golden rays.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Sioux Falls heralds the peak of the summer season. The city basks in the sun's warmth, reaching up to 82.4°F (28°C), rendering it the hottest month of the year. The parching heat is occasionally relieved by 2.28" (58mm) of rainfall, adding variety to the weather spectrum.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Sioux Falls offers a slight reprieve from the peak summer warmth prevalent in
July. However, with the temperature dropping slightly to 81.1°F (27.3°C), the weather remains pleasantly warm. The mild decrease in rainfall to 2.24" (57mm) signifies the gradual easing into the autumnal cycle.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As the calendar flips over to
September in
Sioux Falls, a pleasant change in weather marks the transitioning into the enchanting fall season. With the temperature dipping to a comfortable 74.3°F (23.5°C), the city bids goodbye to the hot summer days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October further intensifies the fall mood in
Sioux Falls. The city is swathed in shades of crimson and gold, harking back to the rich tapestry of an autumn palette. As climate dials down to a moderate 57.4°F (14.1°C), Sioux Falls embraces the cool fall weather.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is when
Sioux Falls commences its progressive descent into winter, with temperatures dipping down to 43.2°F (6.2°C). A pronounced drop in daylight hours heralds the onset of longer, frosty nights. A minimal rainfall of 0.67" (17mm), complemented by a spike in snowfall, paves the way for the upcoming ice-capped wonderland.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers
Sioux Falls into the full swing of the winter season. As the frosty chill blankets the city, it harkens back to the conditions prevalent in the first month of the year. Snowfall rises again to 3.23" (82mm), reinstating Sioux Falls' crystal-edged picturesque winterscape.
Weather in December »