The climate of Sturgis
Perched in
South Dakota, USA,
Sturgis experiences a humid continental climate, devoid of a dry season but featuring a warm summer according to Köppen climate classification (Dfb). The city's weather situation presents a tapestry of diverse climatological changes throughout the year.
Temperature fluctuates significantly throughout the seasons. Highs range from a frosty 32.4°F (0.2°C) in
January to a pleasant 84.7°F (29.3°C) caressed by the
July sun. Lowest readings are not left out, spanning a chilly 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in January to a mild 62.4°F (16.9°C) in July. Sturgis’ relative humidity typically oscillates between 49% in the warm months from July to
September and narrows to an annual high of 77% in January.
Rainfall volumes present an interesting variation every month - with highest precipitations of 2.52" (64mm) recorded in
May. The least rainfall happens in the winter months of January and
December, recording an average 0.59" (15mm) and 0.75" (19mm) respectively. Snowfall is seen from
October to May, culminating in January and
February with 6.18" (157mm) and 3.19" (81mm) respectively.
The best time to visit Sturgis
Visitors seeking warmer climates should schedule their trip between
June and
September when temperatures range from 73.8°F (23.2°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C) - accompanied by the longest daylight hours of the year, scaling from 14 to 15.5 hours. During these months, the city experiences less humidity, hovering around 49-50%, promising comfortable weather conditions conducive to outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Sturgis
Holiday planners might want to avoid the winter months from
December to
February. Temperatures plunge to annual lows from 18.7°F (-7.4°C) to 32.7°F (0.4°C). These months also present high incidence of snowfall - a record 8.23" (209mm) in
April and consistent snowfall days up to 12.8 in February.
Spring weather in Sturgis
The spring season witnesses a dramatic shift in the weather dynamics in
Sturgis.
March heralds in an increase in temperature from 45°F (7.2°C) to 63°F (17.2°C) by
May. Rainfall begins to pick up, registering 1.38" (35mm) in March to a spring high of 2.52" (64mm) in May. Snow begins to recede, paving the way for full terrestrial bloom with barely noticeable snowfall days by May.
Summer weather in Sturgis
Sturgis summers, spanning
June to
August, are balmy and sunny. With temperatures hovering between 73.8°F (23.2°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C), accompanied by the longest hours of daylight - between 14 to 15.5 hours - it is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities. Rainfall is relatively softer, averaging at 1.89" (48mm), hence less likely to disrupt outdoor plans.
Autumn weather in Sturgis
Autumn in
Sturgis, from
September to
November, brings a gradual but noticeable decrease in temperature, from 73.8°F (23.2°C) to 44.8°F (7.1°C). Rainfall recedes gently, measured from 0.83" (21mm) in September to 0.71" (18mm) in November. The sunlight shines on for about 9.6 hours towards the end of Autumn, when temperatures drop to note the dawn of winter.
Winter weather in Sturgis
The winter months in
Sturgis, starting from
December to
February, brace for the chill. Temperatures drop drastically from 32.2°F (0.1°C) in December to a startling 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in
January. Along with the plunging temperature, snowfall starts to pick up pace, up to 6.18" (157mm) in February, while the daylight remains confined between 8.9 to 10.5 hours.
Weather in January
Beginning the year with frosty conditions,
January in
Sturgis,
South Dakota, comes with an array of winter characteristics. The month experiences lower temperatures when compared with either the preceding or the succeeding one.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Continuing the wintry atmosphere of
January,
February in
Sturgis,
South Dakota, maintains the cold climate with improvements as the month progresses. The relative humidity decreases from January's average of 77% to 76%, which instigates a slightly drier ambiance.
Weather in February »Weather in March
A breath of spring greets
Sturgis,
South Dakota, in
March. The weather conditions show a significant transition from the frigid climate of
February. The rainfall significantly increases to 1.38" (35mm), replacing the snow with drops of spring showers.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With the arrival of
April,
Sturgis,
South Dakota, sits comfortably in the moderate spring season. Weather patterns during this period showcase a notable contrast to its predecessor
March. The highest rainfall of 2.36" (60mm) in April marks this month as the wettest, enhancing the city's greenery and encouraging blooming flora.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In the month of
May, the weather in
Sturgis,
South Dakota, shifts towards early signs of summer. It displays a substantial contrast compared with
April, but gradually turns warmer as weeks progress. The daylight duration extends to an average of 14.8 hours, making it the month with the longest daylight span.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Sturgis,
South Dakota, is met by the summer season in
June. Speaking in terms of weather transition, this month juxtaposes with the moderately warm climate of
May. With the highest UV index of 6, it marks the peak of the UV season, requiring precautions on sunny days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July introduces itself as peak summer in
Sturgis,
South Dakota. Weather conditions change notably from
June, constructing an inspiring atmosphere. July stands with the record of the highest average temperature reaching an impressive 84.7°F (29.3°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Entering the late-summer phase,
August in
Sturgis,
South Dakota, carries forward the hot weather streak from
July. The noticeable shift in weather pattern from its predecessor month contributes to the dynamic month of August. Even though August is the latter part of summer, it still records a substantial amount of sunshine, averaging 11.7 hours per day.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the commencement of autumn in
Sturgis,
South Dakota. The weather conditions change remarkably in comparison to the peak summer month of
August. Rainfall lowers to a minor 0.83" (21mm), qualifying September as the month with the least precipitation.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As the classic autumn season,
October in
Sturgis,
South Dakota sees a distinct alteration in weather conditions from
September. A gradual reduction in temperature is perceivable when heading towards the end of the month. The pleasant wind speed averaging at 10.4mph (16.7km/h) introduces a touch of chill in the air.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Signs of winter start to unveil themselves in
November, in
Sturgis,
South Dakota. The weather characteristics shift, proposing chilly days and frosty nights compared with the mild climate of
October. Snowfall turns frequent again, with the city witnessing an average of 3.82" (97mm).
Weather in November »Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December in
Sturgis,
South Dakota, establishes itself firmly in the heart of winter. The weather conditions prominently deviate from
November, serving genuinely cold weather. The significant increase in snowfall to 4.06" (103mm) underlines December as the month with the highest snowfall.
Weather in December »