The climate of Vermillion
Vermillion,
South Dakota is situated within a climate zone categorised by the Köppen climate classification as Dfa. This implies a humid continental climate, with no dry season and a hot summer.
The climate demonstrates distinct seasonal variations with temperatures reaching a peak in
July at 84.4°F (29.1°C), while the mercury dips to its lowest in
January, recording a frigid 12.9°F (-10.6°C). Hints of humidity continue throughout the year with the highest levels recorded from 73% to 84%.
Rainfall illustrates a progressive pattern, starting as a mere 0.63" (16mm) in January and
February, subsequently escalating to hit a yearly high of 3.35" (85mm) in
June, and thereafter plummeting again towards the end of the year. A somewhat similar pattern unfolds in the number of rainfall days, accruing to 17.3 days in June as the apex, and 2.8 days in January and February at the base.
A noteworthy aspect of Vermillion's climate is its heavy snowfall, peaking at 2.83" (72mm) in January and retained until February. Interestingly, sunlight hours increase significantly from 9.5 hours in January to a grand 15.3 hours in June, dipping again to 9.1 hours in
December.
The best time to visit Vermillion
An exploratory visit to
Vermillion provides an optimal experience between
May to
September. During this period, the temperature ranges from a comfortable 69.1°F (20.6°C) to 82.4°F (28°C), and the area enjoys longer daylight hours - spanning between 14.7 to 15.3 hours. The UV index is at its annual peak, ranging from 5 to 6, facilitating outdoor activities under the sun.
The worst time to visit Vermillion
Travelers might want to avoid planning a visit during the freezing months from
November to
March. The temperature nosedives to the bitter range of 12.9°F (-10.6°C) to 30.6°F (-0.8°C). Moreover, the daylight duration is at its annual low, oscillating around 9.5 to 12 hours.
Spring weather in Vermillion
Spring ushers in a transition from the piercing chilly winds to a milder climate. Temperatures show an upward trend, moving from 30.6°F (-0.8°C) to 57.7°F (14.3°C) between
March to
May. Concurrently, the daylight hours increase from 12 to 14.7 hours. However, with the arrival of spring, the rainfall inches upward as well, surging from 1.5" (38mm) to a relatively high 3.23" (82mm).
Summer weather in Vermillion
Summer in
Vermillion extends from
June to
August, characterized by high temperatures oscillating from 79.7°F (26.5°C) to 84.4°F (29.1°C). It also brings the longest daytime duration, from 15 to 15.3 hours, and a significant increase in UV index, remaining steady at 6. Rainfall remains considerably high in comparison to other seasons, oscillating around 1.89 to 3.35" (85mm).
Autumn weather in Vermillion
Autumn witnesses a temperature drop from 76.1°F (24.5°C) in
September to a cooler 45.9°F (7.7°C) by
November. Also, daylight hours reduce progressively from 12.5 to 9.8 hours. While the autumn rainfall tapers down to 1.69" (43mm) in
October, the number of rainfall days exhibit a contrasting trend, reducing to 8.8 days in the same month.
Winter weather in Vermillion
Winter in
Vermillion is marked by its frigid temperatures, with
December recording 30°F (-1.1°C), reducing further to 12.9°F (-10.6°C) by
January. The shortest days occur during this period, with daylight hours sinking to a yearly low of 9.1 hours in December. Meanwhile, the season makes its mark with snowfall amassing to 1.22" (31mm) in
November, reaching a peak of 2.83" (72mm) in January.
Weather in January
When comparing
January to the other winter months, it stands out as the coldest, plus it's a period of increased snowfall in
Vermillion,
South Dakota. From the temperature highs of 26.8°F (-2.9°C) to lows of 12.9°F (-10.6°C), January weather exhibits an icy grip on the city.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February marks the conclusion of winter's worst, offering just a slight relief as the weather inches towards a less harsh outlook. The temperatures do rise subtly, yet stay rigidly cold, keeping
Vermillion's landscape as a winter wonderland.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Vermillion,
South Dakota, signals the start of unpredictable Springtime weather. The slight elevation in temperature brings a bit of a thaw, transforming fluffy snow into rain-soaked scenes. As the snowfall reduces to 2.4" (61mm), the weather oscillates uncomfortably between frosty winter remnants and the incoming temperate springtime.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April embodies the true spirit of Spring in
Vermillion, as the weather continually warms, coaxing the winter-weary city back to life. There's a significant reduction in snowfall, while rainfall begins to dominate, signaling the onset of the growing season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees
Vermillion truly embracing Spring, as temperatures rise consistently, making way for a far warmer month. The city witnesses its transformation with budding trees, warmth-encouraging high sunshine hours, reinforcing the city’s transition into a full-swing Spring.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the first taste of Summer in
Vermillion, as temperatures continue to rise, reaching up to 79.7°F (26.5°C) at their peak. Residents must adapt to these warmer conditions, with June being traditionally one of the most humid months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the height of summer in
Vermillion, providing the warmest weather experience of the year. Maximum sunlight hours and minimum cloud cover result in increased UV index levels, requiring proper sun protection for those venturing outdoors.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August rolls in, the peak summer heat begins to ease off in
Vermillion. The weather remains predominantly warm, with a noticeably higher humidity level than the previous months. Residents usually plan their outdoors around the high UV index, indicating that the sun is still potent despite the slight reduction in temperature.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Vermillion in
September stands on the brink of transition, sliding gently from the remaining summer heat into the arms of Fall. Cooler temperature highs become frequent, reshaping the weather towards the Fall season. Cloud cover begins to increase, shadowing the golden summer sunshine and resulting in shorter daylight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Vermillion witnesses the complete transformation into Fall weather, where the trees don coats of warm-hued foliage. A remarkable autumnal shift ensues, with shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures, and an increase in wind speeds.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November observes
Vermillion fully embracing late Fall, with a noticeable dip in the temperatures. The marked change in the weather cleaves the link to the remaining autumn months and leans towards winter. The city witnesses more snowfall, with around 1.22" (31mm) of snow depositing a thin, icy layer over the city.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the return of winter to
Vermillion, and with it, the return of colder temperatures and snow-laden sceneries. The winter solstice arrives mid-month, marking the shortest daylight hour of the year. The city becomes a canvas for new snowfalls, introducing a period of minimal rainfall and an increase in ice and frost.
Weather in December »