December weather forecast
South Dakota, USA

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Flag of South Dakota, USA
Flag of South Dakota, USA

Weather in December

December in South Dakota is emblematic of winter in its full splendor. The state, blanketed in snow and gripped by the cold, exhibits a serene yet stark beauty. Daytime temperatures during December are typically quite chilly, fluctuating between 25°F (-3.9°C) and 35°F (1.7°C). Nighttime sees an even sharper descent, with temperatures often ranging between 10°F (-12.2°C) and 20°F (-6.7°C). The bitter cold is accentuated by brisk winds, making it feel even colder than the thermometer indicates.

The Black Hills, with their elevated landscapes, consistently exhibit colder conditions, especially during nighttime. Snowfall is prominent in this region, with the hills and trees often enveloped in a thick, white cloak, presenting a picturesque winter wonderland.

December's precipitation is predominantly snow, with occasional heavier snowfall as fronts move through the area. Rain is rare, but if it does occur, it quickly transitions to snow or freezing rain, adding to the icy conditions.

Compared to November, December is decidedly colder, with consistently freezing temperatures and frequent snow events. The transition from November's early winter feel to December's full-blown winter conditions is unmistakable.

Throughout December, South Dakota immerses itself in the holiday spirit against the backdrop of its icy landscapes. The crisp air, often filled with the scent of wood-burning stoves, and the sparkling snow under the pale winter sun, set the scene for festive celebrations. As the month draws to a close, there's an anticipatory buzz for the New Year, with hopes of a fresh start and what January will usher in for the state.

  • Sioux Falls - December »
    In Sioux Falls during December, the rain falls for 4.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.02" (26mm) of precipitation. In Sioux Falls, in December, during 10.8 snowfall days, 3.23" (82mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
  • Rapid City - December »
    The month with the shortest days in Rapid City is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight. In December, in Rapid City the rain falls for 4.8 days.
  • Aberdeen - December »
    In Aberdeen, in December, snow falls for 11.4 days, with typically accumulated 3.43" (87mm) of snow. In Aberdeen, during December, snow falls for 11.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.43" (87mm) of snow.
  • Brookings - December »
    In Brookings, during December, snow falls for 13.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 4.65" (118mm) of snow. December has the shortest days of the year in Brookings, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.
  • Watertown - December »
    The months with the most snowfall in Watertown are January and December, with an average 3.74" (95mm) of accumulated snow. In Watertown during December, snow falls for 13 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.74" (95mm) of snow.
  • Mitchell - December »
    In Mitchell during December, snow falls for 7.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.1" (28mm) of snow. The month with the shortest days in Mitchell, South Dakota, is December, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight.
  • Yankton - December »
    In Yankton, South Dakota, during December, snow falls for 8.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.95" (75mm) of snow. The month with the most snowfall in Yankton is December, when snow falls for 8.1 days and typically aggregates up to 2.95" (75mm) of snow.
  • Pierre - December »
    In Pierre during December, the rain falls for 2.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.67" (17mm) of precipitation. In Pierre, during December, snow falls for 8.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.48" (63mm) of snow.
  • Huron - December »
    In Huron, during December, snow falls for 9.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.95" (75mm) of snow. In Huron, in December, it is raining for 3 days, with typically 0.79" (20mm) of accumulated precipitation.
  • Spearfish - December »
    December has the shortest days of the year in Spearfish with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight. In Spearfish in December, during 3.5 rainfall days, 0.71" (18mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
  • Vermillion - December »
    In Vermillion, in December, snow falls for 6.6 days, with typically accumulated 2.64" (67mm) of snow. In Vermillion, in December, snow falls for 6.6 days, with typically accumulated 2.64" (67mm) of snow.
  • Brandon - December »
    In Brandon during December, the rain falls for 3.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation. The month with the shortest days in Brandon, South Dakota, is December, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight.
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South Dakota, USA

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