Climate and monthly weather forecastBelle Fourche, SD
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Belle Fourche
Belle Fourche occupies a geographical space in South Dakota where it experiences a mid-latitude steppe climate throughout the year. According to the Köppen climate classification, Belle Fourche's climate is named BSk. This type of climate is known for featuring cold winters, hot summers and moderate precipitation levels.Throughout the year, the city experiences significant fluctuations in temperatures. During the coldest month of January, the lower temperature limit is around 17.6°F (-8°C) while the upper limit hovers around 30.7°F (-0.7°C). On the other hand, July, the hottest month, observes the temperature range from 63°F (17.2°C) to 85.8°F (29.9°C).
Relative humidity dips from 80% in January to 47% in August and again climbs up to 78% in December. Rainfall measurements show a peak in May with 2.05" (52mm), while the lowest rainfall occurs in January and November, with averages of 0.43" (11mm) and 0.47" (12mm) respectively. Even snowfall exhibits a clear pattern with the average being highest during April at 4.88" (124mm) and lowest in June, July, August and September.
Additionally, Belle Fourche enjoys about 15 hours of daylight in the peak summer month of June. However, this number almost halves to 8.9 hours during the foggy, dark days of December. The daily sunshine hours also show a similar trend reaching its zenith in July and August at 11.9 hours whereas they show a floor value of 5.7 hours in January.
Winds start the year at 10.4mph (16.7km/h) in January, decrease slightly to 8.4mph (13.5km/h) by July, and then rise again 10.1mph (16.3km/h) by December. Wind gusts demonstrate a somewhat similar pattern, starting the year at 18.6mph (29.9km/h) in January, slowing down to 12.9mph (20.8km/h) by August, then increasing again to 18.1mph (29.1km/h) by December.
The best time to visit Belle Fourche
For those considering a trip to Belle Fourche, the period between June and September could be the most rewarding. During this period, the weather stays relatively warm with high temperatures ranging between 73.9°F (23.3°C) to 85.8°F (29.9°C), combined with the least amount of rainfall, averaging between 0.75" (19mm) to 1.57" (40mm). Also, these months see the longest daylight hours coupled with maximum sunshine, which augments the visiting experience manifold.The worst time to visit Belle Fourche
Winters marked by cold temperatures and minimal daylight might not provide the optimal visiting conditions to travelers. Therefore, the months from November through February could be viewed as the least hospitable. During these months, temperatures typically fluctuate between 17.6°F (-8°C) and 31.3°F (-0.4°C), and the city sees minimum daylight and sunshine hours.Spring weather in Belle Fourche
Spring carries in a fresh wave of warmth in Belle Fourche as it transforms the cold winter weather into the comforting heat of the summer. The months of March, April and May experience temperatures ranging from 27.9°F (-2.3°C) to 63.5°F (17.5°C). Rainfall starts to pick up from 0.91" (23mm) in March to a yearly high of 2.05" (52mm) in May, indicating the onset of summers.Summer weather in Belle Fourche
Summer sets in Belle Fourche from June to August. During these months, the weather remains at its warmest with temperatures ranging from 55.2°F (12.9°C) to 85.8°F (29.9°C). Even rainfall sees a downturn in June, averaging at 1.5" (38mm), and then retreating to 1.34" (34mm) by August. Sunlight reaches its years' peak with daily sunshine hours ranging from 11.3 hours in June to 11.9 hours in August.Autumn weather in Belle Fourche
September, October, and November mark the Autumn season in Belle Fourche. A corresponding decrease in temperature and increase in rainfall signifies the transition from summer to winter. While September starts on a warmer note with temperatures swinging between 53.6°F (12°C) and 73.9°F (23.3°C), by November, they range between 28.9°F (-1.7°C) and 43.9°F (6.6°C).Winter weather in Belle Fourche
Winter comes calling in Belle Fourche from December through February with frigid air, decreased sunshine, and longer nights. Temperatures during this season are at their lowest, from 17.6°F (-8°C) to 31.3°F (-0.4°C). Snowfall reaches its peak in these months, with levels ranging from 2.32" (59mm) in December to 2.91" (74mm) in February. Reduced daylight hours, below 10 hours, and minimal sunshine validate the arrival of winter.Weather in January
The month of January in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, represents the start of the year with its coldest average temperatures. This month, marked contrast to warmer times ahead, presents conditions typical of a harsh winter. While the temperature dips to as low as 17.6°F (-8°C), the highest recorded in the month is a modest 30.7°F (-0.7°C). Weather in January »Weather in February
In February, the wintry chill remains in Belle Fourche, even though the minimum temperatures inch up slightly from the previous month. As the city waits for the onset of spring, residents still have to navigate through persistently cold days. Weather in February »Weather in March
The transition to spring begins in earnest in March, with the weather in Belle Fourche experiencing significant changes. After the long winter, sunnier days and higher temperatures seem a welcome relief. As the maximum temperature sees a considerable rise to 44.2°F (6.8°C), the city witnesses a series of thaws. Weather in March »Weather in April
April takes a leap into typical springtime weather with further warming of the city. The shift from March is quite pronounced, with decidedly more sunshine hours and a significantly lower percentage of cloud cover. Reaching a maximum temperature of 52.9°F (11.6°C), the city begins to warm up. Weather in April »Weather in May
Belle Fourche in May witnesses an impressive escalation in warmth and brightness that brings definitive spring characteristics. The city sees temperatures rise, trees begin to bud and daylight hours stretching out. With the highest temperature peaking at 63.5°F (17.5°C), it is one of the warmest months of the year. Weather in May »Weather in June
June in Belle Fourche offers the first taste of summer with the maximum temperature reaching a hot 76.3°F (24.6°C). The city, now fully in the grips of summer, enjoys more hours of daylight than any other month. Cloud coverage decreases significantly, offering bright sunny days to the locals. Weather in June »Weather in July
July scales both temperatures and UV index to their highest averages of the year in Belle Fourche. Being the hottest month, it provides an opportunity to take full advantage of the peak summer season. The temperature gauge reads a sweltering 85.8°F (29.9°C), underlining the stark contrast from the cold winter months. Weather in July »Weather in August
The summer reigns in Belle Fourche in August with high temperatures, although slightly less than July. While the residents continue to enjoy plenty of sunlight and warm weather, the first signs of fall start to emerge. The highest temperature drops to 83.1°F (28.4°C) and the amount of rainfall sees a slight decrease. Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a gradual end to the summer season in Belle Fourche, as temperatures begin to cool and daylight hours shorten. The pace of life slows and the city eases into the rhythms of autumn. A significant drop in maximum temperatures, reaching only 73.9°F (23.3°C), signals the impending change. Weather in September »Weather in October
Belle Fourche sees a distinct shift in weather in October, as fall sets in and temperatures continue to drop. The trees dress in autumn colors and days grow shorter. Despite the substantial decrease in temperatures, rainfall increases to 1.18" (30mm), indicating the onset of a wet period. Weather in October »Weather in November
As November rolls in, so does the first taste of winter in Belle Fourche with lower temperatures and an increase in snowfall. The transformation of the landscape starts as the city prepares for the winter months. The maximum temperature steadily decreases to 43.9°F (6.6°C), providing an impression of the colder times ahead. Weather in November »Weather in December
With December, winter gets in full swing in Belle Fourche as it becomes one of the coldest months. The landscape turns into a winter wonderland with increased snowfall and freezing temperatures. Comparatively colder than November, the temperatures drop down to an average low of 18.1°F (-7.7°C). Weather in December »Updated: Feb 14, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 80%.
The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 2.8 days and typically collects 0.43" (11mm) of precipitation.
In Belle Fourche, South Dakota, during the entire year, the rain falls for 100 days and collects up to 12.83" (326mm) of precipitation.
January through May, September through December are months with snowfall.
In Belle Fourche, South Dakota, during the entire year, snow falls for 52.1 days and aggregates up to 23.54" (598mm) of snow.
The months with the lowest UV index in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
February has the least sunshine of the year in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, with an average of 5.5h of sunshine.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Belle Fourche, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.
April is the month with the most snowfall in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Snow falls for 5.1 days and accumulates 4.88" (124mm) of snow.
May is the month with the most rainfall in Belle Fourche. Rain falls for 14.3 days and accumulates 2.05" (52mm) of precipitation.
In Belle Fourche, snow does not fall in June through August.
With an average of 15h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Belle Fourche.
July is the warmest month, with the temperature often reaching an average high of 85.8°F (29.9°C) and an average low of 63°F (17.2°C).
With an average relative humidity of 47%, August is the least humid month in Belle Fourche.
The month with the most sunshine is August, with an average of 11.9h of sunshine.
December brings the lowest temperatures in Belle Fourche, with an average high of 30.4°F (-0.9°C) and an average low of 18.1°F (-7.7°C).
December has the shortest days of the year in Belle Fourche, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.
Average temperature
Belle Fourche, SD
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (85.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (30.4°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (17.1°F).
Average pressure
Belle Fourche, SD
- Average pressure in January:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.13"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.91"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.84"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.89"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.89"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.13"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.84"Hg).
Average wind speed
Belle Fourche, SD
- Average wind speed in January:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in February:
9.6mph - Average wind speed in March:
9.8mph - Average wind speed in April:
10.2mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.7mph - Average wind speed in June:
9.4mph
- Average wind speed in July:
8.4mph - Average wind speed in August:
8.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
9.1mph - Average wind speed in October:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in November:
9.8mph - Average wind speed in December:
10.1mph
The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and October (10.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (8.3mph).
Average humidity
Belle Fourche, SD
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (47%).
Average rainfall
Belle Fourche, SD
- Average rainfall in January:
0.43" - Average rainfall in February:
0.47" - Average rainfall in March:
0.91" - Average rainfall in April:
1.57" - Average rainfall in May:
2.05" - Average rainfall in June:
1.5"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.57" - Average rainfall in August:
1.34" - Average rainfall in September:
0.75" - Average rainfall in October:
1.18" - Average rainfall in November:
0.47" - Average rainfall in December:
0.59"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.05").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.43").
Average rainfall days
Belle Fourche, SD
- Average rainfall days in January:
2.8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3.5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
7.7 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
14.3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
12.7 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
11.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
11.7 days - Average rainfall days in September:
7.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
8.2 days - Average rainfall days in November:
3.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
3.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (14.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (2.8 days).
Average snowfall
Belle Fourche, SD
- Average snowfall in January:
2.32" - Average snowfall in February:
2.91" - Average snowfall in March:
3.66" - Average snowfall in April:
4.88" - Average snowfall in May:
1.77" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is April (4.88").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").
Average snowfall days
Belle Fourche, SD
- Average snowfall days in January:
9 days - Average snowfall days in February:
10.3 days - Average snowfall days in March:
7.4 days - Average snowfall days in April:
5.1 days - Average snowfall days in May:
1.7 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in October:
3.2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
5.9 days - Average snowfall days in December:
9.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (10.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Belle Fourche, SD
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 18min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 30min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 30min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 48min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 30min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 12min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 0min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 36min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 54min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 54min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 42min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 30min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 24min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 18min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 6min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 18min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 48min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 54min - Average sunshine in September:
10h and 30min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 54min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 24min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 48min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 11h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 30min).
Average sunshine days
Belle Fourche, SD
- Average sunshine days in January:
19.1 days - Average sunshine days in February:
16 days - Average sunshine days in March:
17.2 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12.6 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14.4 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
14.2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
14.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
19.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.2 days - Average sunshine days in November:
21.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (21.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (12.6 days).
Average UV index
Belle Fourche, SD
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Belle Fourche, SD
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 42).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 15).
Average visibility
Belle Fourche, SD
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
