Climate and monthly weather forecastFort Pierre, SD
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Fort Pierre
A predominately Dwa climate as classified on the Köppen climate scale, Fort Pierre, South Dakota, fits the framework of a humid continental zone with severe dry winters and hot summers. Geographically nestled in the Midwestern portion of the United States, the city is subject to a typical continental climate with wide weather variations across seasons.Throughout the course of a year, Fort Pierre experiences significant contrasts in temperature. The thermometer dips to a frigid 12.6°F (-10.8°C) in the peak of winter, while during the height of summer, it can surge to as high as 88.7°F (31.5°C). The dichotomy in temperatures is mirrored in humidity measures that fluctuate between 52% in the summer season to 85% in winter. This contrast in climatic conditions predicates an overall weather scenario that is perpetually changing and characterized by extremes.
Fort Pierre stands out in its weather conditions not only on account of temperature swings but also due to distinct rainfall and snowfall patterns. With precipitation levels veering from 0.35" (9mm) at the start of the year to as much as 2.24" (57mm) in May, rainfall exhibits a broad spread across months. The snowfall follows a more consistent pattern, hitting its peak at the beginning and end of the year with 1.97" (50mm) and 2.48" (63mm) respectively, completely absent from May to September. This peculiar dynamic interplay of climatic factors impacts the overall weather of Fort Pierre, crafting its unique identity.
The best time to visit Fort Pierre
A composite picture of the climate determines the best time to visit Fort Pierre. The agreeable balance of climate variables is struck from May through September. Daylight hours peak in the range from 14.8 to 15.5 hours per day, complemented by the highest sunshine hours climbing between 9.6 to 11.5 hours. The UV index hovers between 5 and 7, indicating a moderate level of sun exposure. The moderate rainfall levels and the pleasant high temperature of between 68°F (20°C) and 88.7°F (31.5°C) make this period conducive for outdoor activities and explorations.The worst time to visit Fort Pierre
Contrarily, the adverse weather conditions in Fort Pierre are also evident. Considering factors such as low temperatures, high humidity, and increased snowfall, the unfavorable period to visit Fort Pierre would be from December to February. During these months, temperatures can plummet from 26.2°F (-3.2°C) to 12.6°F (-10.8°C), visibility stands at a constant 6 miles, and snowfall can peak at 1.97" (50mm) in December and 3.66" (93mm) in February. Coupled with the shortest daylight hours of 8.9 to 9.3 hours, this season registers as the most challenging to navigate and experience Fort Pierre in its full glory.Spring weather in Fort Pierre
Transitioning from the bitter winters, spring in Fort Pierre is marked by gradual rising temperatures and scattered showers. March ushers in increasing warmth with temperatures stretching from 28.8°F (-1.8°C) to 44.1°F (6.7°C), leading into April with a rise in temperature. The town witnesses rainfall figures swinging between 0.94" (24mm) and 1.38" (35mm), adding a moist feel to the air. The daylight hours extend from 12 to 13.5 hours, paving the way for longer outdoor excursions.Summer weather in Fort Pierre
Summer in Fort Pierre steps in with warmth and abundant sunshine. From June to August, the mercury pushes the boundaries between 80.6°F (27°C) and 88.7°F (31.5°C). The arrival of summer is synonymous with the least amount of rainfall, registering at 2.17" (55mm) in June and diminishing to 1.34" (34mm) in August. The sunshine hours beam with intensity between 11 to 11.5 hours, supported by an optimal UV index of between 6 and 7, signaling the onset of ideal outdoor conditions.Autumn weather in Fort Pierre
Autumn in Fort Pierre reveals a drop in temperatures from 76.8°F (24.9°C) in September down to 44.2°F (6.8°C) by November. Rainfall follows a similar downward trajectory, tapering from 0.67" (17mm) in September to 0.47" (12mm) in November. In sync with the seasonal changes, daylight hours and sunshine diminish from 12.5 hours to 9.6 hours, and 9 hours to 6.1 hours respectively, marking the transition into the darker winter months.Winter weather in Fort Pierre
Winter months in Fort Pierre offer a sharp contrast to the temperate summer months. Amidst falling temperatures that range from 28.2°F (-2.1°C) in December to a low of 12.6°F (-10.8°C) come February, the city embraces a snow-laden landscape. Snowfall arrives in December, delivering 2.48" (63mm) and tapering to 1.97" (50mm) by January. These months also observe the shortest daylight hours, delimiting from 8.9 to 9.3 hours, thus painting a wintry scene of short, snowy days and long, cold nights.Weather in January
January unfurls a blanket of chilly temperatures and snowfall in Fort Pierre with average monthly high temperatures reaching 26.2°F (-3.2°C) and low temperature dropping to 12.6°F (-10.8°C). Assisting in the winter landscape is an average snowfall of 1.97" (50mm). Weather in January »Weather in February
February brings a slight elevation in temperature when compared to January, but it remains a winter month with frequent snowfall. Snowfall is higher in February with a monthly average of 3.66" (93mm). Closing slightly warmer than January, February sees an enhanced daylight hour count, paving the path for those longer spring days. Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals Fort Pierre's transition from winter to spring with notable increments in temperature. The observed spread in temperature during this month is from 28.8°F (-1.8°C) to 44.1°F (6.7°C). With the cloud cover slowly diminishing, March brings the promise of added sunshine and longer daylight hours. Weather in March »Weather in April
April sets in with mild temperatures and a considerable number of rainy days, marking the full swing of spring in Fort Pierre. Rain falls more frequently in April, peaking with a rainfall average of 1.38" (35mm). A notable weather shift is observed from March as the city experiences increased rain, warmer temperatures, and reduced snowfall. Weather in April »Weather in May
May manifests a warm transition from spring toward summer with average high temperatures reaching the 60s range. However, the city encounters the highest rainfall of the year in May, with an average of 2.24" (57mm). This means that while May is warmer, the rain-soaked landscapes unfold a vibrant natural spectacle. Weather in May »Weather in June
June kicks off summer in Fort Pierre with the longest days of the year and rising high temperatures. With the mercury lever reaching up to 80.6°F (27°C), fluctuating between minimum and maximum temperatures is wide. Despite being one of the warmest months, June is also one of the wettest months of the year, which may affect some outdoor plans. Weather in June »Weather in July
July, the heart of summer in Fort Pierre, boasts ample sunshine with more than 15 hours of daylight daily. Temperatures in July touch the highest for the year at 88.7°F (31.5°C) and minimums remaining at 67.5°F (19.7°C). Long days, clear skies, and the absence of snowfall concocts perfect weather conditions for outdoor activities and festivals. Weather in July »Weather in August
August brings a subtle hint of forthcoming autumn despite maintaining warm temperatures. The maximum temperature shows a slight decrement, dropping to an average of 86°F (30°C) in August from July's record-highs. This reduction in heat, coupled with a decline in daylight hours, paints the first strokes of fall onto Fort Pierre. Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the dawn of autumn, bringing noticeable changes to Fort Pierre's weather landscape. A significant drop in temperature is noticed, falling from highs of 86°F (30°C) in August to a still comfortable 76.8°F (24.9°C). Weather in September »Weather in October
October brings cool autumn breezes and a further dip in temperature to Fort Pierre, displaying vibrant fall foliage around the city. From the temperatures of 76.8°F (24.9°C) in September, it dwindles to lower highs of 58.5°F (14.7°C) in October. Weather in October »Weather in November
November in Fort Pierre is characterized by noticeable downward temperature trends and reappearances of winter elements such as snow. The temperature varies between highs of 44.2°F (6.8°C) and lows of 29.5°F (-1.4°C), pointing toward the winter onset. Weather in November »Weather in December
December wraps up the year with the reemergence of winter's stronghold in Fort Pierre, bringing with it chilly temperatures and frequent snowfall. The temperature spread is from a chilling 28.2°F (-2.1°C) down to a low 16.3°F (-8.7°C) along with an average snowfall of 2.48" (63mm). Weather in December »Updated: Aug 24, 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
In Fort Pierre, January is known for its average lowest temperatures, reaching a high of 26.2°F (-3.2°C) and a low of 12.6°F (-10.8°C).
January is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 85%.
January is the month with the least rainfall in Fort Pierre. Rain falls for 2.7 days and accumulates 0.35" (9mm) of precipitation.
In Fort Pierre, during the entire year, the rain falls for 98.5 days and collects up to 13.7" (348mm) of precipitation.
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Fort Pierre, South Dakota.
Throughout the year, there are 41.4 snowfall days, and 13.07" (332mm) of snow is accumulated.
With an average of 4.6h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.
February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 10 days and accumulates 3.66" (93mm) of snow.
February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, 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.
May is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 13.6 days and accumulates 2.24" (57mm) of precipitation.
June through September are months without snowfall.
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 30min of daylight.
During the warmest month in Fort Pierre, July, temperatures average a high of 88.7°F (31.5°C) and a low of 67.5°F (19.7°C).
With an average of 11.5h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.
The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
August and September, with an average relative humidity of 52%, are the least humid months.
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.
Average temperature
Fort Pierre, SD
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (88.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (26.2°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (67.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (12.6°F).
Average pressure
Fort Pierre, SD
- Average pressure in January:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.91"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.84"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.9"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.9"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.14"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.84"Hg).
Average wind speed
Fort Pierre, SD
- Average wind speed in January:
10.3mph - Average wind speed in February:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.8mph - Average wind speed in April:
11.9mph - Average wind speed in May:
11.1mph - Average wind speed in June:
10.6mph
- Average wind speed in July:
10mph - Average wind speed in August:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in September:
11.1mph - Average wind speed in October:
11.6mph - Average wind speed in November:
10.3mph - Average wind speed in December:
10mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.9mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are February and August (9.9mph).
Average humidity
Fort Pierre, SD
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are August and September (52%).
Average rainfall
Fort Pierre, SD
- Average rainfall in January:
0.35" - Average rainfall in February:
0.55" - Average rainfall in March:
0.94" - Average rainfall in April:
1.38" - Average rainfall in May:
2.24" - Average rainfall in June:
2.17"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.93" - Average rainfall in August:
1.34" - Average rainfall in September:
0.67" - Average rainfall in October:
0.98" - Average rainfall in November:
0.47" - Average rainfall in December:
0.67"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.24").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.35").
Average rainfall days
Fort Pierre, SD
- Average rainfall days in January:
2.7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
2.4 days - Average rainfall days in March:
7.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
10.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
13.6 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14.2 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
11.9 days - Average rainfall days in September:
8.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
7.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
2.9 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (14.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.4 days).
Average snowfall
Fort Pierre, SD
- Average snowfall in January:
1.97" - Average snowfall in February:
3.66" - Average snowfall in March:
2.13" - Average snowfall in April:
1.61" - Average snowfall in May:
0.08" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.66").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Fort Pierre, SD
- Average snowfall days in January:
9.8 days - Average snowfall days in February:
10 days - Average snowfall days in March:
5.2 days - Average snowfall days in April:
3.1 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.1 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 days - Average snowfall days in October:
1.5 days - Average snowfall days in November:
3.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
8.2 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (10 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Fort Pierre, 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 6min - 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:
4h and 36min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 48min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 42min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 6min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 36min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 0min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 30min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 0min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 6min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 54min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 36min).
Average sunshine days
Fort Pierre, SD
- Average sunshine days in January:
19.7 days - Average sunshine days in February:
17.7 days - Average sunshine days in March:
18.6 days - Average sunshine days in April:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in May:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
13.7 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
15.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
15 days - Average sunshine days in September:
18.8 days - Average sunshine days in October:
21.3 days - Average sunshine days in November:
22.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
20.9 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (22.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (13.7 days).
Average UV index
Fort Pierre, SD
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are February and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Fort Pierre, SD
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 50).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 19).
Average visibility
Fort Pierre, 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).
