Climate and monthly weather forecastHarrisburg, SD
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Harrisburg
Harrisburg, South Dakota is geographically situated in the midwestern region of the United States, and sees weather patterns indicative of a Dfa Köppen climate classification. The Dfa climate typifies a humid continental climate, characterized by no dry season and a hot summer.Harrisburg's weather displays considerable fluctuation, not only season to season, but also from one month to the next. Total daylight hours vary from 9 hours in the winter to over 15 hours during peak summer months. Sunshine hours follow a similar pattern, scaling from 4.1 hours in January to a high of 10.7 hours in July.
Detailed precipitation data reveals a distinct pattern throughout the year. It is clear that rainfall is highest in June, reaching up to 3.35" (85mm). Cumulative snowfall, on the other hand, is decidedly present from December through March, reaching its peak in February with an average snowfall depth of 3.54" (90mm).
The graph of average wind speed throughout the year does not show substantial fluctuations, with wind speeds ranging from 7.8mph (12.6km/h) in July to 11.2mph (18km/h) in April. Meanwhile, Harrisburg experiences a relatively steady atmospheric pressure throughout the year, with minor variations ranging from 29.86" (758mm) in June to 30.16" (766mm) in January.
The best time to visit Harrisburg
The optimal time to pay a visit to Harrisburg is from late May to early September when temperatures reach their zenith - between 68.5°F (20.3°C) in May and 82.9°F (28.3°C) in July. This is also when daylight is most abundant, hitting a high of 15.4 hours in June, coupled with sunshine hours peaking at 10.7 hours in July. Rainfall does increase up to 3.35" (85mm) in June, however, this is offset by maximum daily sunshine hours and higher temperatures making the experience enjoyable.The worst time to visit Harrisburg
For those less keen on dealing with chilly temperatures, planning a trip to Harrisburg between November and March might not be advisable. During this period, temperatures regularly plummet as low as 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in January and 16.2°F (-8.8°C) in December. The highest concentration of snowfall can also be seen during this time, reaching depths of 2.91" (74mm) in December and 3.54" (90mm) in January.Spring weather in Harrisburg
In Harrisburg, spring starts subtly in March, with an average low temperature still fairly cool at 28.8°F (-1.8°C) and ramps up to a pleasant 50.7°F (10.4°C) by May. This is when the city begins to warm up, with average high temperatures hiking up from 44.1°F (6.7°C) in March and culminating at 68.5°F (20.3°C) in May. Precipitation in spring ranges from 1.5" (38mm) in March and peaks at 3.07" (78mm) in May.Summer weather in Harrisburg
Summer stretches from June to August in Harrisburg, offering a warm and inviting climate with average high temperatures varying from 78.3°F (25.7°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C). Rainfall during these months is fairly consistent, tallying around 2" (51mm). However, the amount of sunlight bolsters substantially with the longest day in June experiencing nearly 15.4 hours of daylight.Autumn weather in Harrisburg
The Autumn season, which spans from September to November, sees a significant dip in temperatures - tumbling from a warm 74.5°F (23.6°C) in September to a much cooler 43.7°F (6.5°C) in November. Even so, rainfall remains relatively flat and starts tapering off in November with an average of 0.67" (17mm). Autumn is also characterized by shorter daylight intervals, decreasing from 12.5 hours in September to around 9.7 hours by November.Winter weather in Harrisburg
Winter in Harrisburg occupies the months of December, January, and February and displays average high temperatures fluctuating from 28°F (-2.2°C) in December and January, increasing slightly to 27.9°F (-2.3°C) in February. Low temperatures can drop to a frigid 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in January. Both snowfall intensities and the number of snowfall days peak during winter, with February experiencing the highest snowfall at 3.31" (84mm) over 9.9 days. The average daylight is at its shortest during winter, ranging from 9.4 hours to 9 hours.Weather in January
Cold and snowy best describe January weather in Harrisburg, South Dakota. The region sees its most frigid temperatures during this month, with a maximum of 24.1°F (-4.4°C) and minimum down to 10.6°F (-11.9°C). It's not unusual to see significant snow, making it popular for winter sports enthusiasts. Weather in January »Weather in February
Slightly warmer than January, the chilly clime of February is still marked with snowfall. The weather continues to be cold, although a slight increase in both daylight hours and temperature can be noticed. Interestingly, the area sees snowfall totalling to 3.54" (90mm) over about 7.3 days. Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings with it the first inkling of spring in Harrisburg. A notable increase in temperature, longer daylight hours and a decline in snowfall mark this month's transformation from winter. The beginning of the rainy season is observed, with a total rainfall of 1.5" (38mm) scattered across roughly 9.6 days. Weather in March »Weather in April
April is distinct for being the transitional month, where winter weather softens into spring. There is a marked increase in temperatures, paired with a noticeable uptick in rainfall as the snow melts away. This month also boasts wind speeds of up to 11.2mph (18km/h), revealing a dynamic weather pattern. Weather in April »Weather in May
May officially ushers in Spring in its full glory. Warmer temperatures, ample sunshine and considerable rainfall characterize this vibrant month in Harrisburg. Witness the onset of the true rainy season with a total rainfall of 3.07" (78mm) spanning approximately 16.6 days; this vital fact is an indication towards the quintessence of the season. Weather in May »Weather in June
June is the harbinger of summer in Harrisburg, marked by warm temperatures and steady sunlight. The city experiences its highest humidity level in this time frame. Prolonged daylight hours provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Weather in June »Weather in July
July typically sees the warmest weather of the year. Extended daylight hours and the city's highest UV index are at their peak. With high temperatures reaching their zenith at 82.9°F (28.3°C), sunblock becomes a necessity. Green landscapes, blue skies, and sun-soaked outdoor spaces become the hallmark of Harrisburg in July. Harrisburg's warmest month, July, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 82.9°F (28.3°C) to a low of 63.3°F (17.4°C). The heat index for July is appraised at a tropical 89.6°F (32°C). Weather in July »Weather in August
In August, Harrisburg continues to bask in the summer heat. There's a slight reduction in temperature from July, but the overall environment remains hot yet inviting for activities like picnicking or hiking. With a humidity level of 74%, an ultraviolet index of 5, and nearly 9.9 hours of daily sunshine, it remains a popular month for tourists and residents to explore outdoors. Harrisburg, South Dakota, records an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 81.1°F (27.3°C) in August, closely mirroring the climate of the previous month. Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the onset of Autumn in Harrisburg. This month sees a substantial decrease in temperature when compared to August. The outdoor experience becomes more pleasant with the city's more manageable temperatures. Additionally, lowered UV indices and fewer daylight hours signal the close of summer. Weather in September »Weather in October
October is characterized by cooling temperatures and richly hued foliage across Harrisburg. As brisk autumn firmly sets in, the daylight hours shorten considerably while the outdoor ambiance turns crisp. Remarkably, this is the month where wind speeds pick up again, registering at 10.3mph (16.6km/h), offering a refreshing treat for those indulging in outdoor pursuits. As Harrisburg steps into October, a marked temperature drop is observed, with the average high-temperature reducing from September's moderately hot 74.5°F (23.6°C) to a moderate 58.1°F (14.5°C). Weather in October »Weather in November
The city of Harrisburg experiences a sizable drop in temperature in November. This, along with the shift from rainfall to snowfall, signals the onset of winter. This month is characterized by cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours, along with an increase in relative humidity. Weather in November »Weather in December
December heralds the arrival of a full-fledged winter in Harrisburg. The crisp frosty weather is accompanied by the return of significant snowfall, adding a festive spirit to the city. Amongst the winter months, December stands out with the highest amount of snowfall, recording a noteworthy 3.31" (84mm). Weather in December »Updated: Aug 15, 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
Harrisburg's coldest weather arrives in January, when temperatures average a high of 24.1°F (-4.4°C) and a low of 10.6°F (-11.9°C).
The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 87%.
The months with the least rainfall are January, February and November Rain falls for 3.3 days and accumulates 0.67" (17mm) of rain.
Throughout the year, there are 119.2 rainfall days, and 21.73" (552mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.
Throughout the year, there are 40.5 snowfall days, and 16.77" (426mm) of snow is accumulated.
January has the least sunshine of the year in Harrisburg, with an average of 4.1h of sunshine.
January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.
The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 7.3 days and typically aggregates up to 3.54" (90mm) of snow.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.
June is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17.7 days and accumulates 3.35" (85mm) of precipitation.
June through September are months without snowfall in Harrisburg.
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 24min of daylight.
The months with the highest UV index are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
The average temperatures reach their apex in July, averaging 82.9°F (28.3°C) at the high end and 63.3°F (17.4°C) at the low end.
July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10.7h of sunshine.
With an average relative humidity of 66%, October is the least humid month.
With an average of 9h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Harrisburg, SD
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (24.1°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (10.6°F).
Average pressure
Harrisburg, SD
- Average pressure in January:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.86"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.13"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).
Average wind speed
Harrisburg, SD
- Average wind speed in January:
10.3mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.3mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.7mph - Average wind speed in April:
11.2mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.6mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.9mph
- Average wind speed in July:
7.8mph - Average wind speed in August:
8mph - Average wind speed in September:
9.2mph - Average wind speed in October:
10.3mph - Average wind speed in November:
10.3mph - Average wind speed in December:
9.9mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.2mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.8mph).
Average humidity
Harrisburg, SD
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (66%).
Average rainfall
Harrisburg, SD
- Average rainfall in January:
0.67" - Average rainfall in February:
0.67" - Average rainfall in March:
1.5" - Average rainfall in April:
2.48" - Average rainfall in May:
3.07" - Average rainfall in June:
3.35"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.01" - Average rainfall in August:
2.28" - Average rainfall in September:
2.09" - Average rainfall in October:
1.89" - Average rainfall in November:
0.67" - Average rainfall in December:
1.06"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.35").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, February and November (0.67").
Average rainfall days
Harrisburg, SD
- Average rainfall days in January:
3.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3.5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
9.6 days - Average rainfall days in April:
13.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.6 days - Average rainfall days in June:
17.7 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
13.2 days - Average rainfall days in September:
11.1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
8.9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
5.3 days - Average rainfall days in December:
4 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (3.3 days).
Average snowfall
Harrisburg, SD
- Average snowfall in January:
2.91" - Average snowfall in February:
3.54" - Average snowfall in March:
2.72" - Average snowfall in April:
1.85" - Average snowfall in May:
0.24" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Harrisburg, SD
- Average snowfall days in January:
9.5 days - Average snowfall days in February:
7.3 days - Average snowfall days in March:
6.4 days - Average snowfall days in April:
2.2 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.2 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:
1.3 days - Average snowfall days in November:
3.7 days - Average snowfall days in December:
9.9 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (9.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Harrisburg, SD
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 24min - 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 42min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 24min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 54min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 42min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 0min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
4h and 6min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 12min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 12min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 6min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 48min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 0min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 42min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 42min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 30min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 6min).
Average sunshine days
Harrisburg, SD
- Average sunshine days in January:
20.2 days - Average sunshine days in February:
17.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16.1 days - Average sunshine days in April:
13 days - Average sunshine days in May:
13.5 days - Average sunshine days in June:
10.2 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
15.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
15.1 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16.5 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
21 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (21 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.2 days).
Average UV index
Harrisburg, SD
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Harrisburg, SD
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 54).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 26).
Average visibility
Harrisburg, 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).
