Climate and monthly weather forecastHot Springs, SD

The climate of Hot Springs

Hot Springs in South Dakota is classified under BSk or the Mid-latitude steppe along the Köppen climate classification. It is dominantly characterized by a semi-arid climate indicative of dry grassland that covers extensive plains. Tracking climate details over the year gives insight into harsh extremes, subtle turns of the seasons, and variability in weather parameters.

Weather characteristics shift noticeably throughout the year with temperatures fluctuating between a high of 86°F (30°C) in July to a low of 18.5°F (-7.5°C) in February. Precipitation displays clear patterns with yearly variations in total amounts and the number of rainy days. More than half of the annual rainfall, specifically from 0.55" (14mm) to 2.87" (73mm), occurs between March and July. This period registers the highest number of rainfall days, from 8.1 to 16.8 days in a month.

Cloud cover maintains a relatively uniform distribution, hovering around 34% to 39%. However, sunshine hours tend to reach a peak from June to August with 11.2 hours to 11.8 hours of average sunshine. Wind speeds change less dramatically, with an average yearly range of 7.8mph (12.6km/h) to 9.9mph (15.9km/h). This creates a pleasant balance, allowing a moderate climate feel. A notable point of interest is the winter snowfall experienced from November to March, reaching a peak depth of 3.66" (93mm) in February.

The best time to visit Hot Springs

Determining the perfect time to visit Hot Springs hinges on weather preferences and planned activities. Nonetheless, the period from June to September comes highly recommended. Average temperatures dictate comfortable weather, with highs oscillating between 75.2°F (24°C) and 86°F (30°C). Combined with the highest average sunshine hours ranging from 10.4 to 11.8, these months are an outdoor enthusiast's delight.

Despite the drier nature of this semi-arid environment, rainfall does occur. June, marshaling the start of this favored visiting period, experiences a peak rainfall of 2.87" (73mm), which gradually dwindetails to 1.77" (45mm) in August. Relative humidity averages around 47% to 56%, and cloud coverage lowers, allowing more daylight and sunshine hours.

The worst time to visit Hot Springs

Hot Springs is less inviting during the colder months, particularly between December and February. Average low temperatures drop to 18.5°F (-7.5°C), while highs wait at a chilly 33.4°F (0.8°C) to 34.3°F (1.3°C). A significant snowfall of 2.56" (65mm) to 3.66" (93mm) accompanies these temperatures. The conditions during these months can be difficult to handle, especially for those unaccustomed to lower temperatures.

Further, sunlight hours decrease notably to 6.1 hours per day, and the total daylight hours fall to 9 hours. Although humidity is moderate at around 72% to 75%, the cloud coverage increases to 36% to 39%, often heralding gloomy days and colder temperatures.

Spring weather in Hot Springs

Spring is marked by moderate weather changes in Hot Springs. Average temperatures ascend steadily from 18.9°F (-7.3°C) to 45.1°F (7.3°C) at the beginning of Spring to between 35.4°F (1.9°C) to 64.9°F (18.3°C) by the end. The precipitation experiences a significant increase from 0.39" (10mm) in February to 1.81" (46mm) in April, furthering the soothing beauty of Spring.

In addition, Spring sees the termination of snowfall, with only 1.77" (45mm) falling in March. Wind speeds during this period range from 9.2mph (14.8km/h) to 9.9mph (15.9km/h), making it slightly breezy. The daylight hours rise from 12 hours to 14.7 hours, with increasing sunshine hours, invigorating the vibrant colors of Spring.

Summer weather in Hot Springs

Summer in Hot Springs is a period of warmth and ample sunshine. Average temperatures hover between 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 86°F (30°C), marking these months as the warmest of the year. The period sees a decrease in precipitation from 2.87" (73mm) in June to 1.77" (45mm) in August.

Summer also brings with it the highest daylight hours, peaking at 15.4 hours in June. Sunshine hours consistently stay above 10, providing ample light for outdoor activities. The average wind speeds slow to a gentle 8.3mph (13.4km/h) to 8.8mph (14.2km/h), complementing the overall inviting atmosphere of the summer months.

Autumn weather in Hot Springs

Early autumn in Hot Springs remains an inviting period with September temperatures of 54°F (12.2°C) to 75.2°F (24°C). However, colder conditions descend with November lows falling to 28.8°F (-1.8°C) and highs reaching 45.5°F (7.5°C). Rainfall during this period dips to a yearly low of 0.55" (14mm) in November, further intensifying the crisp autumn atmosphere.

Sunshine hours decrease to 7.1 hours by October, and cloud coverage increases to 29% by November. With wind speeds varying from 8.8mph (14.2km/h) to 9.3mph (15km/h), the environment in Autumn continues to carry a mild breeze. Visitors will need to bundle up to enjoy the outdoors comfortably as the season progresses towards winter.

Winter weather in Hot Springs

Winter transforms Hot Springs to a colder landscape. Average temperatures range from 18.5°F (-7.5°C) to 32.4°F (0.2°C), making it the coldest season. Snowfall becomes customary, peaking at 3.58" (91mm) in December, visibly defining the ambiance of a classical winter holiday.

On average, daylight hours linger at only 9 hours, and sunshine hours bottom out at 6.1 hours. Interestingly, winter months have the highest cloud coverage, making for gray, chilly days. The average wind speeds do not vary dramatically, anchoring at about 9.3mph (15km/h), adding to the icy presence of winter in Hot Springs.

Weather in January

January in Hot Springs, South Dakota faces winter months where the city becomes a snowy haven. Residents can expect to experience an average high temperature of 33.4°F (0.8°C) while the lows can plummet to approximately 18.9°F (-7.3°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

During February, the city of Hot Springs remains under the winter spell but at a diminished intensity. The weather witnesses a slight increase to about 34.3°F (1.3°C) in the average highs and 18.5°F (-7.5°C) in the lows, compared to January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March brings a transition period in weather conditions as Hot Springs moves towards spring. Temperatures start to climb, with a significant jump to a soothing 47.5°F (8.6°C) as the average high. No longer a winter wonderland, the city sees a decrease in snowfall quantities, down to 2.99" (76mm), but this is still significant compared to many spring-dominated areas. Weather in March »

Weather in April

By April, the grip of winter has mostly loosened, and the average high temperature rises further to a more comfortable 54.9°F (12.7°C). While this is a significant change from the chilly previous months, rainfall becomes more prevalent, clocking an average of 1.81" (46mm). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is when the charm of spring is in full bloom in Hot Springs. This month witnesses a substantial increase in the city's average maximum temperature to a warm 64.9°F (18.3°C). Alongside the increased temperatures comes a significant increase in rainfall, peaking to an average of 2.64" (67mm), making it the wettest month of the year in the City. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June ushers in the onset of the summer season as day temperature shoots up to an average high of 78.1°F (25.6°C). This is a significant climb from May, the last vestiges of spring disappearing. This month offers ample sunlight hours and represents the shift of Hot Springs into its summer phase. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July epitomizes the summer season in Hot Springs with temperatures soaring to an annual high of 86°F (30°C) on average. Increasingly clear skies lead to the city basking in daylight for a significant 15 hours on average. The reduction in rainfall to about 2.24" (57mm) marks the city's transition into the drier part of the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the summer trend seen in July but with slightly reduced temperatures. The city's summer heat sees a slight drop compared to July, with the maximum temperature averaging around 84°F (28.9°C). A further reduction in rainfall to 1.77" (45mm) solidifies the city's dry spell, with barely a hint of the torrents experienced during the wettest month of May. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September introduces the arrival of fall in Hot Springs. While remnants of the summer heat persist, the city's average high temperature decreases to 75.2°F (24°C), signaling the start of cooler days. Average rainfall dips to 1.14" (29mm), offering clear skies and pleasant weather for most of the month. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October further showcases the beauty of the fall season. The city's temperature experiences another substantial drop down to an average high of 57.6°F (14.2°C). A decrease in rainfall to 1.1" (28mm) adds to the city's array of clear, pleasing autumn days. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November is the gateway to winter in Hot Springs, with the average high temperature dipping to 45.5°F (7.5°C). Snowfall resurfaces in the city's weather forecast with an average accumulation of 2.6" (66mm), a sharp contrast to the preceding rain-dominated months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December brings back the city's wintery feel with the average high temperature dropping further to 32.4°F (0.2°C). As the year concludes, snowfall increases to 3.58" (91mm), marking the return of the city's snowy landscape. The reduction in daily sunlight hours and higher cloud coverage characterize the classic winter atmosphere in Hot Springs. Weather in December »