Climate and monthly weather forecastPlatte, SD

The climate of Platte

Sitting firmly within the Dfa (Humid continental, no dry season, hot summer) Köppen climate classification, Platte, South Dakota, observes weather characteristics common in such climatological regions. Marked seasonal variations characterise the climate with hot summers and cold winters.

According to monthly averages, temperatures fluctuate drastically between July, the hottest month, and January, the coldest. During July, the temperature often hovers around 86.5°F (30.3°C) at its highest while plunging to around 13.6°F (-10.2°C) in January. Notably, humidity levels follow a distinct pattern, peaking during the colder months with the highest level of relative humidity observed in January at 84% and the lowest in September at 63%.

Rainfall patterns present a noticeable peak with the month of May recording the highest average of approximately 2.72" (69mm), after which the rainfall totals slacken to their lowest point in February with a mere 0.31" (8mm). Conversely, February receives the highest quantity of snowfall, at an average of 1.54" (39mm), decreasing incrementally until there is no notable snowfall from May through to October.

Significant cloud cover is seen throughout the year, with December seeing approximately 46% of days with cloud cover while July experiences the least with about 23%. In terms of pressure, the highest average atmospheric pressure occurs in December at 30.13in, whereas the lowest marks in June at 29.85in.

The best time to visit Platte

Given the climatological characteristics of Platte, the most favorable period to visit would coincide with the spring and summer months of May through June. During this time, visitors can expect warm temperatures, with highs reaching towards 68.5°F (20.3°C) to 79.5°F (26.4°C), accompanied by a palpable drop in snowfall. However, while the rainfall does peak in May, it tapers down by June providing more days of uninterrupted sunshine that can reach up to 10.4 hours a day.

The worst time to visit Platte

Visitors might want to avoid the intense winter months in Platte, mainly December to February. Throughout this period, Platte sees lower temperatures, with the maximum temperature reaching 27.3°F (-2.6°C) in February and sinking even lower to 13.6°F (-10.2°C) in January. Snowfall accompanies these colder temperatures, with the highest recorded average snowfall in February of 1.54" (39mm). The wind gusts also reach their peak during this time with a maximum average of 17mph (27.4km/h) (in January).

Spring weather in Platte

Spring transitions Platte from its harsh cold winter into warmer months beginning in March and lasts through to May. Temperatures increase gradually from an average of 46.9°F (8.3°C) in March, peaking to 68.5°F (20.3°C) by May. While rainfall sees its highest peak in May with 2.72" (69mm), snowfall dissipates completely during this time laying the foundation for relatively pleasant weather conditions.

Summer weather in Platte

Summer, spanning June to August, brings warm temperatures, peaking in July at 86.5°F (30.3°C). Despite the occasional rainfall, with 2.28" (58mm) in June and 1.73" (44mm) in July, summer brings extended daylight hours reaching sometimes up to 15.4 hours a day in June.

Autumn weather in Platte

Platte transitions towards colder temperatures in Autumn, spanning September through November. Average temperatures drop from 76.3°F (24.6°C) in September to 46.4°F (8°C) in November. Despite this temperature drop, the condition remains relatively comfortable, with decreased rainfall. Also, sunnier days contribute to the pleasant conditions, with November experiencing an average of 23.4 sunny days a month.

Winter weather in Platte

Platte experiences its most intense cold during winter, which extends from December to February. Snowfall amounts see an uptick, especially in February with an average snowfall of 1.54" (39mm). Average lower temperatures during the winter months drop to 13.6°F (-10.2°C) in January, which coincides with shorter daylight hours, dipping as low as nine hours a day. This climatological pattern makes the winter season rather harsh in Platte.

Weather in January

Compared to the rest of the year, January experiences some of the coldest temperatures in Platte, South Dakota. The weather transitions are noticeable since it is the mid-winter period. With relative humidity peaking at 84% and day's total hours at just 9.4, the weather tends to be rather gloomy. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The winter frost continues its grip on Platte into February, although there are minor elevation in temperature levels compared to January. Snowfall drops to 1.54" (39mm) and residents can expect a slight increase in daylight to 10.5 hours. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March sees observable climate shift in Platte, signaling the finger-tips of spring. There is increase in average temperature and hours of daylight, moving Platte towards warmer days. The most noticeable change is the rainfall, escalating nearly to 1 inch, marking the initiation of the wet season. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Come April, Platte relishes a palpable rise in temperatures, bringing welcoming warmth to the city. As spring sets comfortably in the area, there is a notable upliftment in rainfall, around 1.42" (36mm), emphasizing the rainiest period of the year. Weather in April »

Weather in May

With plenty of sun and warmth, May stands out as an often agreeable month in Platte, South Dakota. Yet, in terms of total rainfall, May reaches its peak at 2.72" (69mm), significantly higher than the preceding months. Alongside the showers, the increasing warmth distinctly marks the city’s shift towards the summer months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Summer arrives in full swing in June in Platte, drastically altering the climate. Prolonged hours of sunshine become a new norm, along with a lower rainfall rate than in May. Though rainfall retreats to 2.28" (58mm), the increase in humidity to 72% means muggy conditions. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July typically represents the heart of summer in Platte, revealing the warmest temperatures annually. During this period, the city becomes the warmest when temperatures reach their yearly maximum of 86.5°F (30.3°C). Despite the increase in sunshine hours and daylight, rainfall subsides compared to June. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Platte experiences a marginal decline in temperature from July. The heat from summer begins to wane as the city inches closer to the transition period from summer to autumn. However, August remains a dry month with rainfall dropping to 1.46" (37mm). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the onset of fall, bringing about perceptible changes in Platte’s weather conditions. Apart from the decrease in temperature and rainfall, September enjoys relatively lower humidity compared to the peak summer months. Weather in September »

Weather in October

As Platte treads deeper into the autumn season in October, a significant drop in temperature is noticed. Days become noticeably shorter, with decreasing hours of sunshine and daylight. Apart from the distinct shift in temperatures and daylight hours, rainfall remains consistent at 1.02" (26mm). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November triggers the starting point of winter in Platte, with lower temperatures and shortened daylight hours. The changing season witnesses slow yet steady snowfall, starting at 0.91" (23mm). As the mercury drops and daylight dwindles, the city moves towards the full swing of winter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December brings the curtain down on the year with the chilliest climate for the city of Platte. The city encounters the second-lowest average temperature range from 18.3°F (-7.6°C) to 30.4°F (-0.9°C). Apart from the cold temperatures, the city registers an increased snowfall of 1.22" (31mm), symbolizing the depth of winter. Weather in December »