Climate and monthly weather forecastWatertown, SD
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Watertown
Lying in the heart of South Dakota, United States, rich history and natural beauty are elements to Watertown, but all that's accompanied by a very diverse climate. As per the Köppen climate classification, Watertown exhibits a Dfa climate type, which constitutes a humid continental climate with no dry season and a hot summer.With high relative humidity percentages reaching up to 90% in January and a slightly more comfortable 69% in August, Watertown's weather ranges from cool and arid to hot and humid throughout the year. Variations in temperature from 5.5°F (-14.7°C) in January to an unexpected high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) in July highlight the shifts in weather conditions. While the highest amount of rainfall can be observed in June with a substantial 3.19" (81mm), months from November to February note lesser rainfall, where February sees just 0.59" (15mm).
Two distinct features of Watertown's climate are snowfall in winter and longer daylight intervals in summer. Snowfall during the colder months of December to February ranges from 2.01" (51mm) to 3.74" (95mm). Conversely, in summer, as temperatures rise, longer daylight intervals are recorded with a peak of 15.6 hours in June.
The best time to visit Watertown
Visiting Watertown during the summer months of June through August provides an ideal opportunity to experience the city's warm weather at its best. It's a period with moderate humidity balanced with peak temperatures ranging from 74.5°F (23.6°C) to 80.8°F (27.1°C). Paired with the longest daylight durations of the year from 14.9 hours to 15.6 hours in these months, ample time is afforded for both recreational activities and sightseeing. These are also months when the UV index is at its highest at a level of six, so packing some sunscreen would be advisable.The worst time to visit Watertown
The winter months from December to February tend to be inhospitable due to low temperatures ranging from 23.7°F (-4.6°C) to 5.5°F (-14.7°C). Along with the wind speed, picking up to 11mph (17.7km/h), the weather can feel colder than it actually is. In addition, the number of daylight hours decreases drastically to around eight to nine hours a day further reducing the suitable time for exploring the city. Visits during this period should be carefully considered, and essential winter gear should be packed.Spring weather in Watertown
The spring months in Watertown extend from March to May with temperatures progressively rising from a mild 38.1°F (3.4°C) to a considerably warmer 64.6°F (18.1°C). Rainfall begins to escalate with an average of 1.02" (26mm) in March, further surging to approximately 2.52" (64mm) in May. The increasing daylight hours, from 12 hours in March to nearly 15 hours by May, map out an inviting time for outdoor activities.Summer weather in Watertown
Beginning in June, summers in Watertown bring in the highest temperatures of the year, peaking at 80.8°F (27.1°C) in July. Despite an increase in rainfall with the top figure of 3.19" (81mm) in June, the humidity remains fairly stable from June to August, fluctuating between 73%-77%. Coupled with the longest daylight durations, these months hold favorable conditions for outdoor exploration and adventure.Autumn weather in Watertown
Autumn in Watertown displays a relatively comfortable weather window, but with decreasing temperatures, from a mild 71.6°F (22°C) in September to a cooler 40.1°F (4.5°C) by November. Rainfall experiences a slight downtrend, descending from 1.57" (40mm) in September to 0.63" (16mm) in November. However, daylight hours also decrease from 12.5 hours in September to just 9.6 hours by November, indicating lesser time for outdoor activities.Winter weather in Watertown
Winter dominates Watertown from December onwards till February with temperatures dipping as low as 5.5°F (-14.7°C) in the coldest month, January. Snowfall is quite significant in these months, with December and February both recording 3.74" (95mm) of snow. The daylight duration reduces, with just 8.8 hours noted in December, which further contracts to a minimal 8.3 hours in January. Quick gusts of wind reaching up to 18.2mph (29.3km/h) in December can create piercing wind chill conditions.Weather in January
January is the coldest month in Watertown and one can feel the icy winter embrace. Snowfall is heavy with up to 3.74" (95mm) falling over 14.4 days, both high measures for the year. Days are quite short with just over nine hours of daylight, with only a sparse 3.6 hours of sunshine breaking through the heavy clouds. Weather in January »Weather in February
Compared to January, February in Watertown remains very cold, albeit with slightly easing conditions. The snowfall decreases to 3.35" (85mm) over fewer days, an 11.8 total. The icy landscapes slowly lose their harshness as daylight extends to 10.5 hours, bringing longer periods of brightness. Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings with it the feeling of rebirth as the winter winds lose their grip over Watertown. A clear escalation in temperature is obvious with highs reaching up to 38.1°F (3.4°C) from the bitter 22.5°F (-5.3°C) of February. Weather in March »Weather in April
April is a notable month of contrast in Watertown, South Dakota, marking the complete shift from winter to spring. A significant rise in both high and low temperatures with a high of 51.6°F (10.9°C) is evident. Residents and tourists enjoy longer daylight hours, up to 13.5 hours, and a decrease in snowfall, with only 1.46" (37mm) over fewer days. Weather in April »Weather in May
May in Watertown brings a shift towards the rainier months accompanied by a further climb in temperature. Most notable is the notable increase in rainfall to 2.52" (64mm), a sign of the season's shift. The days stretch to almost 15 hours, offering plenty of sunshine and encouraging outdoor activities. Weather in May »Weather in June
Watertown breathes in the full-on summer season in June, characterized by toasty temperatures and clear skies. Highs soar to a scorching 74.5°F (23.6°C), a substantial leap from May's comfortable temperatures. An increase in daylight hours to 15.6 largely offsets the moderately high relative humidity. Weather in June »Weather in July
July brings in the peak of summer with Watertown, South Dakota, experiencing the warmest temperatures of the year. The city basks in highs reaching a sizzling 80.8°F (27.1°C), offering ample opportunity to enjoy the sun. The heat, coupled with the longest daylight hours of the year at 15.2 hours, ensures a lively outdoor scene. Weather in July »Weather in August
August aligns closely with July in terms of temperature with the mercury hovering around a close-to-boiling 80.1°F (26.7°C). The overall scenery remains summery with daylight stretching up to 14 hours. A reduction in rainfall and the continuation of warm temperatures keep the summer vibes going strong. Weather in August »Weather in September
September signals the start of Watertown's transition to cooler conditions. A noticeable dip in temperature to a high of 71.6°F (22°C) indicates the early arrival of Fall. Hours of daylight drop to 12.5, paving the way for longer evenings. Weather in September »Weather in October
In October, Watertown ushers in autumn in earnest, with moderate temperatures and the first signs of winter creeping in. The weather brings forth a chilly 54.3°F (12.4°C), setting the tone for colder months ahead. The transformation of foliage into a spectacle of fiery reds and oranges decorates the city's landscape thickly. Weather in October »Weather in November
Watertown's November spells the beginning of winter, as temperatures plunge and snowfall makes a comeback. A drastic dive in the high temperature to 40.1°F (4.5°C) symbolises winter's early arrival. The days are considerably shorter, offering less sunshine, while the snow returns, cloaking the city in its icy blanket. Weather in November »Weather in December
December in Watertown marks the full circle of weather patterns, returning to cold temperatures, increased snowfall, and shorter daylight hours. The high temperature descends to a freezing 23.7°F (-4.6°C) marking the arrival of the peak winter. 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
January tends to be the coldest month in Watertown, South Dakota, with temperatures averaging a daily high of 19.4°F (-7°C) and a low of 5.5°F (-14.7°C).
With an average relative humidity of 90%, January is the most humid month in Watertown, South Dakota.
January and February are months with the least rain in Watertown, South Dakota, when the rain falls for 2.9 days and typically aggregates up to 0.59" (15mm) of rain.
Throughout the year, in Watertown, South Dakota, there are 112.3 rainfall days, and 18.78" (477mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Watertown.
The months with the most snowfall in Watertown, South Dakota, are January and December, with an average 3.74" (95mm) of accumulated snow.
Throughout the year, in Watertown, South Dakota, there are 64.3 snowfall days, and 17.56" (446mm) of snow is accumulated.
January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.6h of sunshine.
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
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 17.2 days and accumulates 3.19" (81mm) of precipitation.
June through September are months without snowfall in Watertown, South Dakota.
June has the longest days of the year in Watertown, South Dakota, with an average of 15h and 30min of daylight.
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Watertown.
Watertown experiences its highest temperatures in July, with an average peak of 80.8°F (27.1°C) and a low of 60.8°F (16°C).
July has the most sunshine of the year in Watertown, South Dakota, with an average of 10.7h of sunshine.
The months with the lowest humidity in Watertown are September and October, with an average relative humidity of 68%.
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.
Average temperature
Watertown, SD
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (80.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (19.4°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (60.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (5.5°F).
Average pressure
Watertown, SD
- Average pressure in January:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.85"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.13"Hg
The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and February (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.85"Hg).
Average wind speed
Watertown, SD
- Average wind speed in January:
11mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.8mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.9mph - Average wind speed in April:
11.6mph - Average wind speed in May:
10.3mph - Average wind speed in June:
9.4mph
- Average wind speed in July:
8.5mph - Average wind speed in August:
8.6mph - Average wind speed in September:
10mph - Average wind speed in October:
11.2mph - Average wind speed in November:
11mph - Average wind speed in December:
11mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (8.5mph).
Average humidity
Watertown, SD
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (90%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are September and October (68%).
Average rainfall
Watertown, SD
- Average rainfall in January:
0.59" - Average rainfall in February:
0.59" - Average rainfall in March:
1.02" - Average rainfall in April:
1.46" - Average rainfall in May:
2.52" - Average rainfall in June:
3.19"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.91" - Average rainfall in August:
1.81" - Average rainfall in September:
1.57" - Average rainfall in October:
1.73" - Average rainfall in November:
0.63" - Average rainfall in December:
0.75"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.19").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and February (0.59").
Average rainfall days
Watertown, SD
- Average rainfall days in January:
2.9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
2.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
7.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
11.6 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
17.2 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
14.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
12.4 days - Average rainfall days in September:
10.4 days - Average rainfall days in October:
8.3 days - Average rainfall days in November:
4.9 days - Average rainfall days in December:
3.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.7 days).
Average snowfall
Watertown, SD
- Average snowfall in January:
3.74" - Average snowfall in February:
3.35" - Average snowfall in March:
2.2" - Average snowfall in April:
1.46" - Average snowfall in May:
0.12" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The months with the highest snowfall are January and December (3.74").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Watertown, SD
- Average snowfall days in January:
14.4 days - Average snowfall days in February:
11.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
10 days - Average snowfall days in April:
4.8 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.8 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:
2.3 days - Average snowfall days in November:
7.1 days - Average snowfall days in December:
13 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (14.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Watertown, 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 54min - 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:
10h and 54min - 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:
3h and 36min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 18min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 24min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 30min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 42min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 54min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 42min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 18min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 48min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 12min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 0min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 36min).
Average sunshine days
Watertown, SD
- Average sunshine days in January:
15.1 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
14.2 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.9 days - Average sunshine days in June:
10.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
13.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
15.7 days - Average sunshine days in September:
18.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.1 days - Average sunshine days in November:
19 days - Average sunshine days in December:
16.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is October (19.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.3 days).
Average UV index
Watertown, SD
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Watertown, SD
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 63).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 27).
Average visibility
Watertown, SD
The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (5mi).
