Nestled in the heart of South Dakota, Sioux Falls boasts a climate characterized by a wide range of weather conditions.
The city experiences a humid continental climate, featuring hot summers and cold winters.
Throughout the year, temperatures typically vary from 10°F to 85°F, and extremes are rare, with temperatures seldom dropping below -11°F or soaring above 94°F.
Summers in Sioux Falls are warm and partly cloudy, making it an inviting time for outdoor activities.
Winters, on the other hand, are freezing, snowy, and often windy. The area receives an average of 38 inches of snow each year, painting the city in a picturesque winter landscape.
Rainfall is moderate, averaging about 27 inches annually, providing ample water for the local greenery.
The diverse climate of Sioux Falls offers something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of warm, sunny days or enjoy the crisp, snowy charm of winter.
By understanding the average weather year-round, residents and visitors alike can better plan their activities and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Average Temperature in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls has a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
January is the coldest month, with an average low of 9°F and an average high of 27°F. It’s very cold during this time, so warm clothing is necessary.
In contrast, July is the warmest month. The average high temperature reaches 85°F, while the low temperature averages around 63°F.
During summer, temperatures can get quite hot, making it a good time for outdoor activities.
Monthly Average Temperatures
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 9 |
| February | 32 | 14 |
| March | 45 | 24 |
| April | 60 | 37 |
| May | 71 | 49 |
| June | 80 | 59 |
| July | 85 | 63 |
| August | 82 | 60 |
| September | 74 | 51 |
| October | 61 | 39 |
| November | 43 | 25 |
| December | 29 | 13 |
The average temperature varies a lot between summer and winter.
February usually sees temperatures start to warm up, with an average high of 32°F.
During October, the weather starts to cool again, with average highs around 61°F and lows around 39°F.
Residents experience a full range of temperatures, so they need to be prepared for both hot summers and cold winters.
Average Precipitation in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls experiences varied precipitation throughout the year with notable differences between rainfall and snowfall. The wettest months and the dry season periods differ significantly.
Average Rainfall in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls sees diverse rainfall patterns throughout the year.
The wettest month is usually June, with substantial monthly rainfall. On average, June receives about 3.5 inches of rain.
The summer months, especially from May to August, are characterized by frequent showers and thunderstorms.
In contrast, the driest month is January, seeing hardly any rain, averaging less than 0.5 inches.
The dry season extends through the winter months, with minimal rainfall. Spring and fall have moderate rain, with autumn being slightly drier. This pattern makes the late summer particularly rainy in comparison to the rest of the year.
Average Snow in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Winters in Sioux Falls bring considerable snowfall.
December and January are the peak months for snow, often accumulating 7-8 inches each month. Snow and ice conditions can make travel difficult during these times, especially with snowfalls during blizzards. Articles on snow and ice provide useful tips for navigating these conditions safely.
The total annual snowfall in Sioux Falls is around 45 inches. February also contributes significant snow, although slightly less than January.
Snow typically starts in late November and can last until early March. By late spring, snow has usually melted, and rain becomes the primary form of precipitation again. This seasonal cycle ensures that both rain and snow contribute to the area’s overall precipitation each year.
Average Sun in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls experiences a variety of sun patterns throughout the year, with notable changes in daily sunlight and cloud cover. Understanding these patterns can help you plan activities and appreciate the natural light variations.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
In Sioux Falls, the average daily shortwave solar energy varies throughout the year.
Typically, it peaks in June, when longer days and clear skies bring more sunlight. During this month, residents can enjoy around 7.5 kWh per square meter.
Conversely, December has the least shortwave solar energy, averaging about 2 kWh per square meter due to shorter daylight hours and increased cloud cover.
These variations affect daily life, as more sunlight in summer can mean longer outdoor activities, while shorter winter days may limit daylight exposure. The sunrise and sunset times also shift with the seasons, influencing the total hours of sunlight available daily.
Average Humidity in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The average yearly humidity in Sioux Falls is around 69%. This means the air often contains a good amount of moisture.
Monthly Humidity:
- January: 72%
- February: 70%
- March: 67%
- April: 64%
- May: 63.6%
- June: 66%
- July: 69%
- August: 69%
- September: 69%
- October: 68%
- November: 70%
- December: 75%
December is the most humid month with an average relative humidity of 75%. May is the least humid month with an average of 63.6%.
Relative humidity affects how comfortable it feels outside. Higher humidity often feels warmer, while lower humidity can feel cooler.
In Sioux Falls, it means that dew points can vary quite a bit through the year.
The variation in humidity in Sioux Falls means that summers can feel warmer due to the moisture in the air. Winters can feel colder and drier. These factors all contribute to how residents and visitors experience the climate in this city.
For more details, you can check the average humidity in Sioux Falls.
Average Wind in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The wind in Sioux Falls can vary quite a bit throughout the year.
Windiest Month: April has the highest average wind speed. The average hourly wind speed in April is 13.1 miles per hour.
Calmest Month: During July, the winds are at their calmest with an average hourly wind speed of 9.5 miles per hour.
In summer, the wind is generally calmer, lasting from June 1 to September 24.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 11.4 |
| February | 11.7 |
| March | 12.4 |
| April | 13.1 |
| May | 12.1 |
| June | 10.6 |
| July | 9.5 |
| August | 9.8 |
| September | 10.4 |
| October | 11.2 |
| November | 11.5 |
| December | 11.3 |
Average Air Quality in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls typically enjoys good air quality throughout the year. The Air Quality Index (AQI) varies across different parts of the city.
On most days, the AQI ranges from good to moderate levels. For example, areas like South Teakwood Avenue often report AQI levels in the “Good” category.
In some areas of Sioux Falls, the air quality can be classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”, particularly during times with higher pollution levels.
Locations such as the Sioux Falls School for the Deaf occasionally report higher AQI values due to various factors, including traffic and industrial activities.
Here’s a breakdown of common pollutants monitored:
- PM2.5 (fine particulate matter)
- PM10 (respirable particulate matter)
- O3 (ozone)
- NO2 (nitrogen dioxide)
- SO2 (sulfur dioxide)
Real-time monitoring is essential for planning daily activities.
For current data, AccuWeather provides localized forecasts and helps residents make healthier decisions.
Visibility in Sioux Falls is usually good, except during periods of higher particulate pollution or extreme weather.
Pressure tends to be stable, but can fluctuate with weather changes, impacting air quality at times.
Using these resources, residents can accurately forecast and plan their day to minimize exposure to pollutants, especially those sensitive to changes in air quality.
Topography of Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls is located in the Big Sioux River Valley in southeast South Dakota. It sits at approximately 43.5499749°N latitude and -96.700327°W longitude.
The city’s elevation is around 1,473 feet (449 meters) above sea level, providing a slightly elevated vantage point over the surrounding areas.
The terrain of Sioux Falls includes gently rolling hills, giving the area a varied and interesting landscape.
To both the north and south of the city, the terrain rises gradually over a span of about 100 miles.
Elevation and Mapping
- Average Elevation: 1,440 feet (439 meters)
- Highest Elevation Points: Over 1,473 feet (449 meters)
These elevations and geographical features play a role in the local climate, affecting temperature and precipitation patterns.
For those interested in visualizing the topography, various topographic maps are available.
These maps highlight the detailed terrain and elevation changes across Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County.
Terrain Characteristics
- Hills and Rolling Terrain: The area is characterized by its rolling hills, which contribute to the unique look of the region.
- River Valley: The Big Sioux River cuts through the city, adding to the diverse topography with riverbanks and valleys.
Given these features, Sioux Falls offers a varied landscape that can be both challenging and rewarding for activities like hiking and urban planning.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, experiences a range of extreme weather events that are noteworthy.
Winter Storms
Winter in Sioux Falls can bring freezing cold temperatures, sometimes plunging below 0°F.
Heavy snowfall is common, with some storms dumping over a foot of snow in just a day.
Blizzards can create frigid conditions, making travel dangerous and causing significant disruptions.
Heat Bursts
Heat bursts are rare but impactful.
One such event occurred on August 3, 2008 when temperatures rapidly spiked due to a convective heat burst.
These phenomena can cause sudden, short-term increases in temperature and dramatic drops in humidity.
Extreme Heat
Summer can bring intense heat waves.
For example, June 21, 1988, saw a record high of 110°F.
Such extreme heat can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Thunderstorms and Hail
Severe thunderstorms are frequent, often accompanied by hail.
Hailstones can vary in size but occasionally reach over an inch in diameter. These storms can cause property damage and pose risks to personal safety.
Tornadoes
While not as common as in other parts of the Midwest, tornadoes do occur.
These powerful storms can cause widespread damage and are often accompanied by high winds and heavy rain.
Flooding
Heavy rains, especially in the spring, can lead to flooding.
The city’s proximity to rivers and lakes makes it vulnerable to water levels rising quickly, leading to property damage and emergency situations.
Historical Events
One significant event was a powerful storm in the mid-20th century that resulted in the loss of a 2000-foot broadcast tower and the deaths of two college students due to exposure, as detailed on the National Weather Service’s site.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The best time to visit Sioux Falls depends on what experience you’re looking for. From warm summers perfect for outdoor activities to snowy winters with festive charm, each season offers something unique.
What is Sioux Falls, South Dakota Like in Spring
Spring in Sioux Falls is a delight with temperatures ranging from the high 40s in March to the low 70s in May.
It is the season when nature wakes up, bringing vibrant green landscapes and blooming flowers.
Rainfall can be expected, with April and May being some of the wetter months, seeing an average of 2-3 inches of rain.
This season is ideal for visiting local parks like Falls Park, where the waterfalls are particularly stunning with increased water flow from melted snow.
The weather is mild, making it great for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and visiting local attractions.
What is Sioux Falls, South Dakota Like in Summer
Summer in Sioux Falls is warm with temperatures in July often reaching highs around 88°F.
June, July, and August are the warmest months, with plenty of sunshine and an average of about 10 hours of daylight per day.
This season is perfect for outdoor festivals, concerts, and events.
Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, and exploring the Sioux Falls Bike Trail.
July is the calmest month, making it excellent for outdoor exploration without the worry of high winds.
What is Sioux Falls, South Dakota Like in Fall
Fall brings cooler temperatures ranging from the 70s in September to the 40s in November.
The fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the city, making it a great time for scenic drives and photography.
September is often cited as one of the best months to visit due to its pleasant temperatures and lower chance of rain.
Activities such as visiting apple orchards and participating in fall festivals are popular during this time.
What is Sioux Falls, South Dakota Like in Winter
Winter in Sioux Falls is cold, with temperatures often dipping into the teens and 20s. December, January, and February are the coldest months.
Snowfall is common, creating a winter wonderland atmosphere, especially around the holiday season.
Activities like ice skating, sledding, and holiday events are popular.
Although the weather can be harsh, it offers a unique charm and plenty of indoor attractions like museums and galleries to explore.
Each season in Sioux Falls has something special to offer, whether it’s enjoying outdoor activities in the summer or experiencing the festive winter charm.
For those planning a visit, considering what each season brings can help in choosing the best time to explore this vibrant city.