January
average high temperatures are in the 30’s with lows typically in the
teens. Below zero readings are not uncommon but usually the severe cold
temperatures are short lived. Average snowfall is 5 – 15 inches, mostly
of the light powdery type. The northern hills generally receive more
snow than the southern part, making them ideal for winter recreation.
February
temperatures and snowfall are very similar to January’s but daytime
averages sometimes get into the 40’s with plenty of sunshine, adding
to the warmth.
March
is typically the snowiest month of the year with 15 – 25 inches in the
northern Hills and 8 – 12 inches across the southern Black Hills. High
temperatures now reach the 40’s with lows in the 20’s.
April
can also be a snowy time in the hills where spring storms can dump several
feet in one day. Daytime temperatures now reach the 50’s with lows still
in the 20’s and 30’s.
May
precipitation mostly comes in the form of showers and late spring accounts
for over a third of the Black Hills annual moisture. Daytime highs now
reach the 50’s, with 60 degree temperatures not uncommon, however overnight
temperatures are still chilly, with morning frosts not uncommon.
June
is thunderstorm season with afternoon occurrences likely, sometimes
resulting in hail and possible flash flooding. Daytime temperatures
are now into the 70's with lots of clear to partly cloudy days. Nighttime
temperatures are still chilly with lows typically in the 40’s to 50’s.
Back
to the top
July
brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Daytime temperatures climb into the 70's and
80’s with even some 90’s. Humidity levels are low and there is usually
a nice breeze so even the hottest days are still comfortable. Nighttime temperatures are still cool so a sweater or jacket may
be needed for outdoor activities. The sun is very intense in the higher
elevation of the Black Hills so bring lots of sunscreen.
August
is very similar to July with lots of sunny warm weather, low humidity,
and cooling breezes. Afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon with some
rainfall, but usually result in only refreshing sprinkles to clean the
air and keep the hillsides green.
September
brings milder days and cooler nights with highs averaging in the 70’s
and lows dropping down into the 30’s and 40's and the first overnight
frosts. September is typically sunny and dry and a beautiful time to
tour the changing of the aspen leaves through out the Hills.
October
brings cooler daytime temperatures into the 50's and 60's and a chance
of snowfall and some cold, blustery northwest winds, so bring a warm
coat.
November
marks the beginning of winter in the Black Hills. But despite cooler
temperatures and more snow, the area still has many mild, sunny days,
thanks to southern Chinook winds. Snowfall is usually less than 5 inches
and even though cold Canada air can bring spells of subzero temperatures
these cold temperatures are usually short lived.
December
daytime temperatures are in the 30's, with nighttime readings cooling
into the teens. Below zero temperatures are not uncommon. Snowfall is
much like November's, but most snow is light, as a typical December
only has 2 days when more than one inch of snow falls. The Black Hills'
chances for a white Christmas (defined as having an inch or more of
snow on the ground) is about 50 percent.
