Rapid City
Weather by month
Current –

Rapid City Weather in January

Rapid City in January averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and -9°C (16°F) at night. This is the driest month of the year, and part of the winter season.

Rainfall in Rapid City in January

Dry conditions dominate this month. A good time for outdoor fun and exploration, even if the temperatures are on the cool side. Records from the past 30 years suggest around 6 days of snow/rain, with 6.6 mm (0.3 in) average for the month. Rain days are few and the total is low, so this is a largely dry month. Any showers that do occur tend to be brief.

Temperature in Rapid City in January

Rapid City in January gets highs of 4°C (39°F) during the day and drops to -9°C (16°F) at night. Winter occurs in January. Time outdoors is usually more comfortable with proper winter clothing and protection from wind. With lows of -9°C (16°F), nights are freezing. Packing a spare blanket is worth considering if you're staying somewhere that might not be fully heated. As one of the coldest months, it's important to layer up to stay warm. Don't let the chill catch you off-guard.

January in Rapid City has its charm. However, if you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations in the world.

Rapid City Temperature in January

Min Temperature
-9°C (16°F)
Max Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Chance of Rain
20%
Precipitation
6.6 mm (0.3 in)
Rainy days
6 days

Rapid City Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Rapid City - and find the best time to visit.

Best Places in the United States of America in January

Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in January →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Rapid City in January

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Rapid City in January. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Dry conditions mean you won't need to worry about rain protection.

What To Do in Rapid City in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Cycling
    3/10
  • Walking
    3/10
  • Barbeque
    1/10
  • Camping
    2/10
  • Outdoor sports
    3/10

Rapid City 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Rapid City

Popular in January

Where to go in January - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.