South Dakota

South Dakota Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in South Dakota, the United States of America in December.

Thinking about venturing to South Dakota, the United States of America this December and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in South Dakota in December

South Dakota, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. December in South Dakota generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. It's the height of winter.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from very cold in Watertown at -4°C (25°F) to cold in Hot Springs at 3°C (37°F). At night it cools down to -10°C (14°F) in Hot Springs and -13°C (9°F) in Watertown. In numerous regions in the United States of America, December is marked by its cold weather conditions. If you're heading to these areas during this month, it's vital to be well-prepared. Dressing in layered and insulated outfits will ensure you stay warm.

To explore the conditions in South Dakota, the United States of America in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snow/rainfall in Rapid City with an average of 12 mm (0.5 in) to moderate snow/rainfall in Deadwood with 43 mm (1.7 in).

Explore South Dakota by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in South Dakota - and find the best time to visit. (based on Sioux Falls)

Best Places to Visit in South Dakota in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across South Dakota.

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).

Popular Destinations in South Dakota

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in South Dakota, the United States of America?

Temperature range in South Dakota (December)

Precipitation variation in South Dakota (December)

Sioux Falls

In December Sioux Falls generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C (28°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -12°C (10°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Min temperature
-5°C (23°F)
-12°C (10°F)
-14°C (7°F)
Monthly snowfall
19 mm (0.7 in)
35 mm (1.4 in)
16 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
8 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Pierre

In December Pierre generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (30°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -13°C (9°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-13°C (9°F)
-13°C (9°F)
Monthly snowfall
9.2 mm (0.4 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
11 mm (0.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
6 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Rapid City

In December Rapid City generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
3°C (37°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-9°C (16°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
11 mm (0.4 in)
12 mm (0.5 in)
6.6 mm (0.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
6 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Deadwood

In December Deadwood generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
2°C (36°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
36 mm (1.4 in)
43 mm (1.7 in)
43 mm (1.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
10 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Custer

In December Custer generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -10°C (14°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
7°C (45°F)
2°C (36°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-5°C (23°F)
-10°C (14°F)
-9°C (16°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
13 mm (0.5 in)
14 mm (0.6 in)
8.2 mm (0.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
6 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in South Dakota, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in South Dakota in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Sioux Falls -2°C (28°F) -12°C (10°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Pierre -1°C (30°F) -13°C (9°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Rapid City 3°C (37°F) -9°C (16°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Deadwood 2°C (36°F) -9°C (16°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Custer 2°C (36°F) -10°C (14°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Hot Springs 3°C (37°F) -10°C (14°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)

South Dakota weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in South Dakota, the United States of America in December?

December in South Dakota, the United States of America brings less favorable weather. In Sioux Falls, daytime temperatures are typically around -2°C (28°F) and nighttime lows hover near -12°C (10°F).

What is the average temperature in South Dakota, the United States of America in December?

Average temperatures in South Dakota, the United States of America during December range from a nighttime low near -12°C (10°F) to a daytime high around -2°C (28°F) in Sioux Falls.

Does South Dakota, the United States of America get a lot of snow in December?

December is on the drier side in South Dakota, the United States of America. Sioux Falls averages only about 35 mm (1.4 in), with most days staying dry.

Is December a Good Time to Visit South Dakota, the United States of America?

Given the typically less favorable weather conditions in Sioux Falls, December may not be the ideal time to visit South Dakota, the United States of America.

On average, the best time to visit South Dakota, the United States of America is in May, July, August and September with generally excellent weather in Sioux Falls. On the other hand, the months of January, February, March and December tend to have less favorable weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in South Dakota.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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