South Dakota

South Dakota Weather in February

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

Planning a trip to South Dakota, the United States of America this February? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in South Dakota in February

South Dakota, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. South Dakota, the United States of America has a wide variety of climate types. During February, you can expect temperatures that range from very cold to cold and precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. It's the height of winter.

Temperatures

During the day the temperature is very cold in Watertown at -5°C (23°F) and cold in Hot Springs at 5°C (41°F). As night falls, temperatures generally drop to -10°C (14°F) in Hot Springs and -15°C (5°F) in Watertown. In many regions in the United States of America, February is characterized by its biting cold temperatures. If you're venturing into these areas during this time, it's crucial to be adequately prepared. Ensure you layer up with warm clothing to fight off the chill and stay comfortable.

For a closer look at conditions across South Dakota, the United States of America, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In February, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snow/rainfall in Hot Springs with an average of 11 mm (0.4 in) to moderate snow/rainfall in Lead with 48 mm (1.9 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 February

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 February for some of the most popular destinations in South Dakota, the United States of America?

Temperature range in South Dakota (February)

Precipitation variation in South Dakota (February)

Sioux Falls

In February Sioux Falls generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C (28°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -13°C (9°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

January
February
March
Max temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-2°C (28°F)
7°C (45°F)
Min temperature
-14°C (7°F)
-13°C (9°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly snowfall
16 mm (0.6 in)
24 mm (0.9 in)
33 mm (1.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
7 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Pierre

In February Pierre generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -12°C (10°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

January
February
March
Max temperature
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
9°C (48°F)
Min temperature
-13°C (9°F)
-12°C (10°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
11 mm (0.4 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
23 mm (0.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
5 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Rapid City

In February 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.

January
February
March
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
3°C (37°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
-9°C (16°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
6.6 mm (0.3 in)
12 mm (0.5 in)
22 mm (0.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
6 days
7 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Deadwood

In February 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.

January
February
March
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
2°C (36°F)
9°C (48°F)
Min temperature
-8°C (18°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
43 mm (1.7 in)
45 mm (1.8 in)
53 mm (2.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
13 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Custer

In February 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.

January
February
March
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
2°C (36°F)
8°C (46°F)
Min temperature
-9°C (16°F)
-10°C (14°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
8.2 mm (0.3 in)
14 mm (0.6 in)
24 mm (0.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
7 days
8 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.

In our records: the United States of America February extremes

Notable February records observed across cities in the United States of America in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • Based on our data, the coldest February night in the United States of America dropped to -39°C (-38°F) in Fargo on February 2, 1996.
  • In our records, the coldest February daytime high in the United States of America was -33°C (-27°F) in Bismarck on February 1, 1996.

Popular cities in February

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Sioux Falls -2°C (28°F) -13°C (9°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Pierre 0°C (32°F) -12°C (10°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) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Custer 2°C (36°F) -10°C (14°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Hot Springs 5°C (41°F) -10°C (14°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)

South Dakota weather in February: frequently asked questions

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

Expect less favorable weather across South Dakota, the United States of America in February. The popular destination of Sioux Falls averages -2°C (28°F) by day and -13°C (9°F) at night during this winter month.

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

Daytime temperatures in Sioux Falls peak at roughly -2°C (28°F) in February, dropping to about -13°C (9°F) overnight.

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

Rain is generally moderate to light in South Dakota, the United States of America during February, with Sioux Falls averaging close to 24 mm (0.9 in).

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

Given the typically less favorable weather conditions in Sioux Falls, February 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. In contrast, 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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