South Dakota

South Dakota Weather in January

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

Thinking about venturing to South Dakota, the United States of America this January 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 January

South Dakota, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. South Dakota, the United States of America offers a broad spectrum of weather patterns. In January, one might encounter temperatures that range from very cold to cold, and precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. The month of January is in the winter season.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from very cold in Watertown at -5°C (23°F) to cold in Hot Springs at 5°C (41°F). At night it cools down to -9°C (16°F) in Hot Springs and -16°C (3°F) in Watertown. In general, this month stands out as the coldest period throughout the year. Given the lower temperatures, it's essential to be well-prepared. Packing the right winter clothing and necessary accessories can make a significant difference in ensuring your comfort and well-being during this chilly season.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of South Dakota, the United States of America, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snow/rainfall in Rapid City with an average of 6.6 mm (0.3 in) to moderate snow/rainfall in Lead with 45 mm (1.8 in). Based on our climate data it is the driest month of the year in Sioux Falls.

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 January

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

Temperature range in South Dakota (January)

Precipitation variation in South Dakota (January)

Sioux Falls

In January Sioux Falls generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -3°C (27°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -14°C (7°F) and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-3°C (27°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Min temperature
-12°C (10°F)
-14°C (7°F)
-13°C (9°F)
Monthly snowfall
35 mm (1.4 in)
16 mm (0.6 in)
24 mm (0.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
7 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Pierre

In January 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.

December
January
February
Max temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-13°C (9°F)
-13°C (9°F)
-12°C (10°F)
Monthly snowfall
15 mm (0.6 in)
11 mm (0.4 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
6 days
5 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Rapid City

In January Rapid City generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

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

Deadwood

In January Deadwood generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

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

Custer

In January Custer 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.

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

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Sioux Falls -3°C (27°F) -14°C (7°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Pierre -1°C (30°F) -13°C (9°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Rapid City 4°C (39°F) -9°C (16°F) 6.6 mm (0.3 in)
Deadwood 3°C (37°F) -8°C (18°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Custer 3°C (37°F) -9°C (16°F) 8.2 mm (0.3 in)
Hot Springs 5°C (41°F) -9°C (16°F) 8.2 mm (0.3 in)

South Dakota weather in January: frequently asked questions

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

January in South Dakota, the United States of America brings less favorable weather. In Sioux Falls, daytime temperatures are typically around -3°C (27°F) and nighttime lows hover near -14°C (7°F).

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

Average temperatures in South Dakota, the United States of America during January range from a nighttime low near -14°C (7°F) to a daytime high around -3°C (27°F) in Sioux Falls.

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

January is on the drier side in South Dakota, the United States of America. Sioux Falls averages only about 16 mm (0.6 in), with most days staying dry.

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

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

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in May, July, August and September offering mostly excellent weather in Sioux Falls. The weather in January, February, March and December, on the other hand, tends to be less favorable.

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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