Buffalo County Climate

Buffalo County, South Dakota

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.3°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.3°F

Annual Precip

20.1"

Annual Snowfall

18.9"

Extreme Heat Days

28.95

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.5"
0.9"
1.8"
3.1"
3.8"
2.8"
2.2"
2.0"
1.6"
0.4"
0.3"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring33°57°5.8"Summer68°74°8.8"Fall34°63°4.0"Winter17°22°1.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 17% of US counties
Wetter than 14% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 89% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Buffalo County Weather

Dry and Temperate Plains Climate

Buffalo County's 46.3°F annual average is below the national median of 53°F. It is one of the drier counties in the state, receiving only 20.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Slightly Above the State Average

At 46.3°F, Buffalo County is marginally warmer than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. Its dry climate often leads to more extreme temperature swings between day and night.

Low Snowfall Compared to Peers

Buffalo County only sees 18.9 inches of snow, which is less than half the 43.3 inches seen in neighboring Brule County. Its total precipitation of 20.1 inches is also lower than the state average.

Hot Summers and Very Dry Winters

The county deals with 29 days of extreme heat and a July average of 74.2°F. Winters are cold but dry, with January averaging 17.5°F and minimal snow accumulation.

Prepare for Dry Summer Heat

Effective cooling and hydration are essential for the 29 days of extreme summer heat. While snow removal is less of a burden here, residents still need reliable heating for the 17.5°F January average.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Buffalo County?
The average annual temperature in Buffalo County, SD is 46.3°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Buffalo County get?
Buffalo County receives an average of 20.1 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Buffalo County?
Yes, Buffalo County receives an average of 18.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Buffalo County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Buffalo County is 71.4°F. The county experiences an average of 28.95 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Buffalo County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Buffalo County is 20.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 17.5°F.

Track your own weather in Buffalo County

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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