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Butte County Climate

Butte County, South Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec45.4°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

45.4°F

Annual Precip

17.6"

Annual Snowfall

41.7"

Extreme Heat Days

33

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.4"
0.5"
1.0"
1.9"
3.1"
3.1"
2.1"
1.6"
1.2"
1.6"
0.6"
0.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,449

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/11
First fall frost (32°F): 09/28

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring34°54°6.0"Summer65°72°6.8"Fall33°61°3.4"Winter20°23°1.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 14% of US counties
Wetter than 11% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 86% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Butte County

Climate Verdict

Butte County has a cool, averaging 45.4°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 17.6 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 33.14 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 41.7 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 20.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.5°F. Residents experience a substantial 52°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Butte County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 5.2 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Butte County Weather

A Cool Continental Climate in Butte County

Butte County maintains an average annual temperature of 45.4°F, falling well below the national median. This semi-arid region experiences dry conditions with only 17.6 inches of annual precipitation.

A Standard Profile for South Dakota

The county's 45.4°F average temperature almost perfectly mirrors the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. While its temperature is typical, the county is notably drier than the state average of 22.7 inches of precipitation.

Drier and Warmer Than Northern Neighbors

Butte averages 45.4°F, which is slightly warmer than neighboring Corson County's 44.1°F. It remains significantly drier than eastern South Dakota counties, receiving about 5 inches less rain than the state norm.

Steamy Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents face 33 days of extreme heat above 90°F each year, concentrated in July when averages hit 72.5°F. Winter brings a different challenge with 41.7 inches of annual snowfall and January lows averaging 20.4°F.

Preparing for Arid Extremes

Homeowners should invest in high-efficiency cooling for the frequent 90-degree summer days. Reliable snow removal equipment is also essential to manage the 41.7 inches of snow that covers the landscape each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Butte County?
The average annual temperature in Butte County, SD is 45.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Butte County get?
Butte County receives an average of 17.6 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 Butte County?
Yes, Butte County receives an average of 41.7 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Butte County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Butte County is 69.3°F. The county experiences an average of 33 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Butte County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Butte County is 22.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 20.4°F.

Track your own weather in Butte County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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