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Clark County Climate

Clark County, South Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec43.1°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

43.1°F

Annual Precip

23.2"

Annual Snowfall

22.0"

Extreme Heat Days

9

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.6"
1.0"
2.1"
3.1"
3.9"
3.5"
2.7"
2.6"
2.1"
0.7"
0.6"
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

2,402

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/05
First fall frost (32°F): 10/05

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring29°56°6.1"Summer66°71°10.0"Fall31°60°5.4"Winter12°18°1.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 7% of US counties
Wetter than 19% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 97% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Clark County

Climate Verdict

Clark County has a cool, averaging 43.1°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 23.2 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 8.8 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 22.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 12.3°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.2°F. Residents experience a substantial 59°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Clark County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Clark County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F.

Climate Profile

About Clark County Weather

Cold and Breezy Northern Interior

Clark County is one of the cooler spots in the nation, with an average annual temperature of 43.1°F. Its climate is characterized by mild summers and long, biting winters.

Well Below South Dakota Norms

Clark's 43.1°F average is significantly lower than the state's 45.6°F mark. While it is colder than average, its 23.2 inches of annual precipitation aligns closely with the state's 22.7-inch average.

Chilly Eastern South Dakota Climate

Clark shares a very similar climate with neighboring Codington County, which averages 42.9°F. Both counties see only 9 days of extreme heat per year, far fewer than the state's western counties.

Mild Summers and Deep Freezes

Summer heat is rare here, with July averaging 71.2°F and only 9 days hitting the 90°F mark. Winters are harsh, featuring a January average of just 12.3°F and 22 inches of snow.

Focus on High-Efficiency Heating

Homeowners should prioritize insulation and heating efficiency as winter temperatures average 15.7°F. Heavy summer cooling is rarely needed compared to the rest of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Clark County?
The average annual temperature in Clark County, SD is 43.1°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Clark County get?
Clark County receives an average of 23.2 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 Clark County?
Yes, Clark County receives an average of 22.0 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Clark County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Clark County is 68.8°F. The county experiences an average of 9 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Clark County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Clark County is 15.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 12.3°F.

Track your own weather in Clark 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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