Custer County Climate
Custer County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
45.2°F
Annual Precip
19.5"
Annual Snowfall
43.0"
Extreme Heat Days
14
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,041
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Custer County
Climate Verdict
Custer County has a cool, averaging 45.2°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 19.5 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 13.549999999999999 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 43.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 25.5°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.2°F. The 44°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Custer County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F, it is somewhat drier than average for South Dakota.
Climate Profile
About Custer County Weather
Temperate Mountain and Plains Blend
Custer County maintains an average temperature of 45.2°F, which is cool by national standards. The area is relatively dry, receiving 19.5 inches of annual precipitation.
Typical South Dakota Average Temperature
Custer's 45.2°F annual average is almost identical to the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. However, its 19.5 inches of precipitation is lower than the state's 22.7-inch average.
Milder Winters Than Northern Neighbors
Custer shares a similar annual temperature with Butte County, but enjoys much warmer Januarys at 25.5°F. It is also significantly snowier, receiving 43 inches compared to Butte's 41.7 inches.
Heavy Snow and Mild Summers
Summer in Custer is pleasant with only 14 days of extreme heat and a July average of 69.2°F. Winter is the dominant season, bringing the highest snowfall on this list at 43 inches.
Equip for Serious Snow Management
The 43 inches of annual snow requires high-quality winter gear and reliable four-wheel drive. Because summer temperatures are mild, residents can often rely on natural ventilation instead of heavy air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.