Hand County Climate
Hand County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
45.2°F
Annual Precip
22.3"
Annual Snowfall
43.7"
Extreme Heat Days
20
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,614
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Hand County
Climate Verdict
Hand County has a cool, averaging 45.2°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 22.3 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 19.5 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 43.7 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 16.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.7°F. Residents experience a substantial 56°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Hand County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F.
Climate Profile
About Hand County Weather
Standard Plains Climate Profile
Hand County sits at an annual average of 45.2°F, remaining cooler than the national median. Its climate profile is typical of the high plains, featuring distinct seasons and moderate annual moisture.
Aligning with South Dakota Norms
The county's 45.2°F average temperature almost perfectly mirrors the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. Annual precipitation is also standard for the state, coming in at 22.3 inches.
Wetter and Snowier than Hughes
Hand County receives 22.3 inches of precipitation, making it slightly wetter than Hughes County to the west. It also handles more snow, averaging 43.7 inches compared to 40.2 inches in the state capital region.
High Snowfall and Frequent Freezes
The county averages 43.7 inches of snow annually, with winter temperatures averaging 19.4°F. Summer brings a July average of 72.7°F and about 20 days per year where the mercury tops 90°F.
Gear Up for Significant Snowfall
The 43.7 inches of annual snow requires reliable clearing equipment and winter-tread tires. While summer heat is moderate, cooling systems should be checked to handle the three weeks of 90°F temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Hand County?
How much rain does Hand County get?
Does it snow in Hand County?
How hot does Hand County get in summer?
How cold are winters in Hand County?
Track your own weather in Hand County
Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.
Sponsored
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.