Harding County Climate
Harding County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
44.5°F
Annual Precip
16.3"
Annual Snowfall
50.6"
Extreme Heat Days
27
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,264
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Harding County
Climate Verdict
Harding County has a cool, averaging 44.5°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 16.3 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 26.824999999999996 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 50.6 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 19.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.2°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
Harding County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 6.6 inches less precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Harding County Weather
Arid and Snowy High Plains
Harding County's 44.5°F annual average temperature is significantly lower than the national median. Located in the northwest corner, it faces an arid climate with much lower precipitation than most of the country.
Cold, Dry, and Very Snowy
The county is drier than most of South Dakota, receiving only 16.3 inches of precipitation compared to the 22.7-inch state average. However, it is one of the snowiest regions, recording 50.6 inches annually.
The Snowiest in the Region
Harding outpaces its neighbors in snowfall, with 50.6 inches dwarfing the 40.2 inches found in Hughes County. It is also considerably drier, receiving roughly 4 inches less total precipitation than Hughes.
High Snow Totals and Hot Summers
Despite 27 days of extreme 90°F summer heat, winter is the dominant season here. The county receives a massive 50.6 inches of snow and sustains a winter average of 21.3°F.
Heavy Winter Prep is Essential
Snow management is a primary concern given the 50.6-inch annual average. With only 16.3 inches of total moisture, water conservation is also a vital practice for local residents and agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Harding County?
How much rain does Harding County get?
Does it snow in Harding County?
How hot does Harding County get in summer?
How cold are winters in Harding County?
Track your own weather in Harding 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.