Hughes County Climate
Hughes County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
45.6°F
Annual Precip
19.9"
Annual Snowfall
40.2"
Extreme Heat Days
35
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,711
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Hughes County
Climate Verdict
Hughes County has a cool, averaging 45.6°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 19.9 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 34.85 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 40.2 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 17.1°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.8°F. Residents experience a substantial 57°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Hughes 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 Hughes County Weather
A Classic Semi-Arid Plains Climate
Hughes County maintains an annual average temperature of 45.6°F, which is notably cooler than the national median. This central South Dakota region experiences wide temperature swings and relatively low annual moisture.
The Benchmark for South Dakota
Hughes County sits exactly at the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F for annual temperature. Its 19.9 inches of precipitation is slightly lower than the statewide average of 22.7 inches.
More Extreme Heat than Hand
Hughes County is hotter in the summer than neighboring Hand County, logging 35 days above 90°F compared to Hand's 20 days. It is also drier, receiving 19.9 inches of rain while Hand gets 22.3 inches.
Intense Heat and Moderate Snow
July is hot with an average of 73.8°F and 35 days of extreme heat. Winter brings 40.2 inches of snowfall and a January average of 17.1°F, creating a true four-season experience.
Dual-Season System Maintenance
Air conditioning is critical for the five weeks of 90°F temperatures seen each summer. Homeowners should also ensure heaters can handle the 19.9°F winter average and manage the 40.2 inches of annual snow.
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.