Jones County Climate
Jones County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
47.4°F
Annual Precip
21.6"
Annual Snowfall
49.1"
Extreme Heat Days
34
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,917
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Jones County
Climate Verdict
Jones County has a cool, averaging 47.4°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 21.6 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 33.9 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 49.1 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 21.1°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.6°F. Residents experience a substantial 53°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Jones County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F.
Climate Profile
About Jones County Weather
Mild Annual Temps for the Northern Plains
Jones County averages 47.4°F annually, staying below the national median but appearing warmer than many of its northern neighbors. The climate is semi-arid and prone to significant temperature extremes. This area serves as a transition zone between the moist east and the dry west.
Warmer and Snowier than the Average
Jones County is nearly two degrees warmer than the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. Interestingly, it receives 49.1 inches of snow annually, which is significantly higher than many other central counties. Precipitation is slightly below the state average at 21.6 inches.
High Snow Totals for Mid-State
Compared to its immediate neighbors, Jones County stands out with nearly 50 inches of annual snowfall. It experiences 34 days of extreme heat, making it hotter in the summer than the eastern glacial lakes region. The winter average of 23.2°F is milder than counties in the northeast corner of the state.
A Year of Extremes in Jones County
Summer heat is frequent, with 34 days exceeding 90°F and a July average of 74.6°F. However, the 49.1 inches of annual snowfall makes for a busy winter season. January temperatures average 21.1°F, requiring consistent heating from December through March.
Balance Snow Tools with Summer AC
Residents must prepare for a heavy winter, as 49.1 inches of snow requires professional-grade removal tools. With 34 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning is necessary for summer comfort. Vehicle maintenance should focus on both high-heat endurance and winter traction.
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.