Minnehaha County Climate
Minnehaha County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.3°F
Annual Precip
28.5"
Annual Snowfall
42.5"
Extreme Heat Days
13
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,798
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Minnehaha County
Climate Verdict
Minnehaha County has a cool, averaging 46.3°F annually, moderate rainfall of 28.5 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 12.75 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 42.5 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 73.0°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
Minnehaha County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 5.7 inches more precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Minnehaha County Weather
A Colder Climate Than the National Median
Minnehaha County maintains an annual average temperature of 46.3°F, falling significantly below the national median of roughly 54°F. The region operates within a humid continental climate, balancing cold winters with warm, humid summers.
Warmer and Wetter Than the State Average
The county's average temperature of 46.3°F sits slightly above the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. It also receives 28.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly 6 inches more than the statewide average of 22.7 inches.
The Regional Leader in Annual Precipitation
Compared to more arid western counties like Oglala Lakota, Minnehaha receives over 10 inches more precipitation annually. Its 28.5 inches of moisture makes it one of the wetter pockets in the eastern Dakotas.
Sweeping Temperature Shifts Across the Year
Residents face a stark contrast between a 16.6°F January and a 73.0°F July average. While the county sees 13 extreme heat days over 90°F, it must also manage a significant 42.5 inches of annual snowfall.
Preparing for Significant Winter Snowfall
Homeowners should invest in high-capacity snow removal equipment to handle the 42.5 inches of snow each year. Robust insulation is essential to maintain comfort during the winter months where temperatures average just 19.7°F.
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.