weatherbycounty

Oglala Lakota County Climate

Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

48.0°F

Annual Precip

18.3"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

41

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
0.4"
0.6"
1.1"
2.2"
2.9"
3.0"
2.1"
1.8"
1.5"
1.5"
0.7"
0.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,754

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/16
First fall frost (32°F): 10/04

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring37°56°6.2"Summer66°74°6.9"Fall35°63°3.7"Winter25°27°1.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 23% of US counties
Wetter than 12% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 80% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Oglala Lakota County

Climate Verdict

Oglala Lakota County has a cool, averaging 48.0°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 18.3 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 41.125 per year above 90°F. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 24.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.0°F. The 49°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Oglala Lakota County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Oglala Lakota County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F, it is somewhat drier than average for South Dakota, the county experiences 17.59530341880342 more extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Oglala Lakota County Weather

A Semi-Arid and Dynamic Climate

Oglala Lakota County reports an annual average temperature of 48.0°F, which is closer to the national median than many of its neighbors. This region is characterized by high temperature variability and lower annual moisture.

One of South Dakota's Warmer Counties

Averaging 48.0°F, this county stays warmer than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. However, it is much drier than the rest of the state, receiving only 18.3 inches of precipitation compared to the 22.7-inch average.

Drier and Hotter Than Eastern Neighbors

The county receives about 10 inches less precipitation than Moody or Minnehaha. It also experiences 41 extreme heat days, a massive jump from the single digits found in the eastern part of the state.

Extreme Heat and Mild Winters

While snowfall data remains unavailable for this specific area, the heat is the primary seasonal story with 41 days hitting 90°F or higher. July averages are a warm 74.0°F, and even January stays relatively mild at 24.6°F.

Prioritizing Summer Cooling and Hydration

With 41 days of extreme heat, a high-efficiency air conditioning system is vital for safety and comfort. Residents should also plan for dry conditions, as the 18.3 inches of annual rainfall requires water-conscious landscaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Oglala Lakota County?
The average annual temperature in Oglala Lakota County, SD is 48.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Oglala Lakota County get?
Oglala Lakota County receives an average of 18.3 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Oglala Lakota County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Oglala Lakota County is 70.9°F. The county experiences an average of 41 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Oglala Lakota County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Oglala Lakota County is 26.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 24.6°F.

Track your own weather in Oglala Lakota County

Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.

Shop Weather Stations →

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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
← Back to South Dakota