Pennington County Climate
Pennington County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
44.9°F
Annual Precip
20.4"
Annual Snowfall
50.8"
Extreme Heat Days
18
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,054
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Pennington County
Climate Verdict
Pennington County has a cool, averaging 44.9°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 20.4 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 17.844444444444445 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 50.8 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 24.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.0°F. The 45°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Pennington 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 Pennington County Weather
High Elevation Continental Climate
Pennington County averages 44.9°F annually, sitting nearly 10 degrees below the national median. The local weather is shaped by the Black Hills, leading to significant seasonal variability.
Typical Temperatures With Higher Snowfall
The county's average temperature of 44.9°F aligns closely with the state average of 45.6°F. While its 20.4 inches of precipitation is slightly below the state norm, its 50.8 inches of snow is among the state's highest.
Leading the Region in Snow Accumulation
With 50.8 inches of annual snow, Pennington is significantly whiter in winter than Sanborn or Potter counties. It remains drier than the eastern counties, logging roughly 8 inches less rain than Minnehaha.
Significant Snow and Moderate Summers
Winter is intense with over 50 inches of snow and a 25.2°F average temperature. Summers are comfortable, with July averaging 69.0°F and only 18 days reaching above 90°F.
Gear Up for Serious Winter Snow
Residents must maintain reliable four-wheel-drive vehicles and professional-grade snow blowers for the 50.8-inch annual average. Layered clothing is essential for winter months that average around 25°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.