Stanley County Climate
Stanley County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.9°F
Annual Precip
18.3"
Annual Snowfall
31.3"
Extreme Heat Days
39
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,857
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Stanley County
Climate Verdict
Stanley County has a cool, averaging 46.9°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 18.3 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 38.86666666666667 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 31.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 19.2°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.8°F. Residents experience a substantial 56°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Stanley County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Stanley 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 15.336970085470089 more extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Stanley County Weather
Dry and Temperate Plains Weather
At 46.9°F annually, Stanley County is cooler than the national median but warmer than much of the northern Midwest. Its dry climate is defined by just 18.3 inches of annual precipitation.
One of South Dakota's Warmer Spots
Stanley County exceeds the state average temperature of 45.6°F, making it a relatively warm enclave in the region. However, it is much drier than the state average of 22.7 inches.
Arid Conditions Compared to Eastern Peers
Stanley receives about 10 inches less rain per year than Yankton County to the southeast. This aridity creates a starkly different landscape than the wetter eastern edge of the state.
Significant Heat and Moderate Snowfall
Summers are intense with 39 days reaching over 90°F, driven by a July average of 74.8°F. Winter brings 31.3 inches of snow, which is lower than many of its central South Dakota neighbors.
Manage the Summer Heat Spike
Residents should prioritize powerful air conditioning systems to handle the frequent 90-degree days. Water-conscious landscaping is a necessity given the low 18.3-inch annual rainfall.
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.