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Sully County Climate

Sully County, South Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.0°F

Annual Precip

21.1"

Annual Snowfall

48.8"

Extreme Heat Days

30

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.8"
1.0"
2.0"
3.2"
3.6"
2.5"
2.5"
1.8"
1.9"
0.7"
0.6"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,802

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/08
First fall frost (32°F): 10/02

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring33°57°6.1"Summer68°74°8.7"Fall33°63°4.4"Winter17°21°1.9"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 16% of US counties
Wetter than 16% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 96% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Sully County

Climate Verdict

Sully County has a cool, averaging 46.0°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 21.1 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 30.2 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 48.8 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 16.9°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.4°F. Residents experience a substantial 58°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Sully County closely matches the South Dakota statewide average temperature of 45.6°F.

Climate Profile

About Sully County Weather

Typical Interior Plains Temperature Trends

Sully County averages 46.0°F per year, trailing the national median temperature. This highlights a climate of extremes typical of the North American interior.

Matching the South Dakota Baseline

The county's 46.0°F average nearly matches the state average of 45.6°F. Its 21.1 inches of precipitation also aligns closely with the state's overall average of 22.7 inches.

Heavy Snow Compared to Neighbors

Sully faces a significant 48.8 inches of snow annually, far outstripping the 31.3 inches seen in neighboring Stanley County. This makes it one of the snowier regions in central South Dakota.

Cold Winters and Frequent Heat

January temperatures average a cold 16.9°F, but summers heat up quickly with 30 days per year over 90°F. The seasonal swing is dramatic, moving from a 19.5°F winter to a 71.3°F summer average.

Equip for Serious Snow Removal

Homeowners need heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage nearly 50 inches of annual accumulation. HVAC systems must be robust enough to bridge the wide gap between deep freezes and summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Sully County?
The average annual temperature in Sully County, SD is 46.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Sully County get?
Sully County receives an average of 21.1 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Sully County?
Yes, Sully County receives an average of 48.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Sully County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Sully County is 71.3°F. The county experiences an average of 30 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Sully County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Sully County is 19.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 16.9°F.

Track your own weather in Sully County

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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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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