Year Round Weather in Rapid City, South Dakota

Spring (April – May)

Spring weather in Rapid City consists of mostly sunny days, but it can also be a rainy season. Temperatures range from the 40s to the 80s, and early spring flowers are out in full force. Evening temperatures can dip into the 30s and 40s, so bring a jacket for evening activities.

Summer (June – August)

Warm (sometimes hot) sunny days are normal for Rapid City in the summer. These are the warmest months of the year with temperatures around the 70s and 80s, but occasionally climbing into the 100s. Don’t worry, the low humidity and breezy Chinook winds make even the hottest days bearable. Rapid City summers are perfect for water recreation and camping, but bring a jacket, as evenings can be cool.

Fall (September – November)

Beautiful days with comfortable, warm weather through September and crisp cool nights into November make fall an excellent time to explore Rapid City and the Black Hills. Temperatures start to cool around Labor Day with highs averaging in the 60s and 70s during the day and dropping into the 40s in the evenings. 

Winter (December – March)

While temperatures may be wintry, cold spells usually alternate with milder weather. The average daytime temperature is in the mid 30s. However, Rapid City’s location at the foot of the Black Hills can be a benefit; occasionally an air inversion will trap warm air over the city, providing unseasonably warm temperatures. Snowfall doesn’t stick around long in the city and usually melts within a few days. The Northern Black Hills usually has an abundance of snow which provides excellent conditions for winter sports.