Weather in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Roses Bloom Along the Shelter Rows. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast13%83°49°
- SundayMay 17Showers44%76°55°
- MondayMay 18Drizzle70%60°46°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle70%52°41°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—64°37°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle—65°46°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle26%64°53°
- PM 2.5
- 6.1 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.5 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 2.0 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 95.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:02 AM
- Moonset
- 2:21 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses Bloom Along the Shelter Rows
Sioux Falls at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 70°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: May 7 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 17, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July ranks as Sioux Falls's warmest month with mean temperatures around 74°F, while January stands as the coldest at roughly 16°F. June brings peak rainfall at 4.6 inches, contrasting sharply with January's modest 0.7 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16° | 0.7″ | 2 |
| February | 21° | 0.8″ | 3 |
| March | 33° | 1.5″ | 5 |
| April | 46° | 3.0″ | 10 |
| May | 59° | 3.7″ | 12 |
| June | 70° | 4.6″ | 15 |
| July | 74° | 3.3″ | 11 |
| August | 72° | 3.3″ | 11 |
| September | 63° | 3.0″ | 10 |
| October | 49° | 2.3″ | 8 |
| November | 34° | 1.2″ | 4 |
| December | 22° | 0.8″ | 3 |
Regional context
The city falls within the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges and seasonal rhythms with other nearby cities that experience similar growing conditions.
Similar climates: Rapid City, SD, Aberdeen, SD, Brookings, SD, Watertown, SD, Mitchell, SD.
Naturalist notes
American robins typically return to Sioux Falls in early April, their cheerful songs marking one of spring's most reliable arrivals.
Wild plum trees usually bloom in late April across the region, their white flowers appearing before the leaves fully emerge.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Sioux Falls?
- Spring's final frost in Sioux Falls typically occurs around mid-May, while the first fall frost generally arrives near mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Sioux Falls?
- June stands as the wettest month, delivering approximately 4.6 inches of rain, while the city's annual total reaches roughly 28 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Sioux Falls?
- July typically records the highest temperatures, with averages around 74°F.
- What is the coldest month in Sioux Falls?
- January brings the coldest conditions, averaging approximately 16°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Sioux Falls?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-May, while warm-season varieties such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Sioux Falls get?
- The city experiences about 94 rainy days annually on average.
- What hardiness zone is Sioux Falls?
- Sioux Falls's USDA hardiness zone reflects its lowest average winter temperatures; the USDA's online lookup tool can provide the current zone designation using the city ZIP code.
Climate
Sioux Falls, South Dakota experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 16°F, while July brings averages around 74°F, creating a 58°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 28 inches, distributed across roughly 94 rainy days throughout the year.
Location at 43.5°N latitude, along with proximity to large water bodies and elevation, determines the fundamental patterns here. These factors influence plant growth cycles, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.