Bismarck, ND Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Bismarck
Weather in Bismarck is shaped by its humid continental climate - expect warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. July afternoons typically reach 83°F (28°C), while January highs hover near 24°F (-5°C). Annual precipitation averages 19.1 inches (485 mm) over about 78 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 83°F (28°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 24°F (-5°C)
- Record high: 100°F (38°C) · Record low: -32°F (-36°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: June (8 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (13.5 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
- Snow: about 18 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 83°F (28°C) and overnight lows stay near 63°F (17°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 24°F (-5°C) and lows around 8°F (-14°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 100°F (38°C) and dropped as low as -32°F (-36°C).
Rain, sun and snow
June is usually the wettest month. It brings about 2.7 inches (70 mm) of rain over 8 days, while January is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 13.5 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 18 days in a typical year, mostly from October through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24° | 8° | 4 | 0.5 in | 5.9 h/day | 78% |
| February | 27° | 8° | 4 | 0.6 in | 7.8 h/day | 69% |
| March | 40° | 20° | 6 | 0.9 in | 8.9 h/day | 68% |
| April | 51° | 31° | 8 | 1.9 in | 9.3 h/day | 62% |
| May | 67° | 45° | 10 | 2.6 in | 11.4 h/day | 61% |
| June | 78° | 57° | 8 | 2.7 in | 13.1 h/day | 60% |
| July | 83° | 63° | 8 | 2.1 in | 13.5 h/day | 62% |
| August | 81° | 60° | 6 | 2.4 in | 11.8 h/day | 63% |
| September | 73° | 53° | 7 | 2.0 in | 9.9 h/day | 63% |
| October | 56° | 38° | 5 | 1.5 in | 8.0 h/day | 64% |
| November | 40° | 24° | 4 | 0.8 in | 6.5 h/day | 70% |
| December | 27° | 12° | 6 | 1.0 in | 5.6 h/day | 75% |
Bismarck month by month
Bismarck weather in January
January brings highs around 24°F (-5°C), lows near 8°F (-14°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Bismarck.
Bismarck weather in February
February brings highs around 27°F (-3°C), lows near 8°F (-13°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Bismarck weather in March
March brings highs around 40°F (4°C), lows near 20°F (-6°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Bismarck weather in April
April brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 31°F (-1°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Bismarck weather in May
May brings highs around 67°F (19°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 10 wet days.
Bismarck weather in June
June brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 8 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Bismarck.
Bismarck weather in July
July brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 8 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Bismarck.
Bismarck weather in August
August brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 6 wet days.
Bismarck weather in September
September brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 7 wet days.
Bismarck weather in October
October brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 38°F (3°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Bismarck weather in November
November brings highs around 40°F (5°C), lows near 24°F (-4°C), about 4 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Bismarck weather in December
December brings highs around 27°F (-3°C), lows near 12°F (-11°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Seasons in Bismarck
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Bismarck is brisk and cold, with daytime highs averaging 53°F (11°C) and nights around 32°F (0°C); expect showers on roughly 24 days across the season, plus around 5 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Bismarck is hot, with daytime highs averaging 81°F (27°C) and nights around 60°F (16°C); expect showers on roughly 23 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Bismarck is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 56°F (14°C) and nights around 39°F (4°C); rain falls on about 16 days over the three months, plus around 3 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Bismarck is bitterly cold, with daytime highs averaging 26°F (-3°C) and nights around 9°F (-13°C); rain falls on about 14 days over the three months, plus around 9 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Bismarck?
Is Bismarck hot in summer?
Is Bismarck cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Bismarck get in a year?
Best time to visit Bismarck
The best time to visit Bismarck is generally May to September, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 76°F (25°C).
Pack for Bismarck with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; rain gear if you travel around June. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 63°F (17°C).
Bismarck temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.