Current Weather and Forecast in Rapid City, SD
South Dakota, United States 🇺🇸
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Explore Rapid City's typical temperatures and climate below - Live data returns shortly.
About the weather in Rapid City
Rapid City has a semi-arid climate. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 86°, and February the coldest, when nights fall to around 17°. May brings the most rain, on about 12 days, while July is the sunniest, with 13.5 hours of sunshine a day. Over a whole year it rains on roughly 81 days.
Rapid City climate guide: monthly averages, seasons and the best time to visit
Common questions
Is there snow in Rapid City?
Yes - about 22 days a year carry measurable snowfall, concentrated October through May.
When does it rain most in Rapid City?
May, at 3.4 inches (87 mm) over about 12 days. January is the driest month, at 12 mm (0.5 in).
How much sun does Rapid City get?
9.9 hours a day averaged over the year, peaking in July at 13.5 hours.
What is the hottest month in Rapid City?
July, averaging 86°F (30°C) by day and 63°F (17°C) overnight. The hottest single day in our 2015-2024 record for this location reached 105°F (41°C).
When is Rapid City at its coldest?
February, with highs of 37°F (3°C) and lows near 17°F (-8°C). The coldest day in the 2015-2024 record fell to -21°F (-30°C).
When should I visit Rapid City?
August to October and May to June is the sweet spot for Rapid City - temperatures sit either side of the peak heat rather than in it. Expect 73°F (23°C) in the afternoon and around 8 days of rain in a typical month of it. For the same question asked the other way round, see where else is warm in August.
How much do temperatures drop at night in Rapid City?
By about 11°C on an average day - a wider day-to-night gap than most of the 3496 cities we track. In July that means 86°F (30°C) down to 63°F (17°C).