January Weather in Rapid City, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

January in Rapid City, United States, presents a stark contrast in temperatures, with a maximum of 16°C (61°F) and a chilling minimum plunging to -26°C (-14°F). The average temperature hovers around -3°C (27°F), creating a cold yet dynamic winter environment. Throughout the month, residents experience light precipitation, totaling 14 mm (0.5 in) over just 4 days, while humidity levels remain relatively high at 73%. This combination of factors makes January a month of both frigid beauty and occasional winter storms, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to embrace the season's challenges.

January Temperature in Rapid City

In Rapid City, January sets the stage for a true winter wonderland, with temperatures often plunging to a brisk minimum of -26°C (-14°F). The month features an average temperature hovering around -3°C (27°F), providing a stark contrast to the maximums that can reach a mild 16°C (61°F). This chilly spell is a part of a broader trend in early winter, where temperatures remain consistently low, occasionally dipping further into February's grasp with even colder records. As citizens bundle up against the frosty air, they know that despite these extreme lows, moments of warmth can break through, reminding them of the season’s delightful unpredictability. Transitioning towards spring, subsequent months gradually warm up, but January remains a vivid reminder of Rapid City’s fierce winter essence.

January Weather in Rapid City: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Rapid City, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec272235415266726961443729
Data source: Temperature data for Rapid City generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Rapid City

January in Rapid City ushers in a relatively dry month, with only 14 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation spread over just 4 days. This marks the lowest rainfall compared to other months, setting the stage for a gradual increase as winter gives way to spring. February witnesses a slight uptick to 27 mm (1.1 in), with more rainy days, foreshadowing the wetter pattern that peaks in May with 112 mm (4.4 in), where precipitation reaches its climax. Throughout the year, it's evident that Rapid City shifts from sparse winter showers to more frequent and intense rains, underscoring a clear trend of increasing precipitation as the months progress, particularly from March to May.

January Precipitation Trends in Rapid City

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Rapid City, with values for each month alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1427447311272965743521728
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Rapid City

In Rapid City, January is marked by a relatively high humidity level of 73%, setting the stage for the wetter months ahead. As the year progresses into February, humidity climbs to 78%, signaling the peak of winter moisture before it begins to ebb in March to 64%. Spring brings a slight uptick to 66% in April, followed by May's 74%, as the atmosphere prepares for the summer swell. With the approach of summer, humidity sharply rises, peaking at 85% in both July and August. The trend then shifts toward a gradual decline, with September cooling down to 76%, before dipping again as autumn arrives, leaving us with 71% in October and hovering around 73% in November. By December, the humidity stabilizes at 75%, reflecting the cyclical nature of Rapid City's climate throughout the year. Overall, the data showcases a clear pattern of increasing humidity during the summer months, while winter remains consistently moist but not excessively so.

January Average Humidity in Rapid City

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Rapid City, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec73%78%64%66%74%84%85%85%76%71%73%75%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Rapid City

In January, Rapid City experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating that while sun exposure is manageable, it’s wise to be cautious, especially with a burn time of just 30 minutes. As the months progress, the UV Index steadily rises; February remains the same, but by March, it climbs to 6, transitioning into the high exposure category. The real jump occurs in April and May, where it hits 9, labeled as very high, reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The summer months bring the most intense sun, peaking at an extreme 11 in June and July, slashing burn time to a mere 10 minutes. Following this peak, the UV Index gradually decreases, yet remains significant in August at 10 before tapering off to a moderate 5 in October and 3 in November. As winter settles back in December, the UV Index lowers to 2, offering a reprieve with a burn time of 45 minutes. This seasonal ebb and flow emphasizes the importance of monitoring sun exposure throughout the year. For more details, visit Rapid City UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Rapid City for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Rapid City in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec356991111108532
Data source: Rapid City January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Rapid City

In Rapid City, January brings a modest 169 hours of sunshine, setting a tone of quiet introspection as winter lingers. However, as February arrives, the sun begins to shine brighter with 213 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. The trend continues into March, where residents can bask in 260 hours of sunlight, a welcome uplift as days grow longer. April and May further escalate this golden glow, reaching 283 and 300 hours respectively. The summer peaks in June and July, boasting 376 and 382 hours of sunshine, inviting outdoor adventures and vibrant community gatherings. Although August's 356 hours marks a slight retreat from the summer zenith, September still holds a respectable 288 hours. As the year cools, October, November, and December show a gradual decline in sunshine, with 247, 224, and 207 hours, respectively. Overall, while January may offer limited sunlight, the gradual increase builds an anticipation that culminates in the sun-drenched days of summer, reflecting the cyclical nature of the seasons in this beautiful region.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Rapid City: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Rapid City experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec169h213h260h283h300h376h382h356h288h247h224h207h
Data source: Rapid City January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Rapid City During January

In Rapid City, the likelihood of experiencing sunny weather in January stands at a promising 52%. This figure marks a slight decline from the previous month, February, which has a 46% chance of sun, yet it dips compared to March, where it rises to 56%. The trend suggests an overall pattern of fluctuating sunshine throughout the winter months, with January seeing a somewhat favorable chance amidst the cold. As the year progresses into the sunnier months, such as June at 67%, residents can look forward to a significant increase in sunny days. This seasonal variation showcases Rapid City's unique climate, balancing brisk winter days with the warmth of summer's embrace.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Rapid City

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Rapid City throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Rapid City experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec52%46%56%48%41%67%63%72%67%61%52%46%
Data source: Rapid City January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Rapid City in January

In January, Rapid City experiences 9 hours of daylight, marking the tail end of winter and the gradual return of sunlight. As February rolls in, day length increases to 10 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. By March, this upward trend continues, with daylight reaching 11 hours; the days are getting noticeably longer. As we transition into April and May, daylight extends further to 13 and 14 hours, respectively, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The peak comes in June and July when 15 hours of daylight bathes the city in sunlight, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities. However, as summer wanes into August and September, daylight drops to 13 and 12 hours, signaling the approach of fall. Finally, October sees another decline to 10 hours, before descending back to 9 in November and 8 by December, reminding residents that winter is just around the corner. This cyclical pattern highlights the natural rhythm of daylight that shapes the lives of Rapid City’s inhabitants, providing a clear seasonal progression throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Rapid City for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Rapid City throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 18m10h 28m11h 57m13h 29m14h 46m15h 25m15h 4m13h 54m12h 26m10h 56m9h 36m8h 55m
Data source: Rapid City daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Rapid City

In Rapid City, January ushers in an average wind speed of 4.0 m/s (9 mph), setting the brisk pace for the year. This consistent windiness matches the speed recorded in April, creating a dynamic start to the season. As the months progress into spring, February experiences a slight dip to 3.2 m/s (7 mph), but by March, the winds regain strength, reaching 3.7 m/s (8 mph). The coming months maintain a relatively stable wind pattern, oscillating between 3.2 m/s and 4.0 m/s, with July and August offering the calmest breezes. Interestingly, as the year transitions into autumn and winter, the wind speeds once again stabilize at 3.9 m/s (9 mph) in October, November, and December, illustrating a distinct seasonal rhythm in Rapid City’s climate. Overall, January not only marks a windy start but also suggests a charming consistency that continues throughout the year.

Average January Wind Speed in Rapid City

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Rapid City, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.0 m/s3.23.74.03.43.43.23.23.43.93.93.9
Data source: Rapid City January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Rapid City Compares to Other Months

The weather in Rapid City changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Rapid City and find detailed weather information for every month.

January and February present notable differences in weather conditions. January typically experiences milder temperatures, with an average of -3°C (27°F), while February sees slightly colder conditions with an average of -6°C (22°F). The minimum temperature in January is a somewhat milder -26°C (-14°F), compared to February's chilling low of -29°C (-19°F). Conversely, February boasts the warmest high of 21°C (69°F), surpassing January's maximum of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is more frequent in February, occurring over seven days and totaling 27 mm (1.1 in), whereas January has just four days of precipitation totaling 14 mm (0.5 in). Additionally, February's humidity is slightly higher at 78% compared to January's 73%. For more detailed insights about the weather in February, visit Rapid City weather in February.

In January, Rapid City experiences a biting winter chill with average temperatures hovering around -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of only 16°C (61°F). The month sees minimal precipitation, totaling just 14 mm (0.5 in) over 4 days, and the humidity remains high at 73%, contributing to the cold feel. In contrast, March brings a noticeable shift in the weather, with average temperatures rising to 2°C (36°F) and highs reaching up to 22°C (71°F). However, March is wetter, experiencing 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over 8 days, and the humidity decreases slightly to 64%. For a more detailed look at March weather, visit Rapid City weather in March.

The weather in January and April reveals significant variations in temperature and precipitation patterns. In January, temperatures are notably colder, with an average of -3°C (27°F) and a minimum dipping as low as -26°C (-14°F), while April brings a milder climate with average temperatures rising to 5°C (41°F) and a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F). Additionally, January experiences less precipitation, totaling 14 mm (0.5 in) over just 4 days, compared to April's notable increase with 73 mm (2.9 in) falling over 11 days. Humidity levels also differ slightly, with January at 73% compared to April's 66%. For a deeper dive into the specifics of April weather, check out Rapid City weather in April.

January and May showcase stark contrasts in weather. January experiences frigid temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), while May offers much milder conditions, where minimums reach just -4°C (24°F) and average temperatures climb to 11°C (53°F). Precipitation also varies greatly; January sees a modest 14 mm (0.5 in) over just 4 days, whereas May is considerably wetter, with 112 mm (4.4 in) spread across 17 days, indicating a much more dynamic weather pattern. Humidity levels remain relatively similar, with January at 73% and May slightly higher at 74%. For a deeper dive into the specifics of weather conditions during this vibrant month, check out Rapid City weather in May.

The weather in January presents a stark contrast to that of June, showcasing the dramatic seasonal changes. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -26°C (-14°F) with an average around -3°C (27°F), while June boasts a much warmer average of 19°C (67°F) and can reach highs of 36°C (97°F). Additionally, January experiences minimal precipitation, with only 14 mm (0.5 in) over 4 days, compared to June's significantly wetter climate, receiving 72 mm (2.8 in) over 13 days, along with higher humidity levels of 84%. This comparison highlights the transition from the frigid, dry winter to the warmer, more humid summer months. For more details, visit Rapid City weather in June.

In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with minimum lows plunging to -26°C (-14°F) and an average around -3°C (27°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. Precipitation is minimal, totaling only 14 mm (0.5 in) over about four days, and the humidity sits at a relatively moderate 73%. In stark contrast, July brings significantly warmer weather with a minimum temperature of 9°C (49°F) and an average temperature of 22°C (72°F), reaching highs of up to 38°C (100°F). This summer month sees far more precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over 16 days, alongside increased humidity at 85%. For a closer look at what to expect, check out Rapid City weather in July.

January and August present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation, averaging only 14 mm (0.5 in) over just 4 days, and a humidity level of 73%. Conversely, August brings a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (98°F) and an average of 20°C (69°F). This month experiences significantly more rainfall, with 57 mm (2.2 in) falling over 12 days, and humidity rising to 85%. For a more detailed look at August weather, you can visit Rapid City weather in August.

January and September present contrasting weather experiences. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -26°C (-14°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F), while the humidity sits at 73%. Precipitation is relatively low, with only 14 mm (0.5 in) spread over 4 days. In stark contrast, September offers milder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F), an average of 16°C (62°F), and highs soaring up to 37°C (100°F). Precipitation increases to 43 mm (1.7 in) and occurs over 7 days, with humidity slightly higher at 76%. For more detailed information on September weather, you can check out Rapid City weather in September.

January and October present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures typically range from a frigid minimum of -26°C (-14°F) to a more moderate maximum of 16°C (61°F), with an average temperature of -3°C (27°F). The month sees limited precipitation, averaging just 14 mm (0.5 in) over 4 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 73%. In contrast, October experiences a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -18°C (-1°F) to a warm maximum of 30°C (86°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). This month is also wetter, with precipitation totaling 52 mm (2.0 in) over 8 days and a slightly lower humidity of 71%. For those interested in exploring more about October weather, Rapid City weather in October provides further insights.

In January, the weather in Rapid City is significantly colder, with minimum temperatures dropping to -26°C (-14°F) and an average temperature of -3°C (27°F). In contrast, November experiences milder conditions, with lows of -19°C (-2°F) and an average temperature of 3°C (37°F). Both months have similar humidity levels at 73%, but November sees slightly more precipitation at 17 mm (0.7 in) over five days compared to January's 14 mm (0.5 in) across four days. For more detailed insights on November weather, check out Rapid City weather in November.

In comparing the weather of January and December, January generally exhibits slightly colder temperatures, with an average of -3°C (27°F) compared to December's -1°C (30°F). The minimum temperatures in both months remain frigid, reaching lows of -26°C (-14°F) in January and -23°C (-10°F) in December. Interestingly, while January sees less precipitation at 14 mm (0.5 in) over four days, December experiences more rain at 28 mm (1.1 in) across six days. Humidity levels remain similar, with January at 73% and December a bit higher at 75%. For a detailed overview of conditions during this month, consider checking Rapid City weather in December.

Compare Rapid City's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Rapid City

In January, Rapid City's weather takes a notable turn, showcasing a chill that sets it apart from the milder months of the year. With average temperatures hovering below freezing, the month is characterized by colder days, accentuated by occasional precipitation that rarely disrupts daily life. The increased humidity contributes to a frosty atmosphere, painting a wintry scene that captivates residents and visitors alike. While January may chill the bones, it offers a unique appeal for those who appreciate the beauty and tranquility of a snowy landscape. For a deeper understanding of how January fits into the larger climatic picture, check out Rapid City Climate.