Weather overview
Кистон sits in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where the climate shifts dramatically between seasons. Winters here are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summers bring warm, pleasant days ideal for exploring the outdoors. The transition months—spring and fall—offer mild but unpredictable weather, making layers a smart choice.
From November to March, Кистон experiences its coldest period, with occasional snowfall adding to the scenic landscape. By May, the weather warms up noticeably, and June through August sees the most comfortable conditions for hiking and sightseeing. September and October bring cooler air and vibrant foliage, a quieter time to visit before winter sets in again.
Temperature
Winters in Кистон are chilly, with average highs in January reaching just 2.6 °C and lows plunging to -10.3 °C. By March, temperatures begin to rise, though nights can still dip below freezing. The real warmth arrives in June, when daytime highs average 27.3 °C, making it one of the most popular months for outdoor activities.
July is the warmest month in Кистон, with average highs of 31.1 °C, though evenings cool down to around 14.8 °C. By September, the heat starts to fade, with temperatures settling into a comfortable 17.4 °C on average. October brings a sharper drop, and by November, Кистон is back to near-freezing conditions, with highs around 10.3 °C.
The temperature swings between seasons are significant, so visitors should prepare for anything from summer heat to winter cold. Even in April and May, mornings can be crisp, with lows around -1.2 °C and 5.2 °C respectively, while afternoons warm up to 14 °C and 19.7 °C.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10.3 | 2.6 |
| February | -11.7 | 2.2 |
| March | -5.2 | 9.2 |
| April | -1.2 | 14 |
| May | 5.2 | 19.7 |
| June | 11.3 | 27.3 |
| July | 14.8 | 31.1 |
| August | 13.1 | 29.9 |
| September | 9 | 25.8 |
| October | 0.5 | 16.5 |
| November | -5.1 | 10.3 |
| December | -9.6 | 3.9 |
Precipitation
Кистон sees most of its rainfall during the late spring and summer months. May is the wettest, with an average of 80.5 mm of precipitation, followed by June and July, which receive 66.1 mm and 77.3 mm respectively. These months can bring occasional thunderstorms, though they’re usually short-lived.
Winters are much drier, with January and February averaging just 9.3 mm and 16.7 mm of precipitation, often in the form of snow. March and April see a gradual increase, but it’s not until May that rainfall becomes more frequent. By September, precipitation drops again, and the dry season returns in November and December, with totals around 9.1 mm and 13.5 mm.
If you’re planning outdoor activities in Кистон, June through August are the months to watch for rain, while December through February are the driest. Even in the wetter months, sunny spells are common, so a light rain jacket is usually enough to stay comfortable.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 9.3 |
| February | 16.7 |
| March | 21.1 |
| April | 45.8 |
| May | 80.5 |
| June | 66.1 |
| July | 77.3 |
| August | 45 |
| September | 31 |
| October | 29.8 |
| November | 9.1 |
| December | 13.5 |
What to pack
For a winter trip to Кистон, pack warm layers, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Temperatures in December through February can drop below -10 °C, so thermal wear is essential if you plan to spend time outside. Waterproof boots are also a good idea, as snow and slush can linger on the ground.
In spring and fall, layers are key. Mornings in April can be chilly, with lows around -1.2 °C, while afternoons warm up to 14 °C. A mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a windbreaker will cover most conditions. By May, temperatures become more moderate, but evenings can still be cool, so a light jacket is useful.
Summer in Кистон calls for lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to shield against the sun. Daytime highs in July average 31.1 °C, so breathable fabrics are ideal. However, evenings cool down to around 14.8 °C, so a light sweater or long sleeves might be needed. If you’re visiting in June or August, a compact umbrella or rain jacket can come in handy for occasional showers.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 4.3 |
| February | 4.3 |
| March | 5 |
| April | 5.8 |
| May | 4.8 |
| June | 4.4 |
| July | 4 |
| August | 3.9 |
| September | 4.3 |
| October | 4.8 |
| November | 4.4 |
| December | 4.7 |