USD Weather

Weather and Climate at USD

The University of South Dakota experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The campus, located in Vermillion, sees:

• Winter: Temperatures often drop below freezing, with average lows around 10°F (-12°C) and highs around 30°F (-1°C). Snowfall is common, averaging 30 inches annually.
• Summer: Warm with average highs around 85°F (29°C) and lows around 60°F (16°C). Humidity can be high, leading to occasional thunderstorms.
• Spring and Fall: These seasons are transitional, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C) in spring and 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) in fall.
• Extreme Weather: The region can experience severe weather, including blizzards in winter and tornadoes in summer.

The weather impacts USD campus life by necessitating winter gear for commuting and affecting outdoor activities and research, especially during extreme conditions.