If you’re planning for St. Patrick’s Day in South Dakota, get ready for cool air, a chance of snow, and some wild temperature swings. Usually, you’ll see highs in the low 40s, lows in the mid-20s, and there’s a small but real chance of light snow or rain.
This mix makes it one of those early spring holidays where you never really know what to expect. Some years, the day feels like winter never left, with icy winds that sting your face. Other years, you might get lucky and catch a mild afternoon that teases spring.
Sioux Falls has seen record highs near 80 degrees and record lows below zero on March 17. That’s a pretty wild range—so unpredictable.
Maybe you’re heading to a parade, checking out the local pubs, or just driving between towns. Knowing the usual weather patterns helps you set your expectations.
You’ll notice how recent weather stacks up against the long-term averages, how things differ between east and west, and how the climate shapes South Dakota’s celebrations.
Typical Weather Conditions on St. Patrick’s Day in South Dakota
If you’re planning for St. Patrick’s Day in South Dakota, expect cool temperatures, a chance for some light precipitation, and maybe snow on the ground. Conditions change every year, but historical records give you a decent idea of what’s most likely.
Average High and Low Temperatures
On March 17, South Dakota usually stays chilly. In Sioux Falls, the long-term average high sits around 43°F, while the average low drops near 24°F.
You might get anything from a warm spell to a deep freeze. Some years have hit record highs near 80°F; others have dropped below 0°F. The coldest high ever was just 13°F.
These swings make it tough to know what to wear. Layers are your best bet. Mornings often start cold, then warm up a bit in the afternoon.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
You won’t always get precipitation on St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s fairly common. In Sioux Falls, about 41% of past March 17s brought some kind of precipitation.
Average rainfall or melted precipitation is only 0.05 inches, so most years stay pretty dry.
Snow can fall, with an average of 0.4 inches on this date. About one in four years sees measurable snow. The record was nearly 8 inches back in 1951.
Some years, you’ll see bare ground. Other years, you might trudge through several inches of snow. Rural and northern areas hang onto snow longer than the south.
Wind Speeds and Conditions
Winds in South Dakota during mid-March tend to feel brisk. You’ll usually get average speeds from 10 to 20 mph, but gusts can shoot higher, especially on the open plains.
These winds really add to the chill, especially when it’s hovering around freezing. A 15 mph wind at 30°F? That feels more like the low 20s.
On milder years, breezes help dry up the damp ground and make outdoor events a bit nicer. Still, you should count on at least some wind if you’re planning parades, festivals, or travel on St. Patrick’s Day.
Recent St. Patrick’s Day Weather Trends
If you look at recent St. Patrick’s Days in South Dakota, you’ll spot a huge range of conditions. Some years surprised everyone with warm, snow-free days. Others stuck with cold, windy weather and maybe a little rain or snow. The weather can flip fast from one year to the next.
Notable Weather Events in the Past Decade
In 2012, a lot of South Dakota towns shattered records for warmth on St. Patrick’s Day. Highs hit the upper 70s to low 80s in places like Pierre and Watertown, which is just wild for mid-March.
Then, in 2013, the holiday felt much colder. Aberdeen and Watertown only made it to the 30s, with lows in the single digits. Light snow and strong winds made it feel even worse.
Jump to 2015, and you got mild, seasonal weather. Highs ranged from the low 40s to mid-50s in eastern and central South Dakota. Most places saw sunny skies and no measurable snow.
It’s clear the holiday can swing from springlike warmth to wintry chill in just a few years.
Year-to-Year Variability
St. Patrick’s Day in South Dakota really does vary a lot. Sometimes you get calm, dry weather. Other times, rain or snow shows up. That makes it tough to plan outdoor events without keeping an eye on the forecast.
For example:
- 2011: Partly sunny, light rain, highs in the 40s and 50s.
- 2013: Overcast, windy, snowy, with highs only in the 30s.
- 2014: Mostly sunny, highs in the 50s.
- 2015: Seasonal and dry, highs in the 40s and 50s.
Mid-March really sits on the line between winter and spring. You might need a winter coat one year, and just a light jacket the next.
Comparison to Historical Averages
When you compare recent years to the long-term averages, you’ll notice the swings are sometimes even bigger than usual. Normal highs most places come in the upper 30s to mid-40s, with lows in the upper teens to mid-20s. Precipitation averages are low, usually less than 0.05 inches, and snowfall averages less than half an inch.
In 2012, highs soared 30 degrees above normal. In 2013, temperatures dropped well below average. Those are some sharp differences from the usual pattern.
Snowfall jumps around, too. Some years, there’s no snow at all. Other years, you’ll see measurable amounts, like over an inch in Watertown in 2013. The long-term average says light snow is possible, but what actually happens depends on the year.
If you’re planning, just remember: most St. Patrick’s Days stay cool and dry, but you can still get a sudden warm-up or late-season snowstorm.
Regional Differences Across South Dakota
St. Patrick’s Day weather isn’t the same everywhere in South Dakota. Temperature, wind, and precipitation can all change depending on where you are. City or countryside, east or west, your experience will be different.
Eastern vs. Western South Dakota
In eastern South Dakota—think Sioux Falls or Aberdeen—you’ll usually get colder mornings and more frequent snow in mid-March. Average highs reach the low to mid-40s °F. Lows often dip into the 20s °F. Snow keeps showing up, with 2–3 inches possible for the month.
Western South Dakota, especially near Rapid City and the Black Hills, tends to be a touch warmer but less predictable. Highs can climb into the upper 40s °F. Snow chances stick around, but amounts are usually lower than in the east. Elevation matters—a place like Rapid City might get milder afternoons, but the Black Hills can hang onto winter longer.
Wind is a big deal. Eastern areas average 12–13 mph winds in March. Western areas are closer to 9–10 mph. That makes the east feel colder, especially when there’s still snow on the ground.
Urban vs. Rural Areas
Bigger cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City have more pavement and buildings, which can make them a little warmer. Snow melts faster in town, and streets clear up sooner after storms. That makes travel and outdoor stuff a bit easier than out in the countryside.
Rural areas, especially in the northern and central plains, often stay chillier. Open fields hold onto snow longer, and winds whip through without much to block them. That means you’ll see drifting snow and icy rural roads, even if city streets look fine.
If you’re driving between towns, brace yourself for more challenging conditions in rural stretches. Blowing snow can drop visibility fast, and it’ll feel colder than in nearby cities.
Impact of Weather on St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Weather in mid-March really shapes how folks celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in South Dakota. Cold mornings, gusty winds, and the chance for snow or rain can mess with outdoor plans and travel.
Outdoor Events and Parades
If you’re heading to a parade, be ready for anything. Average highs hit the 40s, but wind chills can make it feel colder. Some years, you’ll get mild sun. Others, you might be dodging snow flurries or slipping on icy sidewalks.
Cold and wet weather often means fewer outdoor vendors, shorter parade routes, or smaller crowds. But a mild day in the 50s? That brings out more people and longer events.
A few tips make the day better:
- Dress in layers so you can peel off or add as needed.
- Wear waterproof boots if there’s snow or slush.
- Bring gloves and hats because those winds can bite.
Local organizers roll with it. In snowy years, they usually clear main streets but might leave side areas icy. Dry weather brings more street performers and family activities.
Travel and Safety Considerations
Traveling across South Dakota on St. Patrick’s Day depends a lot on the weather. Snow in mid-March isn’t rare, and even a little can make roads slick.
Wind can be a problem, too. Strong gusts blow snow across open fields, cutting visibility. That’s tough for drivers, especially in the west and central parts of the state.
If you’re driving to a celebration, check forecasts and road reports before you go. South Dakota 511 services give real-time updates on closures and icy spots.
Air travel sometimes gets delayed by late winter storms. Booking flexible tickets and giving yourself extra time helps if things change.
For safety, toss an emergency kit in your car with blankets, water, and a phone charger. Even short trips can turn tricky if March weather goes south.
Weather Comparisons With Surrounding Areas
March weather in South Dakota bounces between late-winter cold and early-spring warmth. Neighboring places like northeast Iowa get some of the same, but there are differences in temperature, precipitation, and snowfall that can change your plans.
South Dakota vs. Northeast Iowa
In mid-March, South Dakota usually sees highs in the low 40s up north and upper 40s down south. Lows often fall into the 20s. Northeast Iowa is a bit milder, with highs closer to the upper 40s and lows in the upper 20s or low 30s.
Snow is a big difference. South Dakota often gets measurable snow in March—about 2–3 inches, depending on where you are. Northeast Iowa can still get snow, but usually less, and rain is more common as March goes on.
Winds are stronger in South Dakota. Open plains bring average winds of 11–13 mph in March. Northeast Iowa’s rolling hills slow things down a bit, so it doesn’t feel as harsh even when temps are close.
Climate Similarities and Differences
Both regions flip between warm afternoons and cold, snowy or rainy days. That transitional vibe is just part of life in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
Moisture is different, though. Northeast Iowa usually gets more rain in March—often over 2 inches. South Dakota averages closer to 1 inch in the east, and even less in the west. Iowa feels wetter, while South Dakota stays drier but snowier.
Daylight is about the same in both places—roughly 12 hours by mid-March. Clearer skies show up a bit more in South Dakota, especially west of the Missouri River. That means sunnier days, even if it’s colder than Iowa.
Tips for Preparing for St. Patrick’s Day Weather
South Dakota’s weather around St. Patrick’s Day can change in a heartbeat. One minute it feels like spring, and the next, winter’s back with a chill.
You’ll want to get ready for some wild temperature swings. There’s always a chance of snow or rain, and the wind can make it feel colder than you’d expect.
Clothing and Gear Recommendations
Dress in layers. March 17 might start off below freezing, but by afternoon, it could climb into the 40s or even 50s.
Go for a base layer that wicks away sweat, add something warm in the middle, and top it off with a windproof shell.
Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and scarf. Even if the morning feels mild, those plains winds can cut right through you during outdoor events.
Waterproof boots come in handy, too. Snow and slush might still show up, and the ground’s usually wet after that early spring melt.
If you’re heading out to a parade or some outdoor gathering, toss a compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket into your bag. Showers and flurries can pop up, even if they don’t last long.
Planning to stay outside for a while? Hand warmers or a thermos of something hot can make a big difference.
A small daypack lets you carry extra layers, snacks, and water. Since the weather can flip in just a few hours, having backup stuff with you is just smart.
Planning for Weather Variability
St. Patrick’s Day in South Dakota can feel unpredictable. Some years, temperatures climb into the 70s, while other times, you might shiver through single-digit lows.
You really need to plan for a wide range of conditions instead of expecting typical spring weather.
If you’re traveling between towns, check the local forecasts. The weather in Aberdeen, Pierre, or Watertown might surprise you, since it often changes from place to place.
Snow doesn’t fall often, but it does happen. Be ready for slick roads or sudden drops in visibility if you’re driving.
For outdoor events, try to keep your schedule flexible. You might have to move inside if the wind picks up or rain shows up out of nowhere.
Most parades and community activities go on unless the weather turns truly nasty, so it’s usually smarter to dress for comfort than to count on things getting canceled.
If you’re hosting a gathering, think about setting up both indoor and outdoor options. That way, you can switch things up easily if it gets cold or starts to rain.
Having a backup plan makes it a lot easier to enjoy the holiday, whatever the weather decides to do.