Thanksgiving in South Dakota usually means crisp air, chilly mornings, and a chance of snow. Most years, daytime highs hover around 40°F, and lows drop into the 20s, with snow becoming more likely in the Black Hills and the west.
Some years stay mild and dry, but others bring wintry weather that can mess with travel or outdoor plans. The weather here loves to keep you guessing.
You can really feel the shift from fall to winter in late November. Eastern South Dakota usually stays a bit drier, while the western hills get more snow.
Record highs have soared into the 60s and 70s, but record lows have plunged far below zero. The range is pretty wild.
If you know these patterns, you can plan better for travel and holiday traditions. Whether you’re crossing the plains, hanging out in the hills, or just staying cozy at home, it helps to get a sense of the typical Thanksgiving weather in South Dakota.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in South Dakota
Thanksgiving weather in South Dakota feels cold and dry most years, though the temperatures can swing a lot depending on where you are. Expect chilly mornings, cool afternoons, and maybe light snow, but heavy storms don’t show up that often.
Average Temperatures and Climate
By late November, winter-like conditions have settled in. In eastern cities like Sioux Falls, the average high is about 37°F, and lows drop near 19°F.
Central and western spots, like Pierre and Rapid City, tend to be a little milder during the day but still dip below freezing at night.
Daytime highs usually land somewhere in the low 30s to low 40s, while overnight lows often sit in the teens or 20s. So, you should definitely plan for cold mornings and brisk evenings, even if the afternoon doesn’t feel too bad.
Wind makes a difference. Gusts sweep across the open plains and can push wind chills into the single digits.
Dressing in layers is your best bet if you’re traveling or spending much time outside.
Precipitation and Snowfall Trends
Thanksgiving usually comes with pretty light moisture. Sioux Falls averages just 0.03 inches of precipitation and about 0.2 inches of snow on the holiday.
A lot of Thanksgivings pass with barely any rain or snow at all.
Still, about 4 out of 10 years bring some kind of precipitation, and about 1 in 3 years see at least a trace of snow. Sometimes it’s just a quick flurry or a dusting that melts off by afternoon.
Western South Dakota, especially near the Black Hills, gets a better shot at snow. Elevation really matters—Rapid City and the nearby hills see more snow than the eastern plains.
Historical Weather Extremes
Averages help, but Thanksgiving weather in South Dakota can swing hard. Sioux Falls hit a record 67°F in 1914, but the coldest high was just 3°F in 1985.
Record lows have dropped below zero, like -9°F in 1905. Big snow isn’t common, but 5 inches fell in 1940, so it can happen.
Oddly warm weather pops up too, with overnight lows near 40°F in a few years. The swings keep you on your toes, so it’s smart to check the forecast before you travel.
Regional Weather Variations Across South Dakota
Thanksgiving weather in South Dakota changes a lot depending on where you are. The eastern plains, western prairies, and Black Hills all bring their own mix of conditions that affect travel, outdoor plans, and your odds of seeing snow.
Eastern South Dakota Conditions
In eastern cities like Sioux Falls and Brookings, you usually get cold but not extreme November weather. Highs reach the upper 30s °F, and lows dip into the upper teens or low 20s °F.
Snow can happen, but not as much as in the west. Some years bring light flurries, but lots of Thanksgivings stay dry.
Winds blow briskly across the prairie, making it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Precipitation stays pretty light, but freezing drizzle can sometimes sneak in. Even with low snowfall, slick roads can be a problem.
If you’re driving, it’s smart to watch for icy patches, especially early or late in the day.
Western South Dakota Patterns
Western towns like Rapid City and Winner tend to run a bit warmer during the day but colder at night compared to the east. Highs often sit in the low 40s °F, while nighttime lows can drop into the teens.
The air is drier overall, so you see less precipitation. But when snow does fall, it can come fast and make highways tough to see.
Winds kick up stronger here, which leads to blowing snow even after the storm’s passed.
Travelers should remember that western weather can flip fast. A bright afternoon might suddenly turn into a windy, snowy evening if a cold front rolls in.
Black Hills Weather Differences
The Black Hills stand out because of their elevation. Towns like Lead, Custer, and Spearfish get colder temperatures and more snow than almost anywhere else in the state.
Average highs in late November stick in the 30s °F, and lows can fall into the single digits.
Snow is much more common here. Lead, for instance, has seen precipitation on over a third of past Thanksgivings, and measurable snow on many of those days.
Several inches on the ground isn’t rare.
If you’re heading to the Black Hills, expect variable mountain weather. Elevation changes everything. Shaded roads stay icy longer, and conditions can shift in a hurry.
You’ll want winter driving gear and to give yourself extra time for travel in this region.
November Weather Patterns Leading Up to Thanksgiving
November in South Dakota brings noticeable changes in temperature, moisture, and wind. You’ll feel the steady move from crisp fall days toward early winter conditions.
Temperature Trends in November
Temperatures drop quickly once November kicks in. Average highs start near 44°F, and lows fall close to 22°F.
Early in the month, you might still catch a mild afternoon, but mornings and evenings are usually cold.
By mid-November, the chill gets more consistent. Frost shows up on the ground, and the first snow cover can appear, especially up north and out west.
The eastern plains cool off a bit slower, but wind chills can make it feel even colder. If you’re planning outdoor stuff, dress in layers—daytime warmth fades fast after sunset.
Pre-Thanksgiving Precipitation
Moisture in November stays pretty light, with less than an inch of average precipitation across most of South Dakota.
As the month goes on, snow starts to replace rain. The Black Hills and western areas usually see higher totals, while the central plains stay drier.
Storms don’t show up as often as in spring, but when they do, they can cause problems. Some past Thanksgiving weeks have seen heavy snow, especially up northeast.
Duluth, Minnesota, just over the border, once got over 20 inches in one wild event.
Light snow or freezing drizzle before Thanksgiving isn’t unusual, especially if you’re traveling on highways. Even a little ice or snow can slow you down, so it pays to keep an eye on the forecast.
Transition from Fall to Winter
November marks the real shift from fall colors to winter landscapes in South Dakota. Trees lose their leaves early, and fields start looking bare.
This change often lines up with the first lasting snow cover in some areas.
Winds pick up, too. Cold fronts sweep across the plains, dropping temperatures 20 degrees in a single day sometimes.
These swings make the weather feel more unsettled than October.
By Thanksgiving, you’re usually dealing with winter-like conditions. Some years stay mild, but more often you’ll face frosty mornings, short days, and maybe snow-covered roads.
Travel and Outdoor Planning for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in South Dakota usually brings cold air, a shot at snow, and up-and-down travel conditions. You’ll want to prep for both road safety and outdoor comfort as you make plans.
Weather-Related Travel Considerations
Thanksgiving week is always busy for travel, and the weather can throw a wrench in your schedule fast. Highs usually sit in the 30s to low 40s, and lows often land in the teens or 20s.
Snow or light freezing rain sometimes shows up, and even a little can make roads slick.
Pay close attention to the I-29 and I-90 corridors. Wind and drifting snow can really cut down visibility.
Breezy conditions are common, and gusts make driving harder, especially for trucks or vans.
If you’re driving far, pack a winter travel kit. Bring blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and a phone charger.
Check the forecast before you leave, and give yourself extra time if you run into icy stretches or slow traffic.
Flying? Delays happen. Even if Sioux Falls or Rapid City skies look good, connecting airports in the Midwest might be snowed in.
Early flights usually have fewer cancellations.
Outdoor Activities and Safety
Outdoor gatherings like turkey trots, hunting trips, or family walks are pretty popular at Thanksgiving. With highs near 37°F and lows around 19°F, you’ll want to dress in layers to stay warm.
Wind chill can make it feel colder, especially in open spots.
If you’re hunting, snow cover can vary. A little snow helps with tracking, but deep snow makes walking tough.
Wear waterproof boots and bring extra gloves to avoid frostbite.
For family activities, keep outings short when it’s really cold. Kids and older folks feel the cold more, so plan some indoor options if the weather turns wet or icy.
Even a simple football game in the yard can get risky if the ground’s slick. Clear ice patches and watch for uneven snow to help prevent falls.
Long-Term Climate Data and Trends
Thanksgiving weather in South Dakota swings between mild autumn days and early winter cold snaps. Records show big swings in temperature and precipitation, shaped by both natural year-to-year changes and long-term warming trends.
Year-to-Year Variability
Thanksgiving weather in South Dakota jumps all over the place from year to year. In Sioux Falls, past holidays have seen highs in the 60s, but some years barely hit single digits, with lows below zero.
Snowfall’s just as unpredictable. Some years bring only a trace, while others pile up several inches. The biggest Thanksgiving snow in Sioux Falls hit 5 inches back in 1940.
Plenty of years have no measurable snow at all.
Precipitation patterns bounce around, too. About 40% of Thanksgivings in Sioux Falls bring some rain or snow, but most events are light.
This means you might face dry skies one year and slick roads the next.
These swings happen because South Dakota sits right where cold Arctic air and warmer southern air often clash. So, if you’re traveling or heading outside, it’s smart to be ready for just about anything.
Impact of Climate Change
South Dakota’s climate records point to a definite warming trend since the early 1900s. Average statewide temperatures have gone up by almost 2°F, and warmer autumns seem more common now.
Thanksgiving weather feels different these days compared to decades ago. Warmer air tends to hold more moisture, so precipitation patterns have shifted.
While it’s still possible to get snow on Thanksgiving, you’ll probably see rain or a messy mix more often in late November than you would’ve in the past.
Regional studies highlight that extreme cold snaps don’t show up as much, but those weirdly warm late-fall days? They pop up more often. Overnight lows in the 30s to 40s near Thanksgiving now happen more frequently than they used to.
These changes actually matter for travel and outdoor plans. Some years, roads get less icy, but heavy, wet snow or freezing rain can still mess up your schedule.
Expect more variability overall. Fewer bone-chilling Thanksgivings, but more surprises when it comes to what’s falling from the sky.
What to Expect This Thanksgiving
You’ll probably deal with chilly weather across South Dakota during Thanksgiving. Temperatures usually hover near or just below freezing.
Snow and wind aren’t rare, and even a bit of precipitation can make travel tricky, especially on busy roads like I‑90.
Forecast Insights for This Year
This time of year, South Dakota usually sees highs in the 30s to low 40s and lows in the teens or 20s. Sioux Falls, for example, often averages about 37°F during the day and 19°F at night.
Some years stay dry, but almost half of past Thanksgivings have had some kind of precipitation.
Snow chances depend on where you are. The eastern part of the state, including Sioux Falls, tends to get light snow or flurries.
Western spots near the Black Hills, like Rapid City, can pick up more snow, especially when storms roll in from the Rockies.
Travelers should plan for breezy conditions too. Winds make it feel colder and can cut visibility if snow starts falling.
Even a small weather system can make roads slick, so it’s smart to give yourself extra time if you’re driving.
Tips for Preparing for the Weather
Pack for cold weather, even if the forecast seems mild. You’ll want a warm coat, gloves, and a hat just in case temps drop more than you expect.
Dress in layers. That way, you can swap things out as the weather shifts throughout the day.
If you’re hitting the road, check out the latest road reports before you leave. Toss an emergency kit in your car—blankets, a flashlight, bottled water, that kind of stuff.
This matters even more if you’re driving long stretches of I‑90 or heading out on those quiet rural highways.
Flying? Give yourself some extra time at the airport. Delays pop up fast when storms roll through South Dakota or connecting cities.
Snow and wind can mess with flights in a hurry. Planning ahead might just save your Thanksgiving plans from going sideways.