Weather & Climate in Aberdeen, SD
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Aberdeen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24 / among the cleanest air in the country. 86% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,299 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,299 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 16.6 sq mi (43.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,708/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4647°N, 98.4681°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 24.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 85.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 4 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Very High |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.7.
| Oct 20, 1995 | 8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota | M3.7 | 130 km | 5 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 | 0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota | M3.1 | 124 km | 5 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 | 8 km E of Agar, South Dakota | M3.0 | 136 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
374 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 55 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 | EF4 | 100 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 | EF4 | 24 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 97 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 | EF3 | 32 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1996 | EF3 | 1 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 91 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 1984 | EF3 | 87 km | 27.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF3 | 83 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF3 | 24 km | 0.3 mi | 1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 | EF3 | 30 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 | EF3 | 98 km | 26.4 mi | 2 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF3 | 51 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 | EF3 | 19 km | 156.3 mi | 1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 | EF3 | 71 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 | EF2 | 93 km | 1.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 | EF2 | 34 km | 2.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 | EF2 | 82 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2010 | EF2 | 46 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2010 | EF2 | 43 km | 18.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 29, 2005 | EF2 | 85 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: ROHRBACH (2,887 acres, 2022).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2022 | ROHRBACH | 2,887 | 79 km |
| 2003 | JOEL BERTSCH 2 | 1,460 | 93 km |
| 2004 | TACOMA PARK PLACE | 1,336 | 18 km |
| 2016 | SLR 2016 RX MICHELL | 1,242 | 52 km |
| 2000 | PHEASANT OPENER | 1,206 | 48 km |
| 1992 | SPRING LK | 1,001 | 91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.6 in | |
| March | 31°F (-1°C) | 0.9 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 1.9 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 2.2 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 2.0 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 2.1 in | |
| November | 31°F (-1°C) | 0.7 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.6 in |
Aberdeen has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.6").