Weather & Climate in Platte, SD
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Platte experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,602 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg | |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,602 ft (488 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,248/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3869°N, 98.8435°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Charles Mix County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE) 48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.3.
| Nov 3, 2002 | 16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska | M4.3 | 69 km | 5 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 | 10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska | M3.7 | 43 km | 5 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 | 1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska | M3.6 | 144 km | 5 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 | 8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota | M3.6 | 54 km | 5 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 | 8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska | M3.3 | 135 km | 5 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 | 4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota | M3.2 | 146 km | 9 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 | 9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska | M3.1 | 44 km | 5 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 | 0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota | M3.1 | 119 km | 5 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 | 5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota | M3.1 | 88 km | 5 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 | 11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota | M3.0 | 30 km | 5 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 | 6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska | M2.9 | 100 km | 5 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 | 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota | M2.8 | 86 km | 5 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska | M2.8 | 132 km | 10 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 | 9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska | M2.7 | 95 km | 5 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 | 9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota | M2.5 | 35 km | 5 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 | 9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota | M2.5 | 55 km | 5 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 | 6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska | M2.5 | 107 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
379 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 1 fatality, 88 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 | EF5 | 83 km | 30.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 | EF4 | 81 km | 11.5 mi | 0 |
| May 29, 1962 | EF4 | 85 km | 24.2 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 2007 | EF3 | 47 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF3 | 80 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 | EF3 | 95 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 88 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 | EF3 | 57 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 | EF3 | 98 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 | EF3 | 83 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 | EF3 | 77 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 | EF3 | 95 km | 35.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 | EF3 | 99 km | 15.4 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1965 | EF3 | 46 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 | EF3 | 96 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 1962 | EF3 | 74 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 1962 | EF3 | 58 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 1962 | EF3 | 36 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1962 | EF3 | 50 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 14, 1962 | EF3 | 38 km | 70.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (6,910 acres, 2012).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2012 | UNNAMED | 6,910 | 91 km |
| 2022 | HOLIDAY | 2,936 | 92 km |
| 2012 | UNNAMED | 2,875 | 81 km |
| 2000 | GANN VALLEY | 2,534 | 90 km |
| 2000 | NOVOTNY AND WAGNER | 1,968 | 86 km |
| 2012 | KAYLKOWSKI | 1,966 | 71 km |
| 2011 | HIGHWAY 47 | 1,800 | 87 km |
| 2005 | CHAOS | 1,539 | 92 km |
| 2023 | SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I | 1,185 | 15 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.7 in | |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | 1.2 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 2.9 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.4 in | |
| June | 69°F (20°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 75°F (24°C) | 3.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 73°F (23°C) | 3.0 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 2.7 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 1.9 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 0.8 in | |
| December | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.6 in |
Platte has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").