Historically, January has been the coldest month on average. Several locations in South Dakota, including Pine Ridge, reached only minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder on January 19, 2011, according to a report issued by National Climatic Data Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. However, The Weather Channel notes that the minimum average precipitation for this town during the month of January is only 0.39 inches.
Some of the worst flooding occurs during the months of May and June in Pine Ridge, according to The Weather Channel. On average, the town receives 3.16 inches or precipitation in May and 0.02 more inches in June. Although May 2011 was not the wettest period in South Dakota's history, the National Climatic Data Center noted that many parts of the state, particularly Pine Ridge, still received above-average precipitation as a result of the record-breaking snowfall that occurred earlier in the year across the country.
During the month of July, Pine Ridge has an average high temperature of 87 F and an average precipitation rate of 2.58 inches, according to The Weather Channel. According to a report issued by National Climatic Data Center, South Dakota as a whole set a record in regards to precipitation in July 2010, which was recorded as 200-300 percent of normal.
Although this season has historically been the most comfortable time of the year for Pine Ridge, some exceptions have taken place over time. According to a report issued by National Climatic Data Center, the entire High Plains Region experienced temperatures ranging from 6 degrees F to 10 degrees F below normal in October 2009.
