Arlington is a charming town located in Kingsbury County, South Dakota, United States. Situated in the eastern part of the state, Arlington lies approximately 40 miles northwest of Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota. The town is located amidst the vast prairie landscapes of the Midwest, offering residents a tranquil and scenic setting to call home. With a population of around 900 residents, Arlington maintains a close-knit community atmosphere while providing essential amenities and services to its residents. The town covers an area of approximately 1.3 square miles and is known for its rich agricultural heritage, friendly locals, and small-town charm. While Arlington may be small in size, it offers a peaceful and idyllic environment for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
Climate and Weather Overview
To provide a comprehensive overview of the climate in Arlington, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 21°F | 0.62 inches | 16 days |
| February | 26°F | 0.75 inches | 15 days |
| March | 37°F | 1.47 inches | 17 days |
| April | 51°F | 2.26 inches | 17 days |
| May | 64°F | 3.24 inches | 17 days |
| June | 74°F | 3.62 inches | 17 days |
| July | 79°F | 3.43 inches | 17 days |
| August | 77°F | 2.72 inches | 17 days |
| September | 68°F | 2.19 inches | 17 days |
| October | 55°F | 1.64 inches | 17 days |
| November | 39°F | 1.03 inches | 16 days |
| December | 25°F | 0.71 inches | 15 days |
Weather by Month
January
January in Arlington is characterized by cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. The average high temperature is around 21°F, with overnight lows often dropping below zero. Precipitation is minimal during this month, with an average of 0.62 inches, primarily falling as snow. Despite the colder temperatures, there are still around 16 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, and winter hiking.
February
February brings similar weather conditions to January, with cold temperatures persisting throughout the month. The average high temperature increases slightly to around 26°F, but snowfall remains possible. Precipitation levels increase slightly compared to January, with an average of 0.75 inches. Despite the chilly weather, residents can still enjoy outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, and attending local winter festivals.
March
As winter transitions to spring, March sees a gradual increase in temperatures in Arlington, with average highs reaching 37°F. While snowfall becomes less frequent, rain showers are common, contributing to an average precipitation of 1.47 inches. Sunny days become more abundant, with around 17 days of clear skies, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and visiting local parks to see the first signs of spring.
April
April marks the onset of milder weather in Arlington, with average highs reaching 51°F. While temperatures become more comfortable, rain showers continue, with an average precipitation of 2.26 inches. With 17 sunny days, residents and visitors can fully embrace the arrival of spring by participating in outdoor activities such as gardening, visiting botanical gardens, and attending spring festivals celebrating the season’s arrival.
May
May brings warmer temperatures to Arlington, with average highs climbing to 64°F. While temperatures rise, rain showers persist, contributing to an average precipitation of 3.24 inches. With 17 sunny days, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking in the blooming countryside. Additionally, May is an excellent time to explore local farmers’ markets and orchards for fresh produce and fruits.
June
June heralds the arrival of summer in Arlington, with average highs soaring to 74°F. The weather becomes significantly warmer, with occasional rain showers contributing to an average precipitation of 3.62 inches. Despite the heat, outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and visiting nearby lakes or rivers are popular choices for staying cool and enjoying the summer sun.
July
July is typically the warmest month in Arlington, with scorching average highs of 79°F. The summer heat is accompanied by moderate precipitation, with an average of 3.43 inches. Despite the intense heat, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as water sports, hiking in shaded areas, and visiting local festivals celebrating the season.
August
Similar to July, August maintains warm temperatures in Arlington, with average highs around 77°F. Moderate precipitation continues, with an average of 2.72 inches. Despite the heat and occasional rain showers, outdoor enthusiasts can still partake in activities such as early morning hikes, birdwatching, and visiting nearby parks to enjoy the summer scenery.
September
As summer transitions to fall, September brings slightly cooler temperatures to Arlington, with average highs of 68°F. While temperatures begin to moderate, occasional rain showers are still possible, contributing to an average precipitation of 2.19 inches. With 17 sunny days, outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring the region’s natural wonders are popular choices for residents and visitors alike.
October
October sees a further decrease in temperatures in Arlington, with average highs dropping to 55°F. While the weather remains mild, rain showers become more frequent, with an average precipitation of 1.64 inches. With 17 sunny days, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as scenic drives, visiting pumpkin patches, and attending fall festivals celebrating the harvest season.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and shorter days to Arlington, with average highs of 39°F. While temperatures cool, precipitation levels remain relatively high, averaging 1.03 inches. With 16 sunny days, outdoor activities such as nature walks, birdwatching, and exploring the countryside are popular as residents embrace the changing colors of fall.
December
December in Arlington is characterized by cold temperatures and occasional winter storms. The average high temperature is around 25°F, with cool evenings and occasional snow showers. Precipitation increases slightly compared to previous months, with an average of 0.71 inches, primarily in the form of light snowfall or rain. Despite the cooler temperatures, there are still 15 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as holiday light displays, festive markets, and winter hikes in nearby parks.
Natural Disasters
While Arlington is relatively sheltered from major natural disasters, it is still susceptible to occasional hazards common to the region, including severe thunderstorms, winter storms, and flooding. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes, posing risks to both property and public safety. Winter storms can bring heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and hazardous driving conditions, leading to travel disruptions and power outages. Additionally, prolonged periods of heavy rainfall can result in river flooding, especially in low-lying areas near waterways.
Recommended Activities
Throughout the year, Arlington offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some recommended activities by month include:
- January: Ice fishing, snowmobiling, winter hikes.
- February: Cross-country skiing, ice skating, attending local winter festivals.
- March: Hiking, birdwatching, visiting nearby parks.
- April: Gardening, visiting botanical gardens, attending spring festivals.
- May: Hiking, biking, picnicking in the countryside.
- June: Camping, fishing, visiting nearby lakes or rivers.
- July: Water sports, hiking in shaded areas, attending local festivals.
- August: Early morning hikes, birdwatching, visiting parks.
- September: Camping, hiking, exploring natural wonders.
- October: Scenic drives, visiting pumpkin patches, attending fall festivals.
- November: Nature walks, birdwatching, exploring countryside.
- December: Holiday light displays, festive markets, winter hikes in parks.