December weather in Rapid City, SD
The average temperature in Rapid City in December is 28.1°F (18.6°F–37.6°F). Average precipitation: 0.37 inches. Average snowfall is 6.6 inches.
December is a winter month in Rapid City, and is cooler than the annual average of 48°F. Daily temperatures swing about 19°F between overnight low and afternoon high. Expect about 6 days with precipitation. Daylight averages about 8h 43m. For travel, December is cold.
Avg High
37.6°F
Avg Low
18.6°F
Precipitation
0.37 in
Snow
6.6 in
December records in Rapid City
| Date | Record High | Record Low | Record Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 1 | 72.0°F (2021) | -2.9°F (2014) | 0.57 in (2018) |
| December 2 | 73.9°F (2021) | 3.0°F (2006) | 0.11 in (2008) |
| December 3 | 64.0°F (2012) | -5.1°F (2006) | 0.10 in (2025) |
| December 4 | 63.0°F (2007) | -2.0°F (2013) | 0.03 in (2017) |
| December 5 | 59.0°F (2012) | -8.0°F (2013) | 0.02 in (2005) |
| December 6 | 66.0°F (2023) | -13.0°F (2013) | 0.12 in (2007) |
| December 7 | 64.9°F (2024) | -14.1°F (2013) | 0.05 in (2012) |
| December 8 | 70.0°F (2020) | -11.0°F (2005) | 0.14 in (2007) |
| December 9 | 70.0°F (2020) | -11.0°F (2013) | 0.06 in (2021) |
| December 10 | 62.1°F (2017) | -9.0°F (2000) | 0.49 in (2021) |
| December 11 | 70.0°F (2014) | -8.0°F (2000) | 0.08 in (2008) |
| December 12 | 66.0°F (2014) | -18.0°F (2000) | 0.09 in (2025) |
| December 13 | 62.1°F (2014) | -6.0°F (2009) | 0.27 in (2022) |
| December 14 | 69.1°F (1997) | -15.0°F (2008) | 0.27 in (1996) |
| December 15 | 63.0°F (2002) | -18.9°F (2008) | 0.27 in (2015) |
| December 16 | 64.9°F (2025) | -15.0°F (2008) | 0.35 in (2016) |
| December 17 | 66.0°F (1998) | -15.0°F (2016) | 0.06 in (2025) |
| December 18 | 61.0°F (2011) | -11.0°F (1996) | 0.02 in (2008) |
| December 19 | 61.0°F (2025) | -11.0°F (1996) | 0.33 in (2013) |
| December 20 | 63.0°F (2003) | -11.0°F (1998) | 0.09 in (2010) |
| December 21 | 60.1°F (2023) | -18.0°F (2022) | 0.19 in (1996) |
| December 22 | 68.0°F (2025) | -18.0°F (2022) | 0.11 in (1999) |
| December 23 | 60.1°F (2025) | -14.1°F (1996) | 0.12 in (2010) |
| December 24 | 62.1°F (2025) | -16.1°F (1996) | 0.09 in (2012) |
| December 25 | 68.0°F (2025) | -11.9°F (1996) | 0.41 in (2016) |
| December 26 | 63.0°F (2025) | -18.0°F (1996) | 0.16 in (2023) |
| December 27 | 61.0°F (2022) | -9.9°F (2017) | 0.05 in (2018) |
| December 28 | 62.1°F (1999) | -5.1°F (2021) | 0.05 in (2014) |
| December 29 | 60.1°F (1999) | -6.0°F (1996) | 0.11 in (1997) |
| December 30 | 54.0°F (2016) | -17.0°F (2017) | 0.32 in (2018) |
| December 31 | 57.9°F (1996) | -17.0°F (2017) | 0.15 in (2010) |