Soil Temperature in South Dakota
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across South Dakota is 70°F, based on 5 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 64°F to 75°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across South Dakota with soil averaging 70°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in South Dakota
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across South Dakota. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in South Dakota (5)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for South Dakota. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for South Dakota. See the South Dakota soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Eros Data Center (Minnehaha) | 71°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Sioux Falls 14 NNE | 75°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Aberdeen 35 WNW | 64°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Buffalo 13 ESE | 72°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Pierre 24 S | 71°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in South Dakota (9)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 57401 | 64°F |
| Brandon | 57005 | 75°F |
| Brookings | 57006 | 71°F |
| Chamberlain | 57325 | 71°F |
| Huron | 57350 | 68°F* |
| Milbank | 57252 | 68°F* |
| Rapid City | 57701 | 61°F |
| Sioux Falls | 57101 | 75°F |
| Spearfish | 57783 | 61°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for South Dakota
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for South Dakota
What is the current soil temperature in South Dakota?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across South Dakota is 70°F, based on 5 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 64°F to 75°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in South Dakota?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across South Dakota, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in South Dakota?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.