Salem, South Dakota has a Humid Continental Hot Summers With Year Around Precipitation climate (Köppen classification: Dfa). Average annual temperatures range from 34.6 °F (low) to 56 °F (high). Annual precipitation averages 26.7 Inches. Salem is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a. The growing season typically runs from the last frost around May 1 - May 10 through the first frost around Oct. 1 - Oct. 10.
| Month | Avg. Low | Avg. High | Avg. Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.2 °F | 24.9 °F | 0.54 in. |
| February | 10.5 °F | 30.1 °F | 0.75 in. |
| March | 21.5 °F | 42.3 °F | 1.24 in. |
| April | 33.5 °F | 56.3 °F | 2.93 in. |
| May | 46.1 °F | 68.6 °F | 3.77 in. |
| June | 57.4 °F | 78.7 °F | 4.1 in. |
| July | 61.5 °F | 83.6 °F | 3.23 in. |
| August | 58.9 °F | 81.0 °F | 3.18 in. |
| September | 49.9 °F | 73.9 °F | 3.04 in. |
| October | 36.0 °F | 59.9 °F | 2.29 in. |
| November | 22.3 °F | 43.1 °F | 0.97 in. |
| December | 11.4 °F | 29.5 °F | 0.69 in. |
| Annual | 34.6 °F | 56 °F | 26.73 in. |
| Average First Frost Date | Oct. 1 - Oct. 10 |
| Average Last Frost Date | May 1 - May 10 |
| Average Days With Frost | 150-180 Days |
| Plant Hardiness Zone | Zone 5a : -20°F to -15°F |
| Plant Hardiness Zone - 2012 | Zone 4b : -25°F to -20°F |
| Current Drought Conditions | Severe Drought |
| Köppen Climate Classification | Dfa - Humid Continental Hot Summers With Year Around Precipitation |