Lead, South Dakota has a Cold Semi-Arid Climate climate (Köppen classification: BSk). Annual precipitation averages 782.6 Millimeters. Lead is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b. The growing season typically runs from the last frost around May 11 - May 20 through the first frost around Sep. 21 - Sep. 30.
| Month | Avg. Low | Avg. High | Avg. Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -9.9 °C | 1.9 °C | 36.32 mm |
| February | -10 °C | 2.3 °C | 42.16 mm |
| March | -5.9 °C | 6.9 °C | 52.58 mm |
| April | -2 °C | 10.6 °C | 87.12 mm |
| May | 3.3 °C | 15.7 °C | 123.19 mm |
| June | 8.5 °C | 21.8 °C | 99.31 mm |
| July | 12.3 °C | 26.5 °C | 78.99 mm |
| August | 11.3 °C | 26.1 °C | 60.96 mm |
| September | 6.6 °C | 21.1 °C | 46.23 mm |
| October | 0.3 °C | 13 °C | 78.99 mm |
| November | -5.1 °C | 6.6 °C | 40.64 mm |
| December | -9.2 °C | 2 °C | 36.07 mm |
| Annual | 0 °C | 12.9 °C | 782.56 mm |
| Average First Frost Date | Sep. 21 - Sep. 30 |
| Average Last Frost Date | May 11 - May 20 |
| Average Days With Frost | 150-180 Days |
| Plant Hardiness Zone | Zone 5b : -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Plant Hardiness Zone - 2012 | Zone 5a : -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Current Drought Conditions | Extreme Drought |
| Köppen Climate Classification | BSk - Cold Semi-Arid Climate |