What should you know about Bismarck's weather?
- NWS office
- Bismarck (BIS)
- Climate
- Warm-summer humid continental
- Time zone
- CST/CDT
- Elevation
- 1,695 ft
- Coordinates
- 46.81° N, 100.78° W
- Nearest radar
- KBIS · Bismarck NEXRAD · 3 mi
- County
- Burleigh County, ND
- Yearly rain
- 19.1 in
- Warmest month
- July · 71.3°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 12.8°F average
- Severe storm peak
- Jun to Aug
How much rain does Bismarck get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 23.2 | 27.8 | 41.0 | 56.0 | 68.3 | 77.9 | 84.7 | 83.5 | 73.4 | 57.1 | 40.6 | 27.7 |
| Low °F | 2.4 | 7.2 | 19.1 | 30.4 | 42.4 | 52.9 | 57.9 | 55.7 | 45.9 | 32.6 | 19.1 | 8.1 |
| Rain (in) | 0.48 | 0.52 | 0.84 | 1.34 | 2.50 | 3.36 | 3.07 | 2.50 | 1.72 | 1.43 | 0.69 | 0.60 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23.2 | 2.4 | 0.48 |
| Feb | 27.8 | 7.2 | 0.52 |
| Mar | 41.0 | 19.1 | 0.84 |
| Apr | 56.0 | 30.4 | 1.34 |
| May | 68.3 | 42.4 | 2.50 |
| Jun | 77.9 | 52.9 | 3.36 |
| Jul | 84.7 | 57.9 | 3.07 |
| Aug | 83.5 | 55.7 | 2.50 |
| Sep | 73.4 | 45.9 | 1.72 |
| Oct | 57.1 | 32.6 | 1.43 |
| Nov | 40.6 | 19.1 | 0.69 |
| Dec | 27.7 | 8.1 | 0.60 |
BISMARCK, ND US · 3 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
Why can a blizzard look weak on the Bismarck weather radar?
Because some North Dakota blizzards are ground blizzards that only blow around snow already on the ground, with little if any new snow falling. NWS Bismarck defines a blizzard as sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility to less than one-quarter mile for at least three hours. Radar sees snow falling through the air, not snow skimming along the ground, so light echoes can hide a whiteout on I-94. On windy days after a snowfall, check the hourly wind and any blizzard warning, not just the colors on the map.
How did the 1966 and 1997 blizzards compare in Bismarck?
In Bismarck the March 1966 blizzard was clearly worse. The city had 43 consecutive hours of blizzard conditions in 1966 and a peak gust of 64 mph, compared with about 14 hours of true blizzard conditions and a 60 mph gust in April 1997. Across the state, the 1966 storm brought winds over 70 mph in some areas and drifts 30 to 40 feet high in many places. The April 1997 storm did produce the higher statewide snow total, 33 inches south-southeast of Butte, just above the 1966 maximum.
Does the Missouri River flood Bismarck?
Yes, and the highest river stage there since 1954 came from ice jams. On March 24, 2009, the Missouri River at the Bismarck streamgage peaked at 16.11 feet, the highest since Garrison Dam was completed. USGS tied the record stages to ice jams north and south of Bismarck and Mandan. NWS Bismarck reported river water flooding parts of south Bismarck and the Fox Island area, including about 15 homes. Radar does not show ice jams, so follow flood warnings from NWS Bismarck when the river ice is breaking up.
How much snow does Bismarck get?
The 1991 to 2020 snowfall normal for Bismarck is 50.5 inches a season. December is the snowiest month at 10.1 inches, followed by January at 8.9 inches and March at 8.5 inches. Snow is still common in April, which averages 4.6 inches. Even October averages 2.5 inches.
How cold does Bismarck get in winter?
January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 12.8°F and an average low of 2.4°F. Under the 1991 to 2020 normals, Bismarck averages 36.7 days a year with a low below 0°F. December and February are not far behind, with average temperatures of 17.9°F and 17.5°F. Wind makes cold air feel even colder, so check the wind chill in the hourly forecast before outdoor work.
When should you check the Bismarck radar?
Severe storm season
June to AugustAbout 87% of Burleigh County's 1996 to 2025 severe reports fall in these months. Families at Sertoma Park check the loop before summer picnics.
Freeze season
September 27 to May 14These are Bismarck's median dates of the first fall and last spring 32°F freeze under 1991 to 2020 normals. Frost forms on clear, calm nights that look empty on radar, so gardeners around Lincoln check the hourly low before planting.
What else do people ask about the Bismarck radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Bismarck?
NWS Bismarck (BIS) issues forecasts and warnings for Bismarck. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KBIS, about 3 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Bismarck and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KBIS (Bismarck NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Bismarck (BIS)
- Severe storms peak from June to August (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: CST/CDT
- Radar: KBIS, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Bismarck (BIS)
- Severe storms: June to August
- Local time: CST/CDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Bismarck office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: BISMARCK, ND US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- NWS Bismarck: Comparing the March 1966 and April 1997 blizzards
- NWS Bismarck: Reliving the March 2 to 4, 1966 blizzard
- USGS: 2009 spring floods in North Dakota, western Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota
- NWS Bismarck: Storm Data, March 2009
- NOAA NCEI: 1991 to 2020 normals for Bismarck