Current Weather
Raw METAR
Weather Briefing
LIFRRapid City Regional Airport is currently reporting low IFR (LIFR) conditions with clear skies and 0.212 km visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the north-northeast (30°) at 10 knots. Runway 05/23 is favored with a 9-knot headwind and 3-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is severely reduced to 0.212 km, likely due to fog, mist, or precipitation. Special VFR or an IFR clearance may be required. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 30°C (86°F) with a dewpoint of 14°C, indicating very dry conditions. High temperatures at this elevation may result in significant density altitude effects. Pilots should calculate density altitude and adjust performance expectations accordingly.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.
Pilot Recommendations
Current conditions require an instrument rating, IFR-equipped aircraft, and an IFR clearance. Check approach minimums carefully as conditions may be below CAT I ILS minimums.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
View Full TAF24-Hour Weather Evolution
- • Current conditions from METAR observations
- • Historical data from past 24 hours
- • No forecast or predicted data included
- • Data updated with each new METAR report
- • Hover for exact values and timestamps
- • Click legend items to toggle data series
- • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
- • Units automatically converted to preferences
Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 05/23
Active: 05
|
3,601 ft | 75 ft | ASP | 61° |
↑ 9.4 kt
•
↔ 3.4 kt
20° angle
|
| 14/32 | 8,701 ft | 150 ft | CON | 151° |
↓ 5.2 kt
•
↔ 8.6 kt
121° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KRAP
8,478 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Rapid City Regional Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 82.3% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 10.6 knots, with gusts recorded up to 55 knots. Temperature extremes range from -27°C to 40°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are February, July, October.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 8,478 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Rapid City Regional Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Rapid City Regional Airport
Overview
Rapid City Regional Airport serves the Black Hills region in western South Dakota, providing critical aviation infrastructure for commercial, general aviation, and potentially military operations. Located at an elevation of 3,204 feet MSL, the airport offers two runways with significant length variation, accommodating diverse aircraft types and operational requirements.
Flying Conditions
The airport experiences predominantly VFR conditions, with 82.4% of observations in visual flight rules. Temperature ranges from -23°C to 37°C create dynamic atmospheric conditions, requiring pilots to prepare for substantial seasonal variations. Wind patterns predominantly originate from the north at an average of 10.6 knots, with occasional significant gusts up to 55 knots.
Notable Features
Situated at a higher elevation in western South Dakota, the airport presents unique terrain considerations typical of the Black Hills region. Both runways demonstrate excellent wind alignment, with 05/23 and 14/32 providing 100% favorable wind coverage. The longer 14/32 runway (8,701 feet) offers substantial landing and takeoff capabilities for larger aircraft.
Approach Considerations
Pilots should anticipate generally stable approach conditions, with an average visibility of 9.5 statute miles and low frequency of reduced visibility events. October, January, and September offer the most consistent VFR conditions. Crosswind components average 9 knots on runway 05/23 and 4.2 knots on runway 14/32, providing predictable landing parameters.
Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at KRAP
Official Data Sources
Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.