Rapid City Regional Airport

KRAP / RAP

Rapid City, US

Last Updated
Mar 5, 09:52Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 11 min ago
09:52Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
2°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -7°C
4 kt
90°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1004 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KRAP 050952Z AUTO 09004KT 10SM CLR 02/M07 A2966 RMK AO2 SLP038 T00221072
QNH
1004 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
897 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (3,204 ft)
Pressure Alt
3,482 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 2,691 ft
ISA Deviation: -6.6°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KRAP 050535Z 0506/0606 VRB05KT P6SM SCT250 FM051900 02010KT P6SM SCT250
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
10:03Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 5 kt
Visibility: >6SM
19:00Z FM051900
+9h
VFR 20° 10 kt
Visibility: >6SM

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
RAP
05 ✈️
23
14
32

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 05/23
Active: 05
3,601 ft 75 ft ASP 61°
3.1 kt 2.6 kt
40° angle
14/32 8,701 ft 150 ft CON 151°
1.9 kt 3.5 kt
61° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KRAP

4,551 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
84%
MVFR
8.3%
IFR
4.3%
LIFR
3.4%

Rapid City Regional Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 84% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 10.3 knots, with gusts recorded up to 55 knots. Calm conditions occur 12.6% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -27°C to 37°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are March, February, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: N (0°)
Average Speed: 10.3 kt
Maximum Recorded: 55 kt
Calm Winds: 12.6%
Direction Distribution:
N
23.2%
NE
4.6%
E
5.6%
SE
15.4%
S
9.6%
SW
2.9%
W
6.2%
NW
19.9%

Temperature Range

Average: 4.8°C
Range: -27°C to 37°C
-27°C 37°C

Visibility

Average: 9.5 SM
Below 3 SM: 1.4%
Fog Frequency: 1.6%

Best Months for VFR

March February October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05/23
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 8.7 kt
Runway 14/32
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.1 kt

Statistics computed from 4,551 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Rapid City Regional Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KRAP
IATA Code: RAP
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 3,204 ft MSL

Location

City: Rapid City
Country: US
Latitude: 44.045300°
Longitude: -103.056999°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+7

Runway Information

Runway 05/23
Length: 3,601 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 14/32
Length: 8,701 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

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.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

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.