Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFRRapid City Regional Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with few clouds at 9,500 feet and 10 SM visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the northwest (310°) at 16 knots with gusts to 23 knots. Runway 32 is favored with a 16-knot headwind and 3-knot crosswind component (gusting to 4 knots crosswind). Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 10 SM. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 9,500 ft.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 18°C (64°F) with a dewpoint of 5°C, indicating relatively dry conditions.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.
Pilot Recommendations
Conditions are favorable for visual flight.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/23 | 3,601 ft | 75 ft | ASP | 61° |
↓ 5.7 kt
•
↔ 14.9 kt
111° angle
|
|
✈️ 14/32
Active: 32
|
8,701 ft | 150 ft | CON | 151° |
↑ 15.8 kt
•
↔ 2.8 kt
10° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KRAP
7,258 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Rapid City Regional Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 81.8% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 10.7 knots, with gusts recorded up to 55 knots. Calm conditions occur 10.2% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -27°C to 37°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are February, October, May.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 7,258 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 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.