Fort Ransom State Park, ND

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Outdoor landscape at Fort Ransom State Park in North Dakota

Today’s Forecast:

☀
21°F
High: 27° | Low: 17°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KJMS
Observed at: 8:45 pm CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 5 mph | Humidity: 100%
Tonight:Patchy fog after 5am. Mostly clear. Low around 17, with temperatures rising to around 19 overnight. East northeast wind around 2 mph.
Friday:Patchy fog before 9am. Sunny. High near 36, with temperatures falling to around 33 in the afternoon. Southeast wind 2 to 9 mph.
Friday Night:Partly cloudy. Low around 18, with temperatures rising to around 20 overnight. Southeast wind around 8 mph.
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Today’s Report:

🥾 Hiking

  20 /100

Not Recommended for hiking. High near 36°F. Light wind (9 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (36°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Good 72/100
Good for hiking. High near 41°F. Light wind (15 mph).

🚲 Biking

  20 /100

Not Recommended for biking. High near 36°F. Light wind (9 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (36°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 19/100
Not Recommended for biking. High near 41°F. Breezy winds (15 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (41°F).

🛶 Paddling

  23 /100

Not Recommended for paddling. High near 36°F. Light wind (9 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (36°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 12/100
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 41°F. Breezy winds (15 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (41°F).

🐟 Fishing

  22 /100

Not Recommended for fishing. High near 36°F. Light wind (9 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (36°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Use Caution 42/100
Use Caution for fishing. High near 41°F. Breezy winds (15 mph).

⛺ Camping

  20 /100

Not Recommended for camping. High near 36°F. Light wind (9 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (36°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Good 70/100
Good for camping. High near 41°F. Breezy winds (15 mph).

🎪 Outdoor Events / Activities

  20 /100

Not Recommended for outdoor events / activities. High near 36°F. Light wind (9 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (36°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 19/100
Not Recommended for outdoor events / activities. High near 41°F. Breezy winds (15 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (41°F).

🎿 Cross-Country Skiing

Good
  77 /100

Good for cross-country skiing. High near 36°F. Light wind (9 mph).

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 17/100
Not Recommended for cross-country skiing. High near 41°F. Breezy winds (15 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (41°F).

🛷 Sledding / Snowshoeing

Excellent
  100 /100

Excellent for sledding / snowshoeing. High near 36°F. Light wind (9 mph).

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Good 72/100
Good for sledding / snowshoeing. High near 41°F. Breezy winds (15 mph).

About Fort Ransom State Park

Fort Ransom State Park follows the wooded Sheyenne Valley, offering a noticeably different weather setting from the surrounding open farmland.

Planning an Outing at Fort Ransom State Park

Confirm Sheyenne River flow, low-trail conditions, campground access, and Nordic grooming; hills and shaded sections can hold ice longer.

Weather Tips for Fort Ransom State Park

  • Check observed and forecast river stage; runoff may close low trails, ramps, banks, or campgrounds after local rain ends.
  • Cold water, current, debris, and muddy exits require a conservative paddling or fishing plan.
  • Confirm snow depth, grooming, ice, road treatment, and facility operations before relying on a winter activity.
  • Watch for severe thunderstorms, hail, smoke, and sudden wind shifts; keep a sheltered alternative available.
  • Use the latest notice for Fort Ransom and the exact trailhead, ramp, campground, or facility you plan to use.

Nearby Towns and Areas

Use this forecast as practical context for outdoor plans near:

  • Fort Ransom
  • Lisbon
  • Sheyenne River
  • Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway
  • North Country Trail
  • Sunne Farm
  • Valley City

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Let current access conditions—not the calendar—decide whether the full outing or a shorter alternative makes sense.

7-Day Forecast for Fort Ransom State Park

☀
21°F
High: 27° | Low: 17°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KJMS
Observed at: 8:45 pm CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 5 mph | Humidity: 100%
Fri 🌫
36° 18°
0%
Sat ⛅
41° 26°
0%
Sun ☀
48° 35°
0%
Mon ☀
52° 37°
0%
Tue ⛅
52° 38°
0%
Wed ⛅
51° 37°
12%
Thu 🌧
48° --°
44%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

36° Fri 41° Sat 48° Sun 52° Mon 52° Tue 51° Wed 48° Thu

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

18° Fri 26° Sat 35° Sun 37° Mon 38° Tue 37° Wed 50° Thu

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 20 Fri 20 Sat 20 Sun 80 Mon 80 Tue 75 Wed 19 Thu
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: November 12, 2026 9:18 pm CST

Fort Ransom State Park Weather by Season

Winter

Winter offers clear skies between storms, but deep cold and strong wind can change the risk quickly. Check daylight, traction, and operating notices. Check conditions near Fort Ransom because local access can change first.

Spring

Windy transitions, soft shoulders, ticks, and muddy trailheads reward flexible routing. Avoid damaging saturated trails. Check conditions near Lisbon because local access can change first.

Summer

Dry periods improve gravel access, while downpours can rapidly reverse that advantage. Allow time for wildlife, road work, and crowded ramps. Check conditions near Sheyenne River because local access can change first.

Fall

Crowds ease after summer, but services and campgrounds may reduce hours. Check seasonal operations and prepare for freezing nights. Check conditions near Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway because local access can change first.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Annual average temperature: roughly 41–44°F in southeastern North Dakota.
  • Annual snowfall: commonly 30–45 inches, although wind redistributes snow and creates deep drifts beside exposed roads.
  • Warmest months: July is usually warmest; exposed badlands and prairie heat faster than wooded or lakeshore settings.
  • Coolest months: January is generally coldest, with wind chill often more important than air temperature.
  • Wettest season: Late spring and early summer usually bring the most precipitation, including severe thunderstorms.
  • Driest season: Winter is often driest by liquid precipitation, although drifting snow can dominate access.
  • Best outdoor window: Late spring through early fall for warm-season activities; winter destinations require verified ice, snow, roads, and operations.