Current Weather for Mount Rushmore
and Vicinity

 

January average high temperatures are in the 30’s with lows typically in the teens. Below zero readings are not uncommon but usually the severe cold temperatures are short lived. Average snowfall is 5 – 15 inches, mostly of the light powdery type. The northern hills generally receive more snow than the southern part, making them ideal for winter recreation.

February temperatures and snowfall are very similar to January’s but daytime averages sometimes get into the 40’s with plenty of sunshine, adding to the warmth.

March is typically the snowiest month of the year with 15 – 25 inches in the northern Hills and 8 – 12 inches across the southern Black Hills. High temperatures now reach the 40’s with lows in the 20’s.

April can also be a snowy time in the hills where spring storms can dump several feet in one day. Daytime temperatures now reach the 50’s with lows still in the 20’s and 30’s.

May precipitation mostly comes in the form of showers and late spring accounts for over a third of the Black Hills annual moisture. Daytime highs now reach the 50’s, with 60 degree temperatures not uncommon, however overnight temperatures are still chilly, with morning frosts not uncommon.

June is thunderstorm season with afternoon occurrences likely, sometimes resulting in hail and possible flash flooding. Daytime temperatures are now into the 70's with lots of clear to partly cloudy days. Nighttime temperatures are still chilly with lows typically in the 40’s to 50’s.

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July brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Daytime temperatures climb into the 70's and 80’s with even some 90’s. Humidity levels are low and there is usually a nice breeze so even the hottest days are still comfortable.  Nighttime temperatures are still cool so a sweater or jacket may be needed for outdoor activities. The sun is very intense in the higher elevation of the Black Hills so bring lots of sunscreen.

August is very similar to July with lots of sunny warm weather, low humidity, and cooling breezes. Afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon with some rainfall, but usually result in only refreshing sprinkles to clean the air and keep the hillsides green.

September brings milder days and cooler nights with highs averaging in the 70’s and lows dropping down into the 30’s and 40's and the first overnight frosts. September is typically sunny and dry and a beautiful time to tour the changing of the aspen leaves through out the Hills.

October brings cooler daytime temperatures into the 50's and 60's and a chance of snowfall and some cold, blustery northwest winds, so bring a warm coat.

November marks the beginning of winter in the Black Hills. But despite cooler temperatures and more snow, the area still has many mild, sunny days, thanks to southern Chinook winds. Snowfall is usually less than 5 inches and even though cold Canada air can bring spells of subzero temperatures these cold temperatures are usually short lived.

 

December daytime temperatures are in the 30's, with nighttime readings cooling into the teens. Below zero temperatures are not uncommon. Snowfall is much like November's, but most snow is light, as a typical December only has 2 days when more than one inch of snow falls. The Black Hills' chances for a white Christmas (defined as having an inch or more of snow on the ground) is about 50 percent.

 

January - April

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Last modified: October 23, 2017