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Contents
- The climate of Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- The best time to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- The worst time to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Spring weather in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Summer weather in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Autumn weather in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Winter weather in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
The Black Hills on Mount Rushmore Memorial National Park in South Dakota
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Located in South Dakota, USA, Mount Rushmore National Memorial sits neatly within the boundaries of the Köppen BSk climate classification. By this definition, it exists within a mid-latitude steppe zone. The months bring significant variations in climatic parameters, from frigid lows to sweltering highs; rainfall fluctuates, as does the presence of snowfall.
Focusing on weather patterns through the full seasonal cycle, the average monthly high temperature varies from a bitter 36.3°F (2.4°C) in January to a broiling 79.1°F (26.2°C) in July, to then dip once more to a 36.7°F (2.6°C) in December. Concurrently, average monthly low temperatures waver from a biting 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in January to a sweltering 58.9°F (14.9°C) in July before returning to a frosty 18.1°F (-7.7°C) in December. The location also displays varied precipitation outcomes across the year, from a minimum rainfall of 0.4" (10mm) in January and December to reaching a maximum of 4.2" (107mm) in May.
The presence of snowfall dramatically shifts throughout the year. The snowy months commence in November, with an average snowfall reaching 6.2" (157mm) and continue to ascend to 7.9" (201mm) in February, then taper off in April with a moderate 1.2" (30mm). However, snowfall utterly evaporates from the landscape from May to September, resurfacing only slightly in October with 0.6" (15mm) to then prompt the winter season once again.
Focusing on weather patterns through the full seasonal cycle, the average monthly high temperature varies from a bitter 36.3°F (2.4°C) in January to a broiling 79.1°F (26.2°C) in July, to then dip once more to a 36.7°F (2.6°C) in December. Concurrently, average monthly low temperatures waver from a biting 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in January to a sweltering 58.9°F (14.9°C) in July before returning to a frosty 18.1°F (-7.7°C) in December. The location also displays varied precipitation outcomes across the year, from a minimum rainfall of 0.4" (10mm) in January and December to reaching a maximum of 4.2" (107mm) in May.
The presence of snowfall dramatically shifts throughout the year. The snowy months commence in November, with an average snowfall reaching 6.2" (157mm) and continue to ascend to 7.9" (201mm) in February, then taper off in April with a moderate 1.2" (30mm). However, snowfall utterly evaporates from the landscape from May to September, resurfacing only slightly in October with 0.6" (15mm) to then prompt the winter season once again.
The best time to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The ideal window for visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial is dictated by the visitor's preference for climate conditions. The warmest period occurs from June to August, with the highest average temperatures reaching from 71°F (21.7°C) to 79.1°F (26.2°C), accompanied by milder nights with lows ranging from 51.3°F (10.7°C) to 58.9°F (14.9°C). These months also offer the longest daylight durations, spanning from 14.8 hours in May to a peak of 15.4 hours in June. Despite this, these months also note the heaviest rainfall with 3.4" (86mm) in June, decreasing gradually to 2" (51mm) in August.
The worst time to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The period from November to March is the least inviting for visits to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. January stands as the coldest month, with the lowest average high and low temperatures plummeting to 36.3°F (2.4°C) and 18.7°F (-7.4°C) respectively. During this period, the area also receives the highest snowfall, with a peak of 10.4" (264mm) in March. January and December also offer the least daylight hours, at just 9 hours each.
Spring weather in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Spring ushers in a dramatic shift in the weather at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Average high temperatures start to climb from 43.2°F (6.2°C) in March to 60.7°F (15.9°C) by May. The average lows likewise warm up from 24.6°F (-4.1°C) to 41.6°F (5.3°C) in the same period. Simultaneously, rainfall sees a sharp increase from 1.2" (30mm) in March to its annual peak at 4.2" (107mm) by May. While snowfall should be expected in March and April, by May it nearly vanishes, dropping to 1.2" (30mm).
Summer weather in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Summer at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is characterized by warm temperatures and ample daylight. High temperatures average from 71°F (21.7°C) in June up to 79.1°F (26.2°C) by July, while low temperatures increase from 51.3°F (10.7°C) to 58.9°F (14.9°C) in the same span. Rainfall during the months from June to August is abundant, peaking at 3.4" (86mm) in June and then declining to 2" (51mm) by August. Snowfall is completely absent during the summer months.
Autumn weather in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
During the autumn at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, temperatures fall steadily, with high temperatures declining from 67.8°F (19.9°C) in September to 42.9°F (6.1°C) by November. Low temperatures also exhibit a similar fall, from 48.2°F (9°C) to 26°F (-3.3°C) over the same period. Rainfall decreases from 1.8" (46mm) in September to 0.6" (15mm) in November. Snow begins to make its first appearance in October at 0.6" (15mm), and increases to 6.2" (157mm) by November.
Winter weather in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The winter months at Mount Rushmore National Memorial are marked by the coldest temperatures and high snowfall. The temperatures range from a high of 36.3°F (2.4°C) in December to a low of 18.1°F (-7.7°C) in January. Snowfall is prevalent, reaching 5.8" (147mm) in December, peaking at 10.4" (264mm) by March. January and December offer the shortest daylight periods, at only 9 hours each in duration.
Weather in January
Snowfall serves as a dominant feature of the January landscape in Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with an average of 5.8" (147mm) recorded throughout the month. Notably, this is a month of extreme temperatures with thermometers showing mercury levels dipping as low as 18.7°F (-7.4°C) on some nights. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February marks a slight increase in temperature and daylight hours from January, even though winter continues to grip Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The state experiences a sizeable amount of 7.9" (201mm) of snowfall this month, an increase from January. Weather in February »
Weather in March
In a departure from the preceding months, March witnesses a rise in average temperatures from 36.7°F (2.6°C) to 43.2°F (6.2°C). It also enjoys longer daylight, allowing visitors to have extended hours for exploration. Precipitation takes a different turn, with rainfall reaching 1.2" (30mm) and snowfall tallying 10.4" (264mm) - the highest of the year. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a significant shift with temperatures surging to 50.7°F (10.4°C), indicative of the transition from the chilling winter to the relatively warmer spring. Snowfall decreases dramatically this month to 10.8" (274mm), a considerable reduction from March. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May sees a further increase in temperature, reaching a comfortable 60.7°F (15.9°C) on average. This month experiences the highest rainfall of the year at 4.2" (107mm), marking May as the wettest month. Along with the rainfall, melting snow from the previous months contribute to the lush greenery of the surroundings. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June demonstrates a significant rise in temperatures reaching a comfortable 71°F (21.7°C), a noticeable jump from May. Clear and sunny days dominate this month, featuring the longest daylight hours of the year at 15.4, perfect for outdoor activities. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July emerges as the warmest month of the year at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with temperature reaching a peak of 79.1°F (26.2°C). It showcases a decrease in the number of daylight hours compared to June, but remains on the higher side compared to other months. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August reflects a minor decrease in averages temperatures from 79.1°F (26.2°C) in July to 78.1°F (25.6°C). Rainfall is further reduced to 2" (51mm) and daylight yet again decreases to 13.9 hours even though it remains the peak of tourist season. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September sees a withdrawal from the summer season with a noticeable reduction in temperature to 67.8°F (19.9°C). The decrease in daylight hours indicates the onset of the autumn season, reflecting the shift from longer to shorter days. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October experiences a further decrease in temperature dipping down to 54.9°F (12.7°C), a sharp contrast to the peak summer warmth of the past months. Daylight hours continue to descend, making the days shorter. While rainfall continues its downward trend, snowfall picks up the pace with a leap to 3.6" (91mm). Weather in October »
Weather in November
With mercury levels falling to 42.9°F (6.1°C) on average, November heralds the onset of winter. Snowfall sharply increases to 6.2" (157mm), setting the stage for the approaching colder months. The tumbling temperatures and snow-laden landscape draw fewer visitors, as icy road conditions can make accessibility to the Memorial challenging. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Rounding off the year, December presents the coldest month at Mount Rushmore National Memorial with temperatures averaging 35.3°F (1.8°C) during the day and nighttime temperatures dipping to 18.1°F (-7.7°C). The blanket of snow debuts heavier than November, reaching a peak of 5.8" (147mm). Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 14, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the driest month in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 4.3 days and accumulates 0.39" (10mm) of precipitation.
How much does it rain in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
In Mount Rushmore National Memorial, during the entire year, the rain falls for 91.5 days and collects up to 21.57" (548mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
Months with snowfall in Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, are January through June, September through December.
How much does it snow in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
In Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, during the entire year, snow falls for 23.1 days and aggregates up to 52.4" (1331mm) of snow.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.
When does it snow the most in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
April is the month with the most snowfall in Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota. Snow falls for 3.1 days and accumulates 10.79" (274mm) of snow.
What is the rainiest month in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
May is the month with the most rainfall in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Rain falls for 11.9 days and accumulates 4.21" (107mm) of precipitation.
When are the longest days in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 24min of daylight.
What month is the hottest in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
In Mount Rushmore National Memorial, July is identified by the average highest temperatures, reaching a peak of 79.2°F (26.2°C) and a low of 58.8°F (14.9°C).
When it does not snow in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
July and August are months without snowfall.
What month is the coldest in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
In Mount Rushmore National Memorial, December is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 35.2°F (1.8°C) and a low of 18.1°F (-7.7°C).
What is the month with the shortest days in Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
With an average of 9h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (35.3°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (58.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (18.1°F).
Average rainfall
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (4.2").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and December (0.4").
Average rainfall days
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD
- Average rainfall days in January:
4.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
4.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
8.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
11.9 days - Average rainfall days in June:
12.6 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
11.4 days - Average rainfall days in August:
9.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
7.4 days - Average rainfall days in October:
6.8 days - Average rainfall days in November:
4.4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
4.2 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (12.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is December (4.2 days).
Average snowfall
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD
- Average snowfall in January:
5.8" - Average snowfall in February:
7.9" - Average snowfall in March:
10.4" - Average snowfall in April:
10.8" - Average snowfall in May:
1.2" - Average snowfall in June:
0.1"
The month with the highest snowfall is April (10.8").
The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0").
Average snowfall days
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD
- Average snowfall days in January:
3.9 days - Average snowfall days in February:
3.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
3.9 days - Average snowfall days in April:
3.1 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.6 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in October:
1.4 days - Average snowfall days in November:
2.7 days - Average snowfall days in December:
3.4 days
The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January and March (3.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).
Average daylight
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 3min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 3min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 5min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 2min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 1min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 0min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).