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 2.4°C (36.3°F) in
January to a broiling 26.2°C (79.1°F) in
July, to then dip once more to a 2.6°C (36.7°F) in
December. Concurrently, average monthly low temperatures waver from a biting -7.4°C (18.7°F) in January to a sweltering 14.9°C (58.9°F) in July before returning to a frosty -7.7°C (18.1°F) in December. The location also displays varied precipitation outcomes across the year, from a minimum rainfall of 10mm (0.4") in January and December to reaching a maximum of 107mm (4.2") in
May.
The presence of snowfall dramatically shifts throughout the year. The snowy months commence in
November, with an average snowfall reaching 157mm (6.2") and continue to ascend to 201mm (7.9") in
February, then taper off in
April with a moderate 30mm (1.2"). However, snowfall utterly evaporates from the landscape from May to
September, resurfacing only slightly in
October with 15mm (0.6") 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 21.7°C (71°F) to 26.2°C (79.1°F), accompanied by milder nights with lows ranging from 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 14.9°C (58.9°F). 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 86mm (3.4") in June, decreasing gradually to 51mm (2") 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 2.4°C (36.3°F) and -7.4°C (18.7°F) respectively. During this period, the area also receives the highest snowfall, with a peak of 264mm (10.4") 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 6.2°C (43.2°F) in
March to 15.9°C (60.7°F) by
May. The average lows likewise warm up from -4.1°C (24.6°F) to 5.3°C (41.6°F) in the same period. Simultaneously, rainfall sees a sharp increase from 30mm (1.2") in March to its annual peak at 107mm (4.2") by May. While snowfall should be expected in March and
April, by May it nearly vanishes, dropping to 30mm (1.2").
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 21.7°C (71°F) in
June up to 26.2°C (79.1°F) by
July, while low temperatures increase from 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 14.9°C (58.9°F) in the same span. Rainfall during the months from June to
August is abundant, peaking at 86mm (3.4") in June and then declining to 51mm (2") 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 19.9°C (67.8°F) in
September to 6.1°C (42.9°F) by
November. Low temperatures also exhibit a similar fall, from 9°C (48.2°F) to -3.3°C (26°F) over the same period. Rainfall decreases from 46mm (1.8") in September to 15mm (0.6") in November. Snow begins to make its first appearance in
October at 15mm (0.6"), and increases to 157mm (6.2") 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 2.4°C (36.3°F) in
December to a low of -7.7°C (18.1°F) in
January. Snowfall is prevalent, reaching 147mm (5.8") in December, peaking at 264mm (10.4") 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 147mm (5.8") recorded throughout the month. Notably, this is a month of extreme temperatures with thermometers showing mercury levels dipping as low as -7.4°C (18.7°F) on some nights.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather in March
In a departure from the preceding months,
March witnesses a rise in average temperatures from 2.6°C (36.7°F) to 6.2°C (43.2°F). It also enjoys longer daylight, allowing visitors to have extended hours for exploration. Precipitation takes a different turn, with rainfall reaching 30mm (1.2") and snowfall tallying 264mm (10.4") - the highest of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a significant shift with temperatures surging to 10.4°C (50.7°F), indicative of the transition from the chilling winter to the relatively warmer spring. Snowfall decreases dramatically this month to 274mm (10.8"), a considerable reduction from
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees a further increase in temperature, reaching a comfortable 15.9°C (60.7°F) on average. This month experiences the highest rainfall of the year at 107mm (4.2"), 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 21.7°C (71°F), 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
Weather in August
August reflects a minor decrease in averages temperatures from 26.2°C (79.1°F) in
July to 25.6°C (78.1°F). Rainfall is further reduced to 51mm (2") 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 19.9°C (67.8°F). 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 12.7°C (54.9°F), 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 91mm (3.6").
Weather in October » Weather in November
With mercury levels falling to 6.1°C (42.9°F) on average,
November heralds the onset of winter. Snowfall sharply increases to 157mm (6.2"), 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