Mount Rushmore in April
Good time to visit
April marks the real start of tourist season with pleasant weather and reopening attractions. You'll deal with some rain, but it's worth it to see the Black Hills come back to life after winter.
Weather
April finally shakes off winter's grip with mild days and cool nights. Rain becomes more common than snow, though late-season storms can still bring a few inches. The landscape starts greening up, making everything look less stark.
15°C high2°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$105/day average
April Tips
- •Bring rain gear - April showers are frequent and can be heavy
- •Book accommodations early as many places reopen after winter closures
- •The Iron Mountain Road scenic drive reopens fully this month
All Months
May through October offers the best weather, but July brings crushing crowds and 90-degree heat. September hits the sweet spot — warm days, cool nights, and autumn colors starting to show in the Black Hills. The monument stays open year-round, but winter temperatures drop to 20 degrees and snow can make driving treacherous. Spring weather stays unpredictable through April, with possible snow storms. Summer means 6am sunrises hitting the monument faces perfectly, creating the best photo opportunities. But you'll share that moment with 3 million other annual visitors. The lighting ceremony happens nightly at 9pm in summer, 7pm in fall — worth staying for if you can handle the patriotic speeches.
Mount Rushmore Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
5/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
4/10
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