Mount Rushmore in November
Good time to visit
November marks the slide into winter with unpredictable weather and closing attractions. You'll save money but deal with limited options and the constant threat of early winter storms.
Weather
November turns cold fast with freezing nights and cool days. Snow becomes more likely, especially late in the month. Gray skies dominate, and winter storms can move in suddenly with little warning.
8°C high-4°C low4 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$95/day average
November Tips
- •Many attractions reduce hours or close for winter after Thanksgiving
- •Check weather forecasts carefully - early blizzards can hit
- •Hotel rates drop significantly but so do services and amenities
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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