Mount Rushmore in October
Great time to visit
October offers beautiful fall weather and colors with much lighter crowds than summer. The crisp air makes for perfect hiking weather, though you'll need to dress in layers for the temperature swings.
Weather
October brings crisp fall weather with sunny days and cold nights that hint at winter's approach. Frost becomes common in the mornings, but afternoons warm up nicely. Rain is rare, but the first snow flurries can appear by month's end.
16°C high2°C low4 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$115/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Deadwood's Oktoberfest
- •Fall Festival in Hill City
October Tips
- •Bring warm clothes for early morning and evening - frost is common
- •Fall colors peak in early October throughout the Black Hills
- •Many seasonal attractions start closing after mid-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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