Mount Rushmore in September
Great time to visit
September might be the perfect month to visit - gorgeous fall weather, smaller crowds than summer, and stunning autumn colors in the Black Hills. Prices drop from peak season but weather stays ideal.
Weather
September delivers the best weather of the year with warm days, cool nights, and crystal-clear skies. Humidity drops even lower, and thunderstorms become rare. Mornings can be downright chilly while afternoons stay perfectly warm.
23°C high9°C low6 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$135/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
- •Mickelson Trail Trek
September Tips
- •Pack warm layers for morning and evening - temperature swings are dramatic
- •This is peak fall foliage season in the Black Hills
- •Buffalo Roundup weekend gets busy but it's worth seeing
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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