Weather Forecast and Radar for Badlands National Park

Routes Running Nearby to Badlands National Park

• The I-90 runs east-west through Badlands National Park.

Weather in Badlands National Park

Weather in Badlands National Park is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116°F to -40°F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands.. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall.

The park gets about 16 inches of precipitation annually, most of which falls during the warmer months. June is the wettest month, while December and January are the driest.

Sudden and dramatic weather changes are common. Visitors are urged to dress in layers and be prepared with hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and adequate water for hiking. If rain is in the forecast, rain jackets and waterproof or water-resistant boots are strongly recommended. Checking the local weather forecast before heading out on a drive or hike is always a good idea.

In Badlands National Park, the summers are hot and mostly clear and the winters are freezing, snowy, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 12°F to 91°F and is rarely below -7°F or above 102°F.

The hot season lasts for 3 months, from June to September, with an average daily high temperature above 79°F. The hottest month of the year in Badlands National Park is July, with an average high of 90°F and low of 61°F.

The cold season lasts for 3 months, from November to March, with an average daily high temperature below 45°F. The coldest month of the year in Badlands National Park is January, with an average low of 13°F and high of 35°F.

Fast Facts About Badlands National Park

The park was established in 1978.

Major Cities Nearby Badlands National Park

• Rapid City, South Dakota (roughly 55 miles to the west)

This map shows the current & 7-day weather forecast, weather alerts, and weather radar for Badlands National Park.