Home › Destinations › Mount Rushmore
Weather in Mount Rushmore
Presidential faces carved in Black Hills granite
—
Loading live weather...
About Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore's four presidential faces tower 60 feet high from Black Hills granite, a feat of early 20th-century engineering carved by hand. The visitor center explains the sculpture's vision. Sunset light angles dramatically on the carved stone.
Best months to visit
July, August
Things to do in Mount Rushmore
View Mount Rushmore from multiple angles and distances
Hike the Presidential Trail circling the base
Tour the sculptor's studio and learn the carving process
Attend evening lighting ceremony at sunset
Explore the visitor center's museum and film
Photograph the monument in changing light throughout the day
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
2C
Cold, with occasional showers.
February
0C
Cold, with occasional showers.
March
6C
Cold, with occasional showers.
April
9C
Cold, with some rainy days.
May
14C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
June
22C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
July
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
August
24C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
September
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
12C
Cool, with occasional showers.
November
6C
Cold, with occasional showers.
December
2C
Cold, with occasional showers.
Mount Rushmore's four 60-foot granite faces are smaller in person than photos suggest, but the setting — pine-covered Black Hills granite peaks — gives the monument real grandeur, especially at the evening lighting ceremony. Most visitors pair it with nearby Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is still being carved decades after work began. Plan a full day to do the Black Hills properly.
Best areas to stay in Mount Rushmore
Keystone
The closest town to the monument, with the bulk of hotels, restaurants, and gift shops for visitors.
Hill City
A historic Black Hills town with galleries, breweries, and the 1880 Train steam railway.
Custer
Gateway to Custer State Park, good base for wildlife drives and hiking in the southern Black Hills.
Rapid City
The region's main hub, with the airport, larger hotel selection, and the City of Presidents statue trail downtown.
Getting to Mount Rushmore
✈
Flights
Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), about 25 miles from Mount Rushmore.
⏱
From London
~11–13 hours from London with one or two connections, plus a 30-minute drive.
🚕
Getting around
A car is necessary; the monument and surrounding Black Hills attractions are spread across a rural area with no transit.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Mount Rushmore?
Late spring through early autumn has the most reliable weather and full visitor centre hours; the evening lighting ceremony runs nightly from late May to September.
How do I get around the Black Hills?
A car is essential — distances between Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial are short but there's no public transport.
How much time should I budget?
Two to three hours at the monument itself, but a full day if combining with Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop Road and Crazy Horse.
Is there an entrance fee?
There's no admission fee, but a parking fee applies (covered by an annual pass if you're visiting multiple national sites).
What's nearby worth seeing?
Custer State Park's bison herds, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the town of Keystone for food and lodging are all within a short drive.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The evening programme with the lighting ceremony was unexpectedly moving — a ranger talk followed by the faces lighting up against the night sky.
Pete A. · August 2024
★★★★☆
Smaller than I expected but the Black Hills setting makes the whole trip worthwhile. Don't skip Custer State Park on the way.
Diane K. · June 2023
★★★★☆
Went early morning before the crowds and got great light for photos. The visitor centre exhibits on the carving history were better than expected.
Rob T. · September 2024
Ready to visit Mount Rushmore?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
