Late winter · Weather & things to do
Badlands National Park in February
Little changes in Badlands National Park from January: highs stay near 38°F (3°C), lows near 17°F (-8°C), and about 0.5 in (13 mm) of rain or snow falls.
With a comfort score of 48/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 17°F (-8°C)
- Rain or snow
- 0.5 in (13 mm)
- Humidity
- 68%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 48/100 · Fair
What February feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 38°F (3°C).
Average lows of 17°F (-8°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Precipitation is light, about 0.5 in (13 mm) of rain or snow, and since the average temperature is below freezing, what does fall may well be snow.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from January (49 → 48/100).
- Our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends May – Sep, so February falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for February
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 17°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Badlands National Park in February
With highs near 38°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Wall Drug
Sprawling roadside stop since 1931 with 5-cent coffee, donuts and free ice water.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Door Trail
Easy 0.75-mile trail through a break in the Badlands Wall into eroded terrain.
Notch Trail
1.5-mile trail with a log ladder climb to a ledge over the White River Valley.
Pinnacles Overlook
Wide view across spires and layered buttes at the park's west end.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
Short accessible boardwalk with fossil replicas of ancient mammals.
Nearby in February
- Black Hills in February~64 mi · highs 32°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Medora in February~219 mi · highs 31°F, 0.4 in rain or snow · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Rocky Mountain NP in February~297 mi · highs 25°F, 1.5 in rain or snow · 7°C (13°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Badlands National Park in February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Badlands National Park?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 48/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and September & October. Expect highs of 38°F (3°C) and 0.5 in (13 mm) of rain or snow. Our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends May – Sep, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Badlands National Park in February?
Average highs are 38°F (3°C) and average lows 17°F (-8°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Badlands National Park in February?
Not much: about 0.5 in (13 mm) of rain or snow falls across February on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 16.9 in (429 mm).
What should I pack for Badlands National Park in February?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 17°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Badlands National Park
Planning Badlands National Park in February?
Share this February plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.