Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Badlands National Park in July
Badlands National Park's warmest month brings highs averaging 93°F (34°C), lows of 65°F (18°C) and about 1.9 in (49 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 68/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 93°F (34°C)
- Avg low
- 65°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 1.9 in (49 mm)
- Humidity
- 49%
- Cloud cover
- 41%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 58 min
- Comfort score
- 68/100 · Good
What July feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 93°F (34°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 16°C (28°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Rain is moderate at about 1.9 in (49 mm) for the month.
Plan around July
July sits mid-table; the best months are May and September & October.
- Comfort slips from 81/100 in June to 68/100.
- July sits inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clothes93°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 65°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Badlands National Park in July
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Sage Creek Rim Road
Gravel road past Roberts Prairie Dog Town and frequent bison herds.
Why now July scores 68/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
Short accessible boardwalk with fossil replicas of ancient mammals.
Why now Highs near 93°F and 1.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Badlands Loop Road
SD Highway 240 through the park, with overlooks every few miles.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Cold War missile site with a visitor center and the Delta-09 silo viewing window.
Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant
The park's only restaurant, known for Indian tacos and bison burgers.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 93°F.
Nearby in July
- Black Hills in July~64 mi · highs 83°F, 2.4 in rain · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Medora in July~219 mi · highs 89°F, 2.1 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Rocky Mountain NP in July~297 mi · highs 75°F, 2.1 in rain · 10°C (18°F) cooler by day, about as wet
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 July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Badlands National Park?
It's middling, scoring 68/100. The best months are May and September & October, at up to 96. Expect highs of 93°F (34°C) and 1.9 in (49 mm) of rain. July is inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
How hot is Badlands National Park in July?
Average highs are 93°F (34°C) and average lows 65°F (18°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Badlands National Park in July?
Not much: about 1.9 in (49 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 16.9 in (429 mm).
What should I pack for Badlands National Park in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (93°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 65°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Badlands National Park
Routes in season in July
- Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills May – Sep
Planning Badlands National Park in July?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.