Late spring · Weather & things to do
Badlands National Park in May
The year's rain peaks now, with about 3.1 in (78 mm) falling in Badlands National Park, alongside highs near 72°F (22°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C).
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 86/100 (2nd of 12).
- Avg high
- 72°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 45°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 3.1 in (78 mm)
- Humidity
- 57%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 33 min
- Comfort score
- 86/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 72°F (22°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (26°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.1 in (78 mm).
Plan around May
May is one of Badlands National Park's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 72°F, up from 61°F in April.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, April – June.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May and September & October.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 81/100.
- May sits inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes72°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 45°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.1 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Badlands National Park in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Main park visitor center with a fossil prep lab and orientation film.
Why now May scores 86/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Sage Creek Rim Road
Gravel road past Roberts Prairie Dog Town and frequent bison herds.
Why now Highs near 72°F and 3.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
Short accessible boardwalk with fossil replicas of ancient mammals.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Badlands Loop Road
SD Highway 240 through the park, with overlooks every few miles.
Wall Drug
Sprawling roadside stop since 1931 with 5-cent coffee, donuts and free ice water.
Nearby in May
- Black Hills in May~64 mi · highs 62°F, 3.6 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Medora in May~219 mi · highs 68°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Rocky Mountain NP in May~297 mi · highs 54°F, 2.7 in rain or snow · 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Badlands National Park?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 86/100. Expect highs of 72°F (22°C) and 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
How hot is Badlands National Park in May?
Average highs are 72°F (22°C) and average lows 45°F (7°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Badlands National Park in May?
Some: about 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 16.9 in (429 mm).
What should I pack for Badlands National Park in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (72°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 45°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.1 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Badlands National Park
Routes in season in May
- Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills May – Sep
Planning Badlands National Park in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.