Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Badlands National Park in October
Badlands National Park cools off: highs slip to 61°F (16°C), from 78°F in September, with lows of 37°F (3°C) and about 1.3 in (34 mm) of rain.
At 86/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 61°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 37°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 1.3 in (34 mm)
- Humidity
- 61%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 86/100 · Great
What October feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 61°F (16°C), good for long walks.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 37°F (3°C), about 13°C (24°F) below the afternoon high.
About 1.3 in (34 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's October.
Plan around October
October is one of Badlands National Park's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 63/100.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 10°C (18°F) from September.
- Comfort slips from 96/100 in September to 86/100.
- Our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends May – Sep, so October falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 37°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Badlands National Park in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Door Trail
Easy 0.75-mile trail through a break in the Badlands Wall into eroded terrain.
Why now October scores 86/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Notch Trail
1.5-mile trail with a log ladder climb to a ledge over the White River Valley.
Why now Highs near 61°F and 1.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Pinnacles Overlook
Wide view across spires and layered buttes at the park's west end.
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.
Nearby in October
- Black Hills in October~64 mi · highs 52°F, 1.4 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Medora in October~219 mi · highs 56°F, 1.1 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Rocky Mountain NP in October~297 mi · highs 48°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 7°C (13°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 October: quick answers
Is October 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 61°F (16°C) and 1.3 in (34 mm) of rain. Our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends May – Sep, so October is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Badlands National Park in October?
Average highs are 61°F (16°C) and average lows 37°F (3°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Badlands National Park in October?
Not much: about 1.3 in (34 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 16.9 in (429 mm).
What should I pack for Badlands National Park in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 37°F) 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 October?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.