Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Badlands National Park in September
Badlands National Park cools off: highs slip to 78°F (26°C), from 89°F in August, with lows of 51°F (11°C) and about 1.4 in (35 mm) of rain.
September opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 96/100 (the top score of the year).
- Avg high
- 78°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 1.4 in (35 mm)
- Humidity
- 53%
- Cloud cover
- 41%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 17 min
- Comfort score
- 96/100 · Great
What September feels like
Days are warm, averaging 78°F (26°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (27°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Rain is moderate at about 1.4 in (35 mm) for the month.
Plan around September
September is one of Badlands National Park's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 61°F.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May and September & October.
- Comfort improves from 78/100 in August to 96/100.
- September sits inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes78°F afternoons
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 51°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Badlands National Park in September
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant
The park's only restaurant, known for Indian tacos and bison burgers.
Why now September scores 96/100 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 78°F and 1.4 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.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
Short accessible boardwalk with fossil replicas of ancient mammals.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Main park visitor center with a fossil prep lab and orientation film.
Nearby in September
- Black Hills in September~64 mi · highs 70°F, 1.6 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Medora in September~219 mi · highs 74°F, 1.9 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Rocky Mountain NP in September~297 mi · highs 63°F, 1.7 in rain · 8°C (15°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Badlands National Park?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 96/100. Expect highs of 78°F (26°C) and 1.4 in (35 mm) of rain. September is inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
How hot is Badlands National Park in September?
Average highs are 78°F (26°C) and average lows 51°F (11°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Badlands National Park in September?
Not much: about 1.4 in (35 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 16.9 in (429 mm).
What should I pack for Badlands National Park in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (78°F afternoons), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 51°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Badlands National Park
Routes in season in September
- Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills May – Sep
Planning Badlands National Park in September?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.