Mid-spring · Weather & things to do
Black Hills in April
Black Hills warms up: highs climb to 51°F (11°C), from 43°F in March, with lows of 27°F (-3°C) and about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 66/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 51°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 27°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.1 in (54 mm)
- Humidity
- 63%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 66/100 · Good
What April feels like
Afternoons only reach about 51°F (11°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Average lows of 27°F (-3°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with lows well below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around April
April sits mid-table; the best months are June – September.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by May, lows rise to 37°F.
- Comfort improves from 53/100 in March to 66/100.
- Our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends May – Sep, so April falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for April
- Insulated jackethighs only 51°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 27°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Black Hills in April
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Black Elk Peak Trail
7-mile round trip from Sylvan Lake to a stone fire tower on South Dakota's highest point.
Why now April scores 66/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Wildlife Loop Road
18-mile road through Custer State Park prairie with bison herds and begging burros.
Why now Highs near 51°F and 2.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Sylvan Lake
Granite-ringed lake with an easy 1-mile shoreline loop and boulder scrambles.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
State Game Lodge
1920s lodge, the former Summer White House, serving buffalo and pheasant dishes.
Purple Pie Place
Purple-painted pie shop in Custer known for rhubarb and berry pies.
Nearby in April
- Badlands National Park in April~64 mi · highs 61°F, 2.0 in rain · 5°C (9°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Medora in April~217 mi · highs 56°F, 1.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Rocky Mountain NP in April~259 mi · highs 43°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Denver in April~287 mi · highs 65°F, 2.0 in rain · 7°C (13°F) warmer 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.
Black Hills in April: quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Black Hills?
It's middling, scoring 66/100. The best months are June – September, at up to 96. Expect highs of 51°F (11°C) and 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow. Our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends May – Sep, so April is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Black Hills in April?
Average highs are 51°F (11°C) and average lows 27°F (-3°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Black Hills in April?
Not much: about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls across April on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 19.2 in (487 mm).
What should I pack for Black Hills in April?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 51°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 27°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Black Hills
Planning Black Hills in April?
Share this April plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.