Late winter · Weather & things to do
Black Hills in February
Little changes in Black Hills from January: highs stay near 32°F (0°C), lows near 12°F (-11°C), and about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow falls.
With a comfort score of 49/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 32°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 12°F (-11°C)
- Rain or snow
- 0.7 in (18 mm)
- Humidity
- 72%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What February feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 32°F (0°C).
Average lows of 12°F (-11°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Precipitation is light, about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow, and since the average temperature is below freezing, what does fall may well be snow.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Comfort holds steady from January (50 → 49/100).
- Our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends May – Sep, so February falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for February
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 12°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Black Hills in February
With highs near 32°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Naughti Wines
Hill City tasting room on Hwy 385 pouring its own wines plus Sick-N-Twisted beers, with a patio and firepit.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 32°F.
State Game Lodge
1920s lodge, the former Summer White House, serving buffalo and pheasant dishes.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Purple Pie Place
Purple-painted pie shop in Custer known for rhubarb and berry pies.
Why now A cozy break on a 32°F day.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Ongoing mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader, with the Indian Museum of North America.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 32°F.
Wildlife Loop Road
18-mile road through Custer State Park prairie with bison herds and begging burros.
Nearby in February
- Badlands National Park in February~64 mi · highs 38°F, 0.5 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Medora in February~217 mi · highs 31°F, 0.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Rocky Mountain NP in February~259 mi · highs 25°F, 1.5 in rain or snow · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Denver in February~287 mi · highs 47°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · 8°C (15°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 February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Black Hills?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 49/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 32°F (0°C) and 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow. Our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends May – Sep, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Black Hills in February?
Average highs are 32°F (0°C) and average lows 12°F (-11°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Black Hills in February?
Not much: about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow falls across February on average, the 4th-driest 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 February?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 12°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Black Hills
Planning Black Hills in February?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.