Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Medora in October
Medora cools off: highs slip to 56°F (13°C), from 74°F in September, with lows of 35°F (2°C) and about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
It scores 77/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 56°F (13°C)
- Avg low
- 35°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (29 mm)
- Humidity
- 64%
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 37 min
- Comfort score
- 77/100 · Great
What October feels like
Highs near 56°F (13°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 35°F (2°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
Plan around October
October is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (May & June and August & September).
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 10°C (18°F) from September.
- Comfort slips from 94/100 in September to 77/100.
- 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 35°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Medora in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Painted Canyon Overlook
Wide overlook of layered badlands just off I-90, often with bison below.
Why now October scores 77/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Theodore's Dining Room
Dining room in the restored Rough Riders Hotel, the best sit-down meal in town.
Buck Hill
One of the highest points in the South Unit with a short paved walk to 360-degree views.
Why now Highs near 56°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
South Unit Scenic Loop Drive
Paved drive through badlands with bison, wild horses and prairie dog towns.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Wind Canyon Trail
Short 0.4-mile trail to a bluff above the Little Missouri River with wind-carved sandstone.
Nearby in October
- Black Hills in October~217 mi · highs 52°F, 1.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Badlands National Park in October~219 mi · highs 61°F, 1.3 in rain · 3°C (5°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.
Medora in October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Medora?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 77/100 against a best of 94 in May & June and August & September. Expect highs of 56°F (13°C) and 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain. Our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends May – Sep, so October is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Medora in October?
Average highs are 56°F (13°C) and average lows 35°F (2°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Medora in October?
Not much: about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 16.6 in (422 mm).
What should I pack for Medora in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 35°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Medora 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.