The Best Time to Visit Wind Cave National Park

Are you hoping to spend time at Wind Cave National Park but are unsure of when to go?

My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I lived in South Dakota for a while, and I can’t wait to help you determine the best time to visit Wind Cave!

You’ll want to consider things like the weather, what’s open, and the crowds when choosing the best time to visit Wind Cave National Park. Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:

• Beat the crowds: April or October
• Travel during the summer: June
• Go backpacking: June or September
• Save money: April or October
• Have a unique adventure: December

Wind Cave is open all year, but the weather can change in an instant! Each season will give you a completely different experience in this park, so let’s talk about what to expect each month so that you can make an informed decision on the best time to visit Wind Cave!

Average Monthly Temperatures at Wind Cave

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High (F)	37	42	50	61	71	81	89	88	78	66	50	40
Avg Low (F)	11	15	21	32	42	51	57	55	45	34	23	14
Avg Snow (“)	6.6	5.9	7.4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6
Avg Rain (“)	0.4	0.6	0.9	1.8	2.9	3	2.3	1.8	1.2	1	0.5	0.5

These are temperatures for the surface of the park, not the cave itself. When you tour Wind Cave, expect the temperature inside the cave to be 54 degrees year-round!

Winter at Wind Cave (December-March)

Winter is the slowest and coldest season at Wind Cave National Park. Although most activities and roads throughout the park are open year-round, temporary closures may occur when it snows.

Expect frigid temperatures and frequent snowfall if you visit Wind Cave during the winter. The southern section of the Black Hills (where this park is located) stays warmer and drier than the northern section, but a “mild” winter in South Dakota can still be colder and snowier than you’re used to!

If you’re looking to beat the crowds and save money on lodging, this is a unique time to be in the park. Cave tours are running, so you’ll still be able to explore this beautiful cave system.

December at Wind Cave

Expect the first big snowstorms of the season to happen in December at Wind Cave National Park. Cave tours are still available during this month, and the park landscape is usually covered in snow, making it a magical and unique time to visit.

You’ll find many fun Christmas activities in the Rapid City area this month, so this can be a fun park to visit in December. Just be sure to pack your warmest winter gear!

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open year-round but are subject to closures due to snowstorms, especially backcountry roads like NPS 5 and 6.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open every day except for Christmas Day.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• Wildlife viewing is possible, but most animals are less active during this month.
• Prairie dogs are active year-round, even in the winter.
• For some extra Christmas fun near Wind Cave, check out Kris Kringle’s Christmas Market in Deadwood.
• Crowd levels are low.

January at Wind Cave

January is usually the coldest month of the year at Wind Cave National Park, and the snow is usually falling and accumulating at this time.

Trail and road closures are common in January, but cave tours are still offered if the roads are open!

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open year-round but are subject to closures due to snowstorms, especially backcountry roads like NPS 5 and 6.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open every day except for New Year’s Day.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• Wildlife viewing is possible, but most animals are less active during this month.
• Prairie dogs are active year-round, even in the winter.
• The Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo starts at the end of January.
• Crowd levels are low.

February at Wind Cave

February is one of the least-busy months at Wind Cave, making it a perfect time to visit if you want to take advantage of smaller crowds.

Conditions on the surface of the park can change at any moment during the winter — hiking trails or roads might close during this time due to snow. If you’re visiting in February, have a backup plan and watch the weather closely.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open year-round but are subject to closures due to snowstorms, especially backcountry roads like NPS 5 and 6.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• Wildlife viewing is possible, but most animals are less active during this month.
• Prairie dogs are active year-round, even in the winter.
• Crowd levels are low.

March at Wind Cave

Spring hasn’t sprung quite yet at Wind Cave in March, with average low temperatures well below freezing and more snowfall than any other month.

Cave tours are running and the prairie dogs are still active at this time. As long as the weather holds and the roads are open, you can still have a great experience here in March!

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open year-round but are subject to closures due to snowstorms, especially backcountry roads like NPS 5 and 6.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• Wildlife viewing is possible, but most animals are less active during this month.
• Prairie dogs are active year-round, even in the winter.
• Crowd levels are low.

Spring at Wind Cave (April and May)

Spring is when things start to pick up at Wind Cave National Park; the bison start to roam around a bit more, crowd levels pick up a bit, and the temperatures start to thaw out.

Temperatures hover in the 60s (with some 70-degree days if you’re lucky!). Rainstorms are common during the spring, so be sure to bring your waterproof gear if you plan on exploring the park outside of the cave.

Expect most of the park roads, hiking trails, and other activities to be open, with the exception of temporary closures due to washouts after large rainstorms.

April at Wind Cave

April marks the beginning of spring at Wind Cave National Park. Expect cave tours to be more in demand with possible sell-out days and more crowds. Along with cave visitors, wildlife sightings become more frequent in April as well!

The weather can still be quite chilly at this time, but in general, expect to be cool and comfortable as you explore the park.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open year-round but may close temporarily due to heavy rains.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• The animals are out, so you should have good luck viewing wildlife.
• Prairie dogs are active.
• Crowd levels are low.

May at Wind Cave

The Wind Cave visiting season is in full swing in May. Crowd numbers swell as visitors come for cave tours, frequent wildlife sightings, and great hiking conditions.

With the exception of occasional rain-related road closures, you should be able to explore the whole park in May. It’s a great time to be here before the busy summer season arrives.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open year-round but may close temporarily due to heavy rains.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• The animals are out, so you should have good luck viewing wildlife.
• Prairie dogs are active.
• Crowd levels are moderate.

Summer at Wind Cave (June-August)

Summer temperatures are nice and hot at Wind Cave National Park, but the cave stays comfortable at 54 degrees year-round! Taking a tour through the cave system is the perfect way to escape the 90-degree temperatures on the surface.

You’ll want to book your cave tour at least one day in advance if you want to ensure that you can see the cave when you’re visiting during the summer — this is the most crowded time of year and tours sell out in advance.

Large thunderstorms are common at Wind Cave during the summer months. These storms can bring hail, lightning, and flash flooding that can temporarily close down areas of the park.

June at Wind Cave

Summer temperatures set in this month, along with all of the crowds! June is the wettest month in Wind Cave National Park, so bring your rain gear.

I suggest visiting Wind Cave in June if you need to travel during the summer but are hoping for slightly smaller summer crowds.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but construction or weather-related closures are possible.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• Cave tours will sell out each day during this month. Book your cave tour in advance!
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• The animals are out, so you should have good luck viewing wildlife.
• Prairie dogs are active.
• Crowd levels are high.

July at Wind Cave

July is the hottest month at Wind Cave National Park, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen for the surface. If you plan on touring the cave, keep in mind that the cave is 54 degrees year-round so you’ll probably want a light jacket!

Visitation numbers are at their highest in July and cave tours will sell out each day. Book your cave tour in advance online so that you don’t miss out on touring Wind Cave.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but construction or weather-related closures are possible.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• Cave tours will sell out each day during this month. Book your cave tour in advance!
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• The animals are out, so you should have good luck viewing wildlife.
• Prairie dogs are active.
• It is common for large thunderstorms to roll through the park with little notice during this month. Bring rain gear and come prepared with a plan B if you’re hoping to explore the surface of Wind Cave.
• You can find so many amazing 4th of July activities in the Black Hills! The 4th of July weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year, so plan accordingly.
• Crowd levels are extremely high.

August at Wind Cave

August is the last month of summer at Wind Cave National Park, so crowds are high, wildlife is plentiful, and thunderstorms are expected.

Cave tours sell out daily in August, so be sure to book a tour in advance.

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but construction or weather-related closures are possible.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• Cave tours will sell out each day during this month. Book your cave tour in advance!
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• The animals are out, so you should have good luck viewing wildlife.
• Prairie dogs are active.
• It is common for large thunderstorms to roll through the park with little notice during this month. Bring rain gear and come prepared with a plan B if you’re hoping to explore the surface of Wind Cave.
• It’s Sturgis! This famous motorcycle rally occurs at the beginning of August every year and brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to this area of South Dakota. Expect high lodging prices and massive crowds this month.
• Crowd levels are extremely high.

Autumn at Wind Cave (September – November)

Fall is my favorite time to visit Wind Cave National Park and the Black Hills! The temperatures are still comfortable for hiking, the crowd levels start to thin out, and sightings of animals like elk and buffalo are extremely likely!

The park receives little rain and usually no snow during these months, too, so trail and road closures are rare. Cave tours are running, and the park is ready for you to come and explore.

September at Wind Cave

September is a magical time at Wind Cave National Park. The temperature and crowd levels drop a bit from the summer highs, and the days are still sunny and enjoyable.

A September visit means that cave tours are running, hiking trails and roads are usually open, and wildlife encounters are commonplace.

I suggest a visit to Wind Cave in September if you’re hoping for less competition for cave tour tickets and would like to hear the elk bugle!

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but construction or weather-related closures are possible.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• Cave tours will sell out each day during this month. Book your cave tour in advance!
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• The animals are out, so you should have good luck viewing wildlife.
• Prairie dogs are active.
• Elk are especially active this month, and you can often hear them bugling.
• The Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is usually held at the end of September, and it’s amazing!
• Crowd levels are high.

October at Wind Cave

October is a lovely time to be at Wind Cave National Park! The landscape takes on an orange glow, and the elk are still out bugling.

The weather can be a little more finicky this time of year, with a snowstorm or two not completely unheard of. But generally, if you hope to get out and hike or drive a back road in October, you should have no problem doing so!

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open, but construction or weather-related closures are possible.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• Cave tours may sell out during this month. Book your cave tour in advance!
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• The animals are out, so you should have good luck viewing wildlife.
• Prairie dogs are active.
• Elk are especially active this month, and you can often hear them bugling.
• The Black Hills Powwow is held at the beginning of October each year. Come and experience this fun and educational Native American gathering!
• Crowd levels are moderate.

November at Wind Cave

November is right on the brink of winter at Wind Cave National Park. Snow will usually start falling in the Black Hills area at this time, though Wind Cave generally avoids the bigger storms until December.

Touring the cave is the best way to spend your time at the park during this month. If the weather holds, you will have no problem getting out onto the trails or viewing wildlife!

What You Need to Know

• All park roads are open but are subject to closures due to snowstorms, especially backcountry roads like NPS 5 and 6.
• The Wind Cave Visitor Center is open every day except Thanksgiving Day.
• The Elk Mountain Campground is open.
• Guided tours of the cave are running.
• All activities and hiking trails are typically open, but weather-related closures may occur.
• The animals are out, so you should have good luck viewing wildlife.
• Prairie dogs are active.
• Rapid City hosts its annual Festival of Lights Parade at the end of November to kick off the holiday season!
• Crowd levels are low.

Now that you’ve learned about the best time to visit Wind Cave National Park, you’re ready to make your dream trip to the Black Hills a reality. Happy trails!

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