Badlands · December · South Dakota
Badlands National Park in December
December is a fair month for Badlands National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 36°F and lows 19°F, with about 0.62 inches of rain.
December is rated fair at Badlands. Consider May–Jun, Sep–Oct instead.
What to expect
Honest take: December is not the month for Badlands. Cold and windy, but stark and beautiful under snow. You'll often have the park to yourself.
Pair it with Wind Cave, Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park in the Black Hills, about an hour away.
Good to know
- Best months overall: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Closest airport: Rapid City (RAP), about 1 hour.
- Before you go: Sage Creek Rim Road is unpaved and can be impassable when wet. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is December a good time to visit Badlands National Park?
December is a fair month for Badlands National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 36°F and lows 19°F, with about 0.62 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in Badlands National Park in December?
Highs average 36°F and lows 19°F, with about 0.62 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.
How crowded is Badlands National Park in December?
December is one of the quietest months at Badlands National Park.