Badlands · February · South Dakota

Badlands National Park in February

February is a fair month for Badlands National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 38°F and lows 18°F, with about 0.73 inches of rain.

February is rated fair at Badlands. Consider May–Jun, Sep–Oct instead.

Full park guideAll parks in February
RatingFair
CrowdsQuiet
Avg high / low38°F / 18°F
Rain0.73 in

What to expect

Honest take: February is not the month for Badlands. Cold and windy, but stark and beautiful under snow. You'll often have the park to yourself.

Local tip

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.

2-day Badlands itinerary · Packing list

Questions

Is February a good time to visit Badlands National Park?

February is a fair month for Badlands National Park, with some limitations. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 38°F and lows 18°F, with about 0.73 inches of rain.

What is the weather like in Badlands National Park in February?

Highs average 38°F and lows 18°F, with about 0.73 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 February?

February is one of the quietest months at Badlands National Park.