Badlands · May · South Dakota
Badlands National Park in May
May is a prime month to visit Badlands National Park. Expect busy. Highs average 68°F and lows 47°F, with about 3.3 inches of rain.
May gets a prime rating at Badlands. The very best months are May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Prime season starts
What to expect
May is prime at Badlands. The prairie greens up and wildflowers bloom. Bison calves are born.
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 May a good time to visit Badlands National Park?
May is a prime month to visit Badlands National Park. Expect busy. Highs average 68°F and lows 47°F, with about 3.3 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in Badlands National Park in May?
Highs average 68°F and lows 47°F, with about 3.3 inches of rain. May is rated prime for visiting.
How crowded is Badlands National Park in May?
May brings busy to Badlands National Park. Go early in the day and book lodging ahead.