Mount Rushmore National Memorial in December
In December, Mount Rushmore National Memorial averages a high of 37°F and a low of 20°F, with 0.5 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow) and 6.6 inches of snowfall. About 22,000 people visit, the 10th busiest of 12 (quiet). Days are 8 hours 55 minutes long.
- Quiet
- Moderate
- Busy
- Very busy
- Few or no visits (may be closed)
- Best months
- High / low
- 37° / 20°F
- Precipitation
- 0.5in
- Snow
- 6.6in
- Daylight
- 8h 55m
- Visitors
- 22,000
- Crowds
- Quiet
Best months for weather and crowds instead: September (moderate).
Higher or lower in the park, expect a different picture: Rapid City Rgnl AP, SD at 3,160 ft averages a December high of 37°F and a low of 14°F.
Weather 1991–2020 averages at Mt Rushmore Nmem, SD, 0.3 miles from the park's center, 5,311 ft. Second station lower down: Rapid City Rgnl AP, SD, 3,160 ft, 22.9 miles. Visitors National Park Service recreation visits, average of 2023–2025. Updated .
Other parks in December
| Park | High / low °F | Crowds | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Cave National Park | 39° / 15° | Quiet | Cold |
| Badlands National Park | 37° / 12° | Quiet | Cold |
| Theodore Roosevelt National Park | 31° / 7° | Few or no visits | Cold |
| Rocky Mountain National Park | 30° / 5° | Quiet | Cold |
| Yellowstone National Park | 23° / 3° | Quiet | Cold |
Closures, reservations and alerts: Mount Rushmore National Memorial on nps.gov
All twelve months at Mount Rushmore National Memorial · National parks to visit in December