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How Crowded Is Mount Rushmore National Memorial in February?

Very quiet0.1× average month · best-time score 44/100

February runs about 0.1× Mount Rushmore National Memorial's average month, which makes it a very quiet month here — roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in February.

In a typical February the park sees about 23,000 recreation visits, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.

That makes February the 11th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (3×) and the January low (0.1×).

On our Best Time to Visit score February rates 44/100 ("Poor"), versus the top-rated August at 61/100 — best overall balance of crowds, weather and daylight.

Typical February weather, from 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals at the nearest station, averages a daytime high near 36°F and an overnight low around 18°F, with about 0.8" of precipitation and roughly 9" of snow.

That average of about 27°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground.

Because June, July and August together draw about 63% of annual visitors, choosing February instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.

You'll have about 10.2 hours of daylight in February to explore — between the 8.7-hour midwinter low and the 15.3-hour summer high.

Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,905,649 recreation visits, up 3% from 1,850,329 in 2024.

Reviewed by WhenToVisitParks Editorial Team · Updated

Frequently Asked Questions

February is very quiet at Mount Rushmore National Memorial (about 0.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor". The single best month overall is August.

The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. February sits at about 0.1× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.

A typical February sees about 23,000 recreation visits at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.

Where to stay near Mount Rushmore in February

Booking a February trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live February availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Mount Rushmore

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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in February.

Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (19792025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-07-14.