Mount Rushmore National Memorial in September
September at Mount Rushmore National Memorial averages a daytime high near 69°F and an overnight low around 50°F, with about 1.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.7× the park's average month, which makes September a very busy month here.
- Average low
- 50°F
- Average high
- 69°F
Range across the year: 18°F to 79°F
- Precipitation
- 1.8 in
- Daylight
- 12.3 hours
Roughly 14% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 309,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes September the 4th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (3×) and the January low (0.1×).
September is our recommended month at Mount Rushmore: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 59°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 63% of annual visitors, choosing September instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 12.3 hours of daylight in September 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.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 78°F / 58°F | 2.4× Very busy | 62 Good |
| September | 69°F / 50°F | 1.7× Very busy | 60 Good |
| October | 55°F / 37°F | 0.6× Quiet | 48 Fair |
All twelve months at Mount Rushmore, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Mount Rushmore in September
The National Park Service tags 3 Mount Rushmore activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Walk the Presidential Trail · 20-45 minutes
- Hiking The Blackberry Trail · 30-60 minutes
- Visit The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center · 30-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 69°F and an overnight low around 50°F at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with about 1.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is very busy at Mount Rushmore National Memorial (about 1.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 60/100. September is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. September sits at about 1.7× the park's average, or 14% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 309,000 recreation visits at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Mount Rushmore in September
Booking a September trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Mount Rushmore
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Mount Rushmore in September?
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in September.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.