Pipestone National Monument in September
September at Pipestone National Monument averages a daytime high near 73°F and an overnight low around 50°F, with about 3.3" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.5× the park's average month, which makes September a busy month here.
- Average low
- 50°F
- Average high
- 73°F
Range across the year: 5°F to 82°F
- Precipitation
- 3.3 in
- Daylight
- 12.3 hours
Roughly 12% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: roughly 9,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes September the 5th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.5×) and the January low (0.1×).
September is our recommended month at Pipestone: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 62°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 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 54% 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, 2024 drew 83,033 recreation visits, about flat from 83,189 in 2023.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 80°F / 59°F | 2.1× Very busy | 57 Fair |
| September | 73°F / 50°F | 1.5× Busy | 59 Fair |
| October | 59°F / 36°F | 1.0× Average | 50 Fair |
All twelve months at Pipestone, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Pipestone in September
The National Park Service tags 6 Pipestone activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Cultural Demonstrations · 0-60 minutes
- Indoor Interpretive Experiences · 15-60 minutes
- Outdoor Programs · 30-60 minutes
- Picnic at the Three Maidens · 0 minutes
- Exhibits & Film · 45-90 minutes
- Hike the Circle Trail · 20-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 73°F and an overnight low around 50°F at Pipestone National Monument, with about 3.3 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is busy at Pipestone National Monument (about 1.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 59/100. September is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. September sits at about 1.5× the park's average, or 12% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 9,000 recreation visits at Pipestone National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Pipestone in September
Booking a September trip to Pipestone National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Pipestone
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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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.