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Bull_Rider's avatar
Bull_Rider
Explorer
Sep 07, 2014

Custer South Dakota in October?

We have wanted to visit the Custer South Dakota and Mount Rushmore area for several years. We have the time to head that way from Eastern Washington State in mid October this year. I'm concerned that the weather will go rapidly down hill about that time, I have read about the blizzard of 2013 where thousands of head of cattle were lost.

That being said, has anyone spent time in that area in October and/or November.

The National Weather Service reports that the average high is around 62 and the average low is around 37.

From South Dakota we would head south towards the California coast.

Thanks in advance....
  • Having grown up in the Black Hills near Custer, I remember my old deer hunting days in November. Seldom was there any snow or cold weather until mid-November, so you should be fine in October. As others have said, fall is a great time and there are no crowds.
  • We've been going up there for the past 6 years or so; the last week sept and frst week oct.
    It has snowed on us twice... About 4 inches, then warming back up.
    Roads not a problem. But how much later u can push it I cant say
  • I visited the area in OCT while back (non RV trip) and it was absolutely gorgeous and of course no people anywhere. It's the end of their season and some restaurants were still open while others were closed for the season. And we did have light snow on the trip back to MN. As long as you know how to handle the potential freezing temps in your RV, I think you will have a great trip. The area is Spectacular. Be sure to get to Deadwood. We like coming across SD and visiting the Badlands and Wall Drug etc.
  • Roy&Lynne wrote:
    I would think that you'll be find in October and while the weather might be chilly, the crowds will be gone by then. Just plan for possible frosty nights and get a good weather radio, and make sure you know what to do in case it does snow. It may happen but it shouldn't last long or be much of an issue.
    Going over the Rockies you'll, almost certainly hit snow, but they keep the Interstate in good condition so I would certainly go for it.


    We are also going though there in October instead of taking 80 across. Thank you for your pleasant answer.
  • Jim: Thanks for the link, I have it bookmarked. I did find the nuts and bolts temperatures and temperature averages. I was hoping for some local input. October here in Eastern Washington is a beautiful time of year. We seldom get snow here until Thanksgiving time. Again, thanks for the weather link.

    Roy&Lynne: Thank you for your input. Have you been in that area in Oct/Nov? We are no strangers to snow, or RVing in snow so we should be good in that area. We like camping in the spring and fall as there are fewer people and it makes for a more pleasant experience.

    Would like to hear from folks that have been there during the fall.

    Thanks.
  • I would think that you'll be find in October and while the weather might be chilly, the crowds will be gone by then. Just plan for possible frosty nights and get a good weather radio, and make sure you know what to do in case it does snow. It may happen but it shouldn't last long or be much of an issue.
    Going over the Rockies you'll, almost certainly hit snow, but they keep the Interstate in good condition so I would certainly go for it.
  • Weatherbase. I'll post this once again. Why every RVer doesn't have this site on their short list is beyond me.
    Weather stats for most towns within each state, by month over several years. For Custer, in this case.
    Will it give you the weather report in real time? No. But you'll know what to pack and the odds of having lousy weather for your planned visit. I've used it for years and found it to present a pretty good picture of what to prepare for. Beats having to walk around in shorts in 30 degree weather.
    BTW, its free.

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