Custer South Dakota in October?

[Bull_Rider]

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....

[GoPackGo]

I'm thinking that the bigger problem might be the weather you could encounter in the Rockies while traveling back and forth between your home and the Black Hills. Those elevations are much higher, colder, and snowier then the Black Hills.

Someone posted yesterday that snow was forecast this week for Wyoming elevations above 5,000 ft. Don't know how that came out.

[dieseltruckdriv]

October is a great time of the year to visit here. I live in Lead, and we have about 6" of snow on the ground right now, but it will be gone in a day or two.

Snow in the Black Hills in October is common, but it normally doesn't last. Last years October storm was a fluke. But, we didn't quite make 4 months without snow.

I haven't winterized the camper yet. I am not giving up that easy.

[tatest]

It is a matter of luck.

At that time of year the Mount Rushmore area can be gorgeous, or you could get caught in an early blizzard. Averages are averages, extremes are extremes.

Weather forecasting has reached a stage where we can now get good information four to seven days ahead. Plan the trip based on averages, pay attention to forecasts when it becomes time to go, choose to go or cancel based on that.

I would not pass up the opportunity based on the possibility of relatively rare adverse weather, but I always leave some flexibility in my travel plans to allow for such events.

[PNW_Steve]

Last time I was in Custer was mid October. We arrived in mid 70's sunny weather.
We stayed 3 days and had 4-6" of snow on the ground.

[Bull_Rider]

Hmmm. Reading the posts and see on the news that that area got its first dump of snow. But we're still planning on visiting Custer, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands in late October.

But, we also have plan "B", which would be to head south from Washington State and hang out in California for a couple of months.... then east. Or initiate plan "C"... 🙂

[mpierce]

I live 3 hours north of there. Great time of year. However, there is a chance a storm will move thru, like anywhere. There is a chance of snow. But, it WILL be gone in a couple days. Just stay, and enjoy the area a little longer!

A number of the "tourist traps" will be closed. But, all the parks and roads will be open. NO CROWDS!

[Bull_Rider]

Awesome feedback. Much appreciated...

[photonanax3]

I was in Spearfish the end of September last year for a photo workshop, colors were just starting in the canyon. When I left on the Monday after the workshop, it was 75 and sunny and we started hearing about a "winter storm". That storm turned into 3 1/2' of snow throughout the region. Always be prepared for a quick change in the weather.

[john_bet]

We lived in Rapid City foe 9 years from '78 to '87 while I was active duty. You will find good to great weather some years and bad every now and then. The snow last year was a odd ball. We went thru North Dakota that week on our way to Great Falls ,Mt. No snow up there so go figure. In mid May of '84 Rapid City had 36" of snow in 37 hours. Gone a few days later. I would go and enjoy it.

[Roy_Lynne]

We were at Ellsworth AFB for a few months back when we were active duty and got there in October It has been awhile and with our crazy weather changes, it's probably not the same now, but, I really think you'll be just find as long as your prepared for the worst.

[Islandman]

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.

[Bull_Rider]

Thank you for your assistance.

[TexasShadow]

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

[tjfogelberg]

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.