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Get the most accurate weather forecast for Mount Rushmore in Keystone, SD. Our real-time weather data provides current conditions, hourly forecasts, and 7-day weather outlook to help you plan your day.
Updated as of 06:18 AM local time | Live weather conditions
50°F
Wind Speed: 2.55 mph
Feels Like: 50°F
Location: 13000 SD-244
Coordinates: 43.8791, -103.4591
Mount Rushmore's Black Hills location at 5,725 feet creates unique weather patterns influenced by Rocky Mountain meteorology. The monument faces southeast, causing differential heating and cooling across the carved faces throughout the day. Chinook winds can raise winter temperatures by 40°F in hours, creating rapid snow melt around the sculpture. The granite faces reflect and absorb heat differently based on their carved angles, with Washington's face receiving the most direct sunlight and experiencing the highest temperatures. Summer thunderstorms approach from the west, often creating dramatic lighting effects on the carved faces while visitors remain in sunshine.
Our advanced weather monitoring system provides hyperlocal forecasts specifically calibrated for Mount Rushmore's unique atmospheric conditions, ensuring the most accurate weather predictions for your visit planning. Current barometric pressure, humidity levels, and wind direction measurements help predict the optimal times for photography, outdoor activities, and sightseeing at this remarkable monument.
Detailed hourly weather conditions for the next 24 hours in Keystone, SD. Plan your day with confidence using our accurate hour-by-hour weather predictions.
Our advanced meteorological analysis provides hour-by-hour weather precision for Mount Rushmore's unique microclimate. Each forecast incorporates elevation effects, local thermal patterns, and geographic influences specific to this monument in Keystone, SD.
| Feels Like | 47.88 °F | Humidity | 85 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 4.05 MPH | Cloud Cover | 99 % |
| Wind Gusts | 3.91 MPH | Visibility | 10 KM |
| Feels Like | 48.13 °F | Humidity | 80 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 4.5 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 6.91 MPH | Visibility | 10 KM |
| Feels Like | 52.77 °F | Humidity | 81 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 7.72 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 13.8 MPH | Visibility | 10 KM |
| Feels Like | 46.96 °F | Humidity | 82 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 6.58 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 9.98 MPH | Visibility | 6 KM |
| Feels Like | 38.89 °F | Humidity | 99 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 5.53 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 10.94 MPH | Visibility | 10 KM |
| Feels Like | 45.91 °F | Humidity | 97 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 5.75 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 13.38 MPH | Visibility | 1 KM |
| Feels Like | 49.28 °F | Humidity | 96 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 7.11 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 19.75 MPH | Visibility | 9 KM |
| Feels Like | 49.33 °F | Humidity | 97 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 5.39 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 15.21 MPH | Visibility | 1 KM |
With 49°F and overcast clouds conditions:
Consider indoor alternatives and covered venues due to current weather conditions.
Presidential Trail has multiple covered rest areas with interpretive displays. Avenue of Flags walkway provides wind protection with all 50 state flags. Sculptors Studio has indoor exhibits during inclement weather.
Complete hourly weather outlook for Mount Rushmore covering the next two days. Perfect for detailed planning of outdoor activities, travel, and daily routines in Keystone, SD.
Our advanced meteorological analysis provides hour-by-hour weather precision for Mount Rushmore's unique microclimate. Each forecast incorporates elevation effects, local thermal patterns, and geographic influences specific to this monument in Keystone, SD.
| Feels Like | 47.88 °F | Humidity | 85 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 4.05 MPH | Cloud Cover | 99 % |
| Wind Gusts | 3.91 MPH | Visibility | 10 KM |
| Feels Like | 48.13 °F | Humidity | 80 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 4.5 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 6.91 MPH | Visibility | 10 KM |
| Feels Like | 52.77 °F | Humidity | 81 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 7.72 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 13.8 MPH | Visibility | 10 KM |
| Feels Like | 46.96 °F | Humidity | 82 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 6.58 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 9.98 MPH | Visibility | 6 KM |
| Feels Like | 38.89 °F | Humidity | 99 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 5.53 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 10.94 MPH | Visibility | 10 KM |
| Feels Like | 45.91 °F | Humidity | 97 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 5.75 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 13.38 MPH | Visibility | 1 KM |
| Feels Like | 49.28 °F | Humidity | 96 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 7.11 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 19.75 MPH | Visibility | 9 KM |
| Feels Like | 49.33 °F | Humidity | 97 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 5.39 MPH | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind Gusts | 15.21 MPH | Visibility | 1 KM |
Weekly weather outlook for Keystone, SD. Get daily high and low temperatures, precipitation chances, and weather conditions to help you plan your week ahead.
Comprehensive weekly forecasting designed specifically for Mount Rushmore's geographic location and elevation profile. Our extended outlook considers seasonal patterns, local climate influences, and weather system trajectories affecting Keystone, SD.
| Sunrise | 06:00 am | Humidity | 85 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset | 06:00 pm | Cloud Cover | 99 % |
| Wind | 4.05 MPH | Wind Gusts | 3.91 MPH |
| Sunrise | 06:00 am | Humidity | 97 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset | 06:00 pm | Cloud Cover | 100 % |
| Wind | 5.75 MPH | Wind Gusts | 13.38 MPH |
| Sunrise | 06:00 am | Humidity | 73 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset | 06:00 pm | Cloud Cover | 70 % |
| Wind | 7.61 MPH | Wind Gusts | 8.16 MPH |
| Sunrise | 06:00 am | Humidity | 58 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset | 06:00 pm | Cloud Cover | 9 % |
| Wind | 5.61 MPH | Wind Gusts | 7.94 MPH |
| Sunrise | 06:00 am | Humidity | 37 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset | 06:00 pm | Cloud Cover | 38 % |
| Wind | 5.3 MPH | Wind Gusts | 8.19 MPH |
| Sunrise | 06:00 am | Humidity | 32 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset | 06:00 pm | Cloud Cover | 40 % |
| Wind | 5.41 MPH | Wind Gusts | 10.56 MPH |
Record High: 111°F (July 15, 2006 Black Hills heat wave)
Record Low: -31°F (February 2, 1996)
Mount Rushmore's granite faces have recorded surface temperatures of 140°F while air temperature remained 85°F. The monument experiences an average of 98 thunderstorm days annually, more than most mountain locations. Chinook winds have raised temperatures 49°F in 2 hours (January 1943 'Black Hills Miracle').
The Black Hills create their own weather patterns, often receiving precipitation when surrounding plains remain dry. The monument faces southeast, receiving maximum solar heating during morning hours. Winter temperature inversions can make the monument warmer than surrounding valleys.
The June 1972 Black Hills flood was caused by stationary thunderstorms that dropped 15 inches of rain in 6 hours. The 1990 derecho produced straight-line winds exceeding 100 mph, damaging forest around the monument. Lightning has struck the monument's faces 23 documented times without causing structural damage.
Spring: Dramatic weather swings - May snow followed by 70°F+ days. Chinook winds raise temps 40°F+ in hours. Mountain wildflowers peak June (200+ species). Summer: Afternoon thunderstorms with spectacular lightning. Granite faces reach 140°F+ while air temps comfortable. Low humidity despite heavy rains. Fall: Black Hills aspens turn golden October. Most stable weather patterns. First snow usually November. Winter: Severe with blizzards and sub-zero temps. Monument faces visible in heavy snow due to steep angles.
With 49°F and overcast clouds conditions:
Dramatic photography opportunities with storm lighting. Some elevated areas may close for safety. Visitor centers and covered viewing areas provide shelter.
Optimal photography conditions with clear skies. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday shadows. Bring extra water and sun protection for extended outdoor viewing.
Optimal viewing conditions with soft, even lighting for photography. Extended outdoor time comfortable for detailed exploration and multiple viewpoints.
Dramatic photography opportunities with storm lighting. Some elevated areas may close for safety. Visitor centers and covered viewing areas provide shelter.
Use extreme caution near elevated areas and cliff edges. Secure all loose items and camera equipment. Some observation areas may close during dangerous wind conditions.
Sunrise photography captures Mount Rushmore with dramatic side lighting and minimal crowds. Sunset provides warm illumination that enhances architectural details and creates compelling shadow patterns.
Architecture photography benefits from smaller apertures (f/8-f/11) for sharp detail across entire frame. Use spot metering for high contrast situations between shadowed and illuminated surfaces.
Explore elevated viewpoints and use foreground elements to frame Mount Rushmore. Look for reflective surfaces and architectural leading lines that draw the eye toward the main subject.
Landmark photography benefits from specific weather conditions: partly cloudy skies (not overcast) provide optimal lighting, while completely clear days can create harsh shadows and overexposed images.
Our weather forecasts for Mount Rushmore are powered by OpenWeatherMap's professional weather API, providing accurate and reliable weather data updated hourly.
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