National Park · SD
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Wind Cave
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 10 | Overcast | 88°F | 62°F | 1% |
| Sat 11 | Clear | 94°F | 68°F | 4% |
| Sun 12 | Clear | 101°F | 70°F | 2% |
| Mon 13 | Clear | 100°F | 71°F | 1% |
| Tue 14 | Clear | 98°F | 70°F | 1% |
| Wed 15 | Clear | 97°F | 68°F | 8% |
| Thu 16 | Overcast | 95°F | 70°F | 15% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | — | — | 0.4" |
| February | — | — | 0.6" |
| March | — | — | 1.1" |
| April | — | — | 2.5" |
| May | — | — | 3.8" |
| June | — | — | 3.6" |
| July | — | — | 2.9" |
| August | — | — | 1.9" |
| September | — | — | 1.5" |
| October | — | — | 1.4" |
| November | — | — | 0.6" |
| December | — | — | 0.6" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, HOT SPRINGS 5.2 NW, SD US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- Free — Free entrance
- Hours
- The park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Wind Cave moves to cashless fee collection
Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
- Information
Centennial Trailhead Parking
Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.
- Park Closure
Wind Cave Canyon Trail Closed for Repair and Improvement
Wind Cave Canyon Trail is closed so that the trail and adjoining road can be repaired from frequent washouts. Sixteen low water crossings will be hardened and the road resurfaced. The trail could be closed for several weeks.
Source: NPS Data API