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Wind Cave · June

Wind Cave in June

June is the busiest time to visit Wind Cave — busier than May, quieter than July.

Expect peak crowds (9/10), highs near 81°F, about 15.4 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

9/10
Peak

The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.

About 83% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical June visits vs. the year

June (typical)89,842
Peak — July108,104
Quietest — January10,904

June draws about 16% of Wind Cave’s yearly visitors.

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

June weather

Avg high
81°F
Avg low
51°F
Precipitation
3.0"
Sunrise
4:11 AM
Sunset
7:37 PM
Daylight
15.4h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, HOT SPRINGS, SD US

What's open

Wind Cave in June: access

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.

Seasonal closures may apply:

  • Information

    Natural Entrance Tour Route Closes For Season October 1, 2026

    The Natural Entrance Tour Route will be closed for the season beginning October 1st, 2026. The Garden of Eden, Fairgrounds, and Accessibility Tour Routes remain available. This annual closure will last through the winter season.

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.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Wind Cave crowds across the year

January: 2/10 crowdJanFebruary: 2/10 crowdFebMarch: 2/10 crowdMarApril: 4/10 crowdAprMay: 6/10 crowdMayJune: 9/10 crowd9JunJuly: 10/10 crowdJulAugust: 9/10 crowdAugSeptember: 7/10 crowdSepOctober: 3/10 crowdOctNovember: 2/10 crowdNovDecember: 2/10 crowdDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in June

FAQ

Wind Cave in June

How busy is Wind Cave in June?

June rates 9/10 for crowds (Peak) at Wind Cave National Park — about 83% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 89,842.

What is the weather like at Wind Cave in June?

In June, Wind Cave averages a high of 81°F and a low of 51°F, with about 3.0 inches of precipitation.

How much does it cost to visit Wind Cave?

Entry to Wind Cave is free.

When is Wind Cave least crowded?

Wind Cave is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.

How many hours of daylight does Wind Cave get in June?

In mid-June, Wind Cave gets about 15.4 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 4:11 AM and sunset around 7:37 PM.