Posted in South Dakota Nature September 04, 2022 by

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In South Dakota

After a hot summer of high temperatures, we’re ready for autumn. We’re so excited that we recently created a road trip through some of the state’s best fall foliage spots. But when is the best time to view the leaves? The folks at SmokyMountains.com have created a Fall Foliage Prediction Map for the year.

This helpful, interactive map shows the peak times for foliage all across the state. Read on to see when the best leaf-peeping for South Dakota will occur, and when you should get out and view all of South Dakota’s fall colors!

The Fall Foliage Prediction Map includes a slider so that you can see the predictions for every week during the autumn months.
Mark Newman / the Image Bank / Getty images
Check out their website to see the Fall Foliage Prediction Map in a separate window. You can see that on the first week of October, the leaves are just starting to turn in South Dakota. Adjust the date on the map to track the changing of the fall foliage in South Dakota.
By the third week of October, the Black Hills and some of eastern South Dakota will be starting to burst with color. The northeast corner of the state will be positively vibrant that week.
Eastcott Momatiuk / DigitalVision/ Getty images
If you want to view fall colors in South Dakota, this week and the next will be perfect for foliage viewing.
During the last week of October, most of South Dakota will be at peak or almost peak.
Miranda Leatherwood / 500px / Getty Images
This is the very best time to check out the fall colors in South Dakota. Pack your bags, because you should be going on a road trip!
If you live in Sioux Falls, Pierre and anywhere in the central part of South Dakota, the last week of October and the first week of November should bring peak fall foliage. By then, the Black Hills region and much of the eastern part of the state will be past its peak.
Annie Otzen / Stone Collection / Getty Images
It will be a spectacular fall in South Dakota!
Make plans now to visit your favorite part of the state during its peak fall foliage, and get your camera ready!
JohnTheBear/Tripadvisor
Use the map to plan the best dates for viewing South Dakota's fall colors. You won't want to miss this!

What plans do you have for viewing this year’s fall foliage? Do you love looking at South Dakota fall colors? Tell us in the comments below!

During autumn in South Dakota, you need to Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See South Dakota Like Never Before.

Address: South Dakota, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

South Dakota Fall Colors

September 09, 2022
Megan McDonald

What kind of temperatures does South Dakota have during the fall season?

Autumn in South Dakota is actually quite pleasant, and you will see temperatures in October around 68 degrees on average.  Occasionally they’ll be colder, but never colder than 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and never warmer than 83 degrees Fahrenheit. It makes the best season to travel, as there are fewer tourists in the autumn months and cheaper and more available accommodations. 

What is the best month of the year to see fall colors in South Dakota?

Because of the warmer temperatures, October makes the absolute best month to visit South Dakota to see the autumn temperatures. You’ll love visiting and seeing crimson and golden leaves all the way up to Halloween.

Is October a good month to visit Badlands National Park?

October is a wonderful month to visit Badlands National Park, as the weather will be perfect. You’ll find the temperatures hovering at around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be not too hot, and not too cold, with not too many tourists. And the drive out should be spectacular with fall foliage and scenery across the state.

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