Badlands in November

April through June and September through October are your sweet spots. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, while fall offers crisp air and fewer crowds. Summer gets brutal — we're talking 100-degree days with no shade and sudden thunderstorms that can flood washes in minutes. But if you can handle the heat, summer mornings and evenings are magical for photography. Winter is harsh and many facilities close, but if you're into dramatic snow-covered landscapes and have the park mostly to yourself, it's worth considering. Just check road conditions first. The shoulder seasons give you the best hiking weather and the most comfortable camping. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for actually enjoying them without melting or freezing.