If you’re checking the weather in Hulett Wyoming because you’re headed to Devils Tower, you probably think you know the drill. Pack a jacket, maybe some sunscreen, and call it a day, right? Not exactly. This corner of the state is notoriously moody. You can wake up to a crisp, blue-bird sky and find yourself ducking under a shop awning to avoid a sudden afternoon hailstone barrage four hours later.
It’s a high-plains reality. Hulett sits at about 3,750 feet, which is actually lower than much of the state, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it's mild. The weather here is basically a tug-of-war between the Black Hills to the east and the sweeping plains to the west.
Honestly, the "average" temperatures tell a very incomplete story.
The Summer Heat and the 100-Degree Myth
July is the hottest month, with average highs hovering around 86°F. That sounds pleasant. You’d think it’s perfect hiking weather. However, those averages hide the spikes. It isn't uncommon for the mercury to punch past 95°F or even hit 100°F during a heatwave.
Humidity is usually low, which helps. It’s that "dry heat" everyone talks about. But at this elevation, the sun is intense. You’ll burn faster than you realize.
Then there are the storms. June and July are the wettest months, but it doesn't rain like it does in the Midwest. Instead, you get these massive, towering thunderheads that roll in off the plains. They bring incredible lightning shows and, occasionally, severe wind. If you're out on a trail near the Belle Fourche River, you’ll want to keep one eye on the western horizon.
What most people get wrong about Hulett summers
The nights. People forget the nights.
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Even after a 90-degree day, the temperature can plummet into the 50s once the sun drops behind the ridges. If you’re camping at the Devils Tower KOA or somewhere nearby, you will regret not having a heavy sweatshirt. It’s a 40-degree swing. Every. Single. Day.
Winter in Hulett: A Different Kind of Beast
Winter here is long. It officially starts in December, but realistically, you can see snow as early as October and as late as May.
January is the coldest month. You’re looking at average lows around 12°F, but that doesn't account for the wind chill. The wind in Wyoming is a legendary character in its own right. It isn't just a breeze; it’s a constant, biting presence that can make a 20-degree day feel like -5°F.
The annual snowfall averages about 50 to 60 inches.
- December: Cold and dry-ish.
- January: Peak "stay inside" weather.
- February: Often brings the heaviest snow dumps.
- March: The "fake spring" where it hits 50°F on Monday and drops 10 inches of snow on Tuesday.
Shoulder Seasons: The Sweet Spot (With a Catch)
September is arguably the best time to experience the weather in Hulett Wyoming. The average high is 74°F. The crowds have thinned out, the bugs are mostly gone, and the air is still.
May is the wild card. It’s beautiful and green because it’s one of the wettest months, but it’s also when the region gets its "heavy" snow—that wet, slushy stuff that breaks tree branches.
If you're a climber heading for the Tower, April and May are risky. It’s often damp, and the rock takes time to dry. September and October offer much more reliable friction and stable skies.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
Don't trust a single-day forecast more than 48 hours out. The geography here makes long-range modeling difficult.
Instead, look at the "Hazardous Weather Outlook" provided by the National Weather Service in Rapid City. They cover Hulett and are much better at predicting those localized wind events or sudden temperature drops than a generic weather app.
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- Layer like a pro. T-shirt, flannel, and a windbreaker. You’ll likely wear all three at different points in a single afternoon.
- Hydrate more than you think. The dry air and elevation sap moisture from you before you even feel sweaty.
- Watch the wind. If you’re towing a trailer or driving a high-profile vehicle on Highway 24, be ready for sudden gusts.
- Sun protection is non-negotiable. Even in the winter, the reflection off the snow can give you a nasty burn.
The weather in Hulett Wyoming isn't something you just "check"—it's something you prepare for. If you respect the wind and stay flexible with your plans, the dramatic skies and shifting light make this one of the most beautiful places in the American West.
Your next move: Download an offline weather app like Windy or RadarScope before you get here, as cell service can be spotty once you get into the canyons or closer to the National Monument.