Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The best months to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park are May, August and September — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. March is the crowd peak (35,185 monthly visits); August is quietest at 28% of peak.
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Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Guadalupe Mountains month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder | 12,020 | 34% | 54°F / 32°F | 0.6″ | 10.3h |
| February | Shoulder | 16,306 | 46% | 56°F / 34°F | 0.7″ | 11.1h |
| March | Peak crowds | 35,185 | 100% | 63°F / 40°F | 0.5″ | 11.9h |
| April | Peak crowds | 27,647 | 79% | 71°F / 46°F | 0.5″ | 12.9h |
| May | Best window | 19,602 | 56% | 79°F / 55°F | 0.8″ | 13.8h |
| June | Shoulder | 13,125 | 37% | 88°F / 64°F | 1.5″ | 14.2h |
| July | Shoulder | 13,226 | 38% | 87°F / 64°F | 2.8″ | 14h |
| August | Best window | 9,934 | 28% | 84°F / 62°F | 3.1″ | 13.3h |
| September | Best window | 12,166 | 35% | 80°F / 58°F | 2.3″ | 12.4h |
| October | Shoulder | 22,294 | 63% | 72°F / 50°F | 1.3″ | 11.4h |
| November | Shoulder | 19,514 | 55% | 61°F / 39°F | 1.0″ | 10.5h |
| December | Shoulder | 23,616 | 67% | 54°F / 33°F | 0.8″ | 10.1h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station PINE SPRINGS, TX US (4 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit Guadalupe Mountains each year
Guadalupe Mountains National Park had 206,423 recreation visits in 2025, 9% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2021, with 243,291. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 224,635 visits a year, which makes it the 12th least-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 206,423 | −9% |
| 2024 | 226,134 | −1% |
| 2023 | 227,340 | +3% |
| 2022 | 219,987 | −10% |
| 2021 | 243,291 | +61% |
| 2020 | 151,256 | −20% |
| 2019 | 188,833 | +10% |
| 2018 | 172,347 | −23% |
| 2017 | 225,257 | +24% |
| 2016 | 181,839 | +7% |
| 2015 | 169,535 | — |
Calendar-year recreation visits as published by NPS Visitor Use Statistics. 2020 is shown here but left out of the monthly averages above, because the COVID-19 pandemic makes it unrepresentative. See how every park compares: all 63 parks ranked by visits.
What to pack for Guadalupe Mountains in May
Computed from May's weather normals — Guadalupe Mountains's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Guadalupe Mountains?
May, August and September rank best for Guadalupe Mountains on VisitWhen's computed score — the strongest balance of low crowds (NPS data), comfortable weather (NOAA normals) and daylight.
What is the most crowded month at Guadalupe Mountains?
March: an average of 35,185 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is August, at 28% of the March peak.
When is Guadalupe Mountains least crowded with decent conditions?
August. It is the park's quietest month (28% of the March peak, 9,934 average visits) without harsh-season weather.
How many people visit Guadalupe Mountains per year?
Guadalupe Mountains National Park had 206,423 recreation visits in 2025, 9% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2021, with 243,291. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 224,635 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Guadalupe Mountains through the year?
The warmest month is June, with average highs of 88°F. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 32°F. The wettest month is August, with 3.1″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, PINE SPRINGS, TX US station.)
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how Guadalupe Mountains ranks against all 63 parks in May, August and September.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks