Hot Springs in April: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 60/100 · #8 of 12 months
April is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Hot Springs National Park: crowds run 68% of the June peak (234,658 average visits), days average 74°F with 13 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in April
Hot Springs averages 234,658 recreation visits in April — 68% of what June, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 74°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 51°F). This is one of the wetter months (5.9″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 13 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE, AR US (0 mi from park coordinates, 626 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of April.
What to pack for Hot Springs in April
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Rain shell + pack cover — 5.9″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Hot Springs are January and September.
Also at their best in April
Other parks whose computed April verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Theodore Roosevelt in April — 7% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 92/100
- Badlands in April — 16% of peak crowds, highs 60°F, score 90/100
- Lake Clark in April — 0% of peak crowds, highs 46°F, score 89/100
- Voyageurs in April — 0% of peak crowds, highs 49°F, score 88/100
Common questions
Is Hot Springs crowded in April?
Moderately: April runs 68% of the June peak, averaging 234,658 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Hot Springs in April?
Average highs of 74°F, lows of 51°F, 5.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE, AR US station).
What should I pack for Hot Springs in April?
Rain shell + pack cover; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in April · Last verified 2026-09-12