Hot Springs in October: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 68/100 · #2 of 12 months

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Hot Springs National Park: crowds run 43% of the June peak (149,687 average visits). Weather: highs average 75°F and lows 52°F, with 5.1″ of precipitation and 11.4 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in October

Hot Springs averages 149,687 recreation visits in October — 43% of what June, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.

Weather & daylight

Days are mild (highs average 75°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 52°F). This is one of the wetter months (5.1″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 11.4 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 October.

What to pack for Hot Springs in October

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Rain shell + pack cover — 5.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 5.1″ of rain is normal this month

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Also at their best in October

Other parks whose computed October verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

• Badlands in October — 27% of peak crowds, highs 63°F, score 81/100
• Isle Royale in October — 2% of peak crowds, highs 51°F, score 81/100
• Wind Cave in October — 25% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 81/100
• Gateway Arch in October — 26% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 80/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in October · Last verified 2026-09-24