Hot Springs in September: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Best window · VisitWhen score 69/100 · #1 of 12 months
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Hot Springs National Park: crowds run 37% of the June peak (127,359 average visits), days average 86°F with 12.4 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in September
Hot Springs averages 127,359 recreation visits in September — 37% of what June, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.
Weather & daylight
Days are warm (highs average 86°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 64°F). This is one of the wetter months (4.2″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 12.4 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 September.
What to pack for Hot Springs in September
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Sun protection and 2L+ water per person — highs average 86°F
- Rain shell + pack cover — 4.2″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.
📦 Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime's free 30-day trial includes fast free delivery, so gear ordered this week arrives before you leave — and returns are free if a layer doesn't fit. Start the free 30-day trial →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
Also at their best in September
Other parks whose computed September verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Big Bend in September — 26% of peak crowds, highs 79°F, score 84/100
- Wrangell–St. Elias in September — 25% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 84/100
- Guadalupe Mountains in September — 35% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 81/100
- Gateway Arch in September — 29% of peak crowds, highs 81°F, score 80/100
Common questions
Is Hot Springs crowded in September?
No — September is one of the quieter months: 37% of the June peak, averaging 127,359 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Hot Springs in September?
Average highs of 86°F, lows of 64°F, 4.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE, AR US station).
What should I pack for Hot Springs in September?
Sun protection and 2L+ water per person; 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 September · Last verified 2026-09-12