Best Time to Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The best months to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park are April, May, October — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (160,797 monthly visits); December is quietest at 1% of peak.
Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Theodore Roosevelt month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Harsh season | 2,883 | 2% | 28°F / 3°F | 0.3″ | 8.9h |
| February | Harsh season | 2,865 | 2% | 32°F / 8°F | 0.4″ | 10.3h |
| March | Shoulder | 9,332 | 6% | 44°F / 18°F | 0.6″ | 11.8h |
| April | Best window | 10,833 | 7% | 56°F / 30°F | 1.6″ | 13.6h |
| May | Best window | 73,030 | 45% | 67°F / 41°F | 2.6″ | 15h |
| June | Peak crowds | 137,380 | 85% | 77°F / 50°F | 2.9″ | 15.9h |
| July | Peak crowds | 160,797 | 100% | 86°F / 56°F | 2.1″ | 15.5h |
| August | Peak crowds | 149,801 | 93% | 85°F / 53°F | 1.4″ | 14.3h |
| September | Peak crowds | 120,432 | 75% | 74°F / 43°F | 1.4″ | 12.6h |
| October | Best window | 54,275 | 34% | 58°F / 30°F | 1.2″ | 11h |
| November | Shoulder | 11,282 | 7% | 42°F / 18°F | 0.6″ | 9.4h |
| December | Harsh season | 1,983 | 1% | 31°F / 7°F | 0.6″ | 8.5h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station MEDORA, ND US (5 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
What to pack for Theodore Roosevelt in April
Computed from April's weather normals — Theodore Roosevelt's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 30°F, below freezing
- 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 Theodore Roosevelt?
April, May, October rank best for Theodore Roosevelt 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 Theodore Roosevelt?
July: an average of 160,797 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is December, at 1% of the July peak.
How many people visit Theodore Roosevelt per year?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park averaged 734,893 recreation visits per year over 2021–2025, per official NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
Dive into a month
Last verified 2026-09-12 · all parks