Best Time to Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The best months to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park are April, May and 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.
Planning Theodore Roosevelt? Pack the trail map: Theodore Roosevelt Trails Illustrated map on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases
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.
How many people visit Theodore Roosevelt each year
Theodore Roosevelt National Park had 729,893 recreation visits in 2025, about the same as 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2021, with 796,085. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 734,893 visits a year, which makes it the 30th most-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 729,893 | 0% |
| 2024 | 732,951 | −2% |
| 2023 | 746,862 | +12% |
| 2022 | 668,679 | −16% |
| 2021 | 796,085 | +44% |
| 2020 | 551,303 | −20% |
| 2019 | 691,658 | −8% |
| 2018 | 749,389 | +6% |
| 2017 | 708,003 | −6% |
| 2016 | 753,880 | +30% |
| 2015 | 580,033 | — |
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 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
As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — 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 includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial, so gear ordered this week can arrive before you leave. Delivery speed varies by item and address. See if you can try Prime free →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
Common questions
What is the best month to visit Theodore Roosevelt?
April, May and 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.
When is Theodore Roosevelt least crowded with decent conditions?
March, at 6% of the July peak (9,332 average visits). December is quieter still, but its weather puts it in the harsh season.
How many people visit Theodore Roosevelt per year?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park had 729,893 recreation visits in 2025, about the same as 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2021, with 796,085. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 734,893 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Theodore Roosevelt through the year?
The warmest month is July, with average highs of 86°F. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 3°F. The wettest month is June, with 2.9″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, MEDORA, ND US station.)
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how Theodore Roosevelt ranks against all 63 parks in April, May and October.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks