Theodore Roosevelt in September: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 68/100 · #6 of 12 months

September is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Theodore Roosevelt National Park: crowds run 75% of the July peak (120,432 average visits). Weather: highs average 74°F and lows 43°F, with 1.4″ of precipitation and 12.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape — Theodore Roosevelt National Park — photo: NPS Photo / Mark Meyers (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in September

Theodore Roosevelt averages 120,432 recreation visits in September — 75% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.

Average visits (September)

120,432 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

16.4% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

75%

Weather & daylight

Days are pleasant (highs average 74°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 43°F). It is typically dry (1.4″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 12.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station MEDORA, ND US (5 mi from park coordinates, 2,268 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of September.

What to pack for Theodore Roosevelt in September

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

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 43°F
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Theodore Roosevelt are April and May.

Also at their best in September

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

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
Isle Royale in September — 39% of peak crowds, highs 65°F, score 79/100

Common questions

Is Theodore Roosevelt crowded in September?

Yes — September runs 75% of Theodore Roosevelt's peak, averaging 120,432 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Theodore Roosevelt in September?

Average highs of 74°F, lows of 43°F, 1.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, MEDORA, ND US station).

What should I pack for Theodore Roosevelt in September?

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); 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 2026-09-24