Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site in September
September at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 84°F and an overnight low around 53°F, with about 0.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.4× the park's average month, which makes September a busy month here.
- Average low
- 53°F
- Average high
- 84°F
Range across the year: 18°F to 95°F
- Precipitation
- 0.8 in
- Daylight
- 12.2 hours
Roughly 12% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: roughly 2,700 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes September the 4th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the May peak (1.9×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score September rates 63/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 69°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.8 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 38% of annual visitors, choosing September instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 12.2 hours of daylight in September to explore — between the 9.4-hour midwinter low and the 14.6-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 16,102 recreation visits, down 18.3% from 19,718 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 20.8%, so September may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 92°F / 62°F | 1.2× Busy | 46 Fair |
| September | 84°F / 53°F | 1.4× Busy | 63 Good |
| October | 71°F / 39°F | 0.9× Average | 57 Fair |
All twelve months at Bent's Old Fort, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Bent's Old Fort in September
The National Park Service tags 7 Bent's Old Fort activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Junior Ranger at Bent's Old Fort
- Birdwatching at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
- Guided Tours of Bent's Old Fort · 45-55 minutes
- Hiking along the Arkansas River · 30-90 minutes
- Plaza Access in the Fort · 10-30 minutes
- Trail to History · 3-15 minutes
- Western National Parks Store at Bent's Old Fort
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 84°F and an overnight low around 53°F at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, with about 0.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is busy at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site (about 1.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 63/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. September sits at about 1.4× the park's average, or 12% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 3,000 recreation visits at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Bent's Old Fort in September
Booking a September trip to Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Bent's Old Fort
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in September.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.