Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in October
October at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 69°F and an overnight low around 44°F. Visitation runs about 1.3× the park's average month, which makes October a busy month here.
- Average low
- 44°F
- Average high
- 69°F
Range across the year: 24°F to 83°F
- Daylight
- 11.0 hours
Roughly 11% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 85,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1988 to 2025.
It is the single busiest month of the year at Big South Fork; January, the quietest, runs only about 0.5× the average — a 3-to-1 swing between high and low season.
On our Best Time to Visit score October rates 37/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is April: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 56°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 7.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 30% of annual visitors, choosing October instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 11 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9.5-hour midwinter low and the 14.5-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 774,353 recreation visits, down 0.7% from 779,602 in 2024.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 78°F / 55°F | 1.2× Busy | 55 Fair |
| October | 69°F / 44°F | 1.3× Busy | 37 Poor |
| November | 56°F / 34°F | 0.9× Average | 44 Poor |
All twelve months at Big South Fork, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 69°F and an overnight low around 44°F at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is busy at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (about 1.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 37/100. Our recommended month is April.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is January. October sits at about 1.3× the park's average, or 11% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 85,000 recreation visits at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1988–2025.
Where to stay near Big South Fork in October
Booking a October trip to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Big South Fork
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 October.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1988–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.