Canyon de Chelly National Monument in October
October at Canyon de Chelly National Monument averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 38°F, with about 0.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes October an average month here.
- Average low
- 38°F
- Average high
- 70°F
Range across the year: 19°F to 93°F
- Precipitation
- 0.8 in
- Daylight
- 11.1 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 42,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes October the 8th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the August peak (1.4×) and the February low (0.6×).
October is our recommended month at Canyon de Chelly: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 54°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 11.2 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% 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 11.1 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9.6-hour midwinter low and the 14.4-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 340,586 recreation visits, down 12.1% from 387,433 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 49.6%, so October may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 83°F / 50°F | 1.3× Busy | 54 Fair |
| October | 70°F / 38°F | 0.9× Average | 57 Fair |
| November | 56°F / 27°F | 0.7× Quiet | 53 Fair |
All twelve months at Canyon de Chelly, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 38°F at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, with about 0.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is average at Canyon de Chelly National Monument (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 57/100. October is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is August and the quietest is February. October sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 42,000 recreation visits at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Canyon de Chelly in October
Booking a October trip to Canyon de Chelly National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Canyon de Chelly
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in October.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.