Cumberland Island National Seashore in October
October at Cumberland Island National Seashore averages a daytime high near 79°F and an overnight low around 62°F, with about 4.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.8× the park's average month, which makes October a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 62°F
- Average high
- 79°F
Range across the year: 43°F to 89°F
- Precipitation
- 4.4 in
- Daylight
- 11.2 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: roughly 4,000 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 March peak (1.6×) and the January low (0.6×).
October is our recommended month at Cumberland Island: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 70°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 3.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 26% 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 11.2 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 10-hour midwinter low and the 14-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 60,299 recreation visits, down 6.8% from 64,706 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 18.4%, so a October visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 85°F / 71°F | 0.6× Quiet | 74 Good |
| October | 79°F / 62°F | 0.8× Quiet | 76 Excellent |
| November | 71°F / 52°F | 0.8× Quiet | 71 Good |
All twelve months at Cumberland Island, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Cumberland Island in October
The National Park Service tags 21 Cumberland Island activities for fall. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Beachcombing · 1-2 hours
- Bike to Plum Orchard · 3-5 hours
- Birdwatching at Dungeness
- Explore the Ice House Museum · 10-30 minutes
- Hike the Southend Loop · 3-5 hours
- Kayak to the Island · reservation required
- Plan a Backpacking Trip · 1-7 days · reservation required
- Shop at the Bookstore
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 79°F and an overnight low around 62°F at Cumberland Island National Seashore, with about 4.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is quiet at Cumberland Island National Seashore (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Excellent" at 76/100. October is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is March and the quietest is January. October sits at about 0.8× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 4,000 recreation visits at Cumberland Island National Seashore, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Cumberland Island in October
Booking a October trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cumberland Island
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Cumberland Island in October?
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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.