Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in October
October at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 64°F and an overnight low around 41°F. Visitation runs about 1.1× the park's average month, which makes October an average month here.
- Average low
- 41°F
- Average high
- 64°F
Range across the year: 17°F to 84°F
- Daylight
- 10.9 hours
Roughly 9% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 349,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes October the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.7×) and the January low (0.5×).
October is our recommended month at Delaware Water Gap: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 52°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 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 38% 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 10.9 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9-hour midwinter low and the 14.9-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 3,986,709 recreation visits, down 2.3% from 4,079,763 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 18.1%, 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 | 75°F / 52°F | 1.3× Busy | 63 Good |
| October | 64°F / 41°F | 1.1× Average | 55 Fair |
| November | 52°F / 32°F | 0.8× Quiet | 49 Fair |
All twelve months at Delaware Water Gap, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Delaware Water Gap in October
The National Park Service tags 4 Delaware Water Gap activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Biking on the McDade Recreational Trail
- Tour Old Mine Road · 1-3 hours
- Hike the Cliff Trail · 1-4 hours
- Millbrook Village · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 64°F and an overnight low around 41°F at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is average at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (about 1.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 55/100. October is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. October sits at about 1.1× the park's average, or 9% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 349,000 recreation visits at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Delaware Water Gap in October
Booking a October trip to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Delaware Water Gap
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Delaware Water Gap 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.