Devils Tower National Monument in October
October at Devils Tower National Monument averages a daytime high near 60°F and an overnight low around 30°F, with about 1.5" of precipitation and roughly 2" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes October a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 30°F
- Average high
- 60°F
Range across the year: 8°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 1.5 in
- Snowfall
- 2 in
- Daylight
- 10.7 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 25,000 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 (2.9×) and the January low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score October rates 54/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is September: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 45°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 67% 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 10.7 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 8.6-hour midwinter low and the 15.4-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 515,303 recreation visits, down 4.7% from 540,890 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 8.6%, 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 / 42°F | 1.6× Busy | 61 Good |
| October | 60°F / 30°F | 0.6× Quiet | 54 Fair |
| November | 45°F / 19°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 2 Poor |
All twelve months at Devils Tower, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in October 2026
The National Park Service lists these Devils Tower facilities as closed during October 2026. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Belle Fourche River Campground (campground): closed from October 15, 2026 to May 15, 2027
Things to do at Devils Tower in October
The National Park Service tags 8 Devils Tower activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Eat Lunch at the Devils Tower Picnic Area · 1-2 hours
- Hike Joyner Ridge Trail · 1-2 hours
- Hike South Side Trail · 0-30 minutes
- Hike the Red Beds Loop Trail · 2-3 hours
- Hike Valley View Trail · 0-30 minutes
- Stargaze at Joyner Ridge
- Walk the Tower Trail Loop · 40 minutes
- Watch for Wildlife at Prairie Dog Town
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 60°F and an overnight low around 30°F at Devils Tower National Monument, with about 1.5 inches of precipitation and roughly 2 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 0.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is quiet at Devils Tower National Monument (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 54/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. October sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 25,000 recreation visits at Devils Tower National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Devils Tower in October
Booking a October trip to Devils Tower National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Devils Tower
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 (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.