Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in October
October at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 71°F and an overnight low around 58°F, with about 3.2" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.8× the park's average month, which makes October a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 58°F
- Average high
- 71°F
Range across the year: 36°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 3.2 in
- Daylight
- 11.1 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 18,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes October the 7th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the June peak (2.2×) and the January low (0.3×).
October is our recommended month at Fort Raleigh: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 65°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 1.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 50% 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 266,775 recreation visits, down 2.9% from 274,783 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 12.7%, 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 | 79°F / 69°F | 0.9× Average | 67 Good |
| October | 71°F / 58°F | 0.8× Quiet | 72 Good |
| November | 61°F / 48°F | 0.5× Quiet | 64 Good |
All twelve months at Fort Raleigh, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 71°F and an overnight low around 58°F at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, with about 3.2 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is quiet at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 72/100. October is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is June 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 18,000 recreation visits at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Fort Raleigh in October
Booking a October trip to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Fort Raleigh
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.