Fort Smith National Historic Site in October
October at Fort Smith National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 51°F, with about 4.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.2× the park's average month, which makes October a busy month here.
- Average low
- 51°F
- Average high
- 76°F
Range across the year: 30°F to 94°F
- Precipitation
- 4.4 in
- Daylight
- 11.1 hours
Roughly 10% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 12,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes October the 4th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.7×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score October rates 57/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is April: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 64°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 5.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 34% 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 106,953 recreation visits, down 14.1% from 124,486 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 7.2%, 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 | 87°F / 63°F | 1.6× Busy | 41 Poor |
| October | 76°F / 51°F | 1.2× Busy | 57 Fair |
| November | 63°F / 40°F | 0.9× Average | 53 Fair |
All twelve months at Fort Smith, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Fort Smith in October
The National Park Service tags 5 Fort Smith activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a Fort Smith BARK Ranger · 10-30 minutes
- Become a Fort Smith Junior Ranger · 45-60 minutes
- Explore the Parade Ground · 30-45 minutes
- Park Passport Stamps at Fort Smith NHS · 2-15 minutes
- Walk the River Loop Trail · 30-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 51°F at Fort Smith National Historic Site, with about 4.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is busy at Fort Smith National Historic Site (about 1.2× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 57/100. Our recommended month is April.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. October sits at about 1.2× the park's average, or 10% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 12,000 recreation visits at Fort Smith National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Fort Smith in October
Booking a October trip to Fort Smith 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 Smith
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.