Fort Washington Park in October
October at Fort Washington Park averages a daytime high near 68°F and an overnight low around 48°F, with about 3.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.8× the park's average month, which makes October a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 48°F
- Average high
- 68°F
Range across the year: 27°F to 88°F
- Precipitation
- 3.8 in
- Daylight
- 11.0 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 27,000 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 July peak (1.5×) and the January low (0.4×).
October is our recommended month at Fort Washington: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 58°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 6.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% 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 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9.3-hour midwinter low and the 14.7-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 502,171 recreation visits, up 2.3% from 491,013 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 39.7%, 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 | 80°F / 61°F | 1.2× Busy | 54 Fair |
| October | 68°F / 48°F | 0.8× Quiet | 61 Good |
| November | 57°F / 39°F | 0.6× Quiet | 53 Fair |
All twelve months at Fort Washington, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Fort Washington in October
The National Park Service tags 5 Fort Washington activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Bicycle Smallwood State Park to Oxon Cove Park · 1-2 days
- Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park · 15-90 minutes
- Birding at Fort Washington Park
- Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps · 5-10 minutes
- Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East · 30-90 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 68°F and an overnight low around 48°F at Fort Washington Park, with about 3.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is quiet at Fort Washington Park (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 61/100. October is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. October sits at about 0.8× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 27,000 recreation visits at Fort Washington Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Fort Washington in October
Booking a October trip to Fort Washington Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Fort Washington
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.