Gauley River National Recreation Area in September
September at Gauley River National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 53°F, with about 3.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 3.6× the park's average month, which makes September a very busy month here.
- Average low
- 53°F
- Average high
- 76°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 81°F
- Precipitation
- 3.8 in
- Daylight
- 12.2 hours
Roughly 30% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 47,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1993 to 2025.
It is the single busiest month of the year at Gauley River; January, the quietest, runs only about 0.2× the average — a 21-to-1 swing between high and low season.
On our Best Time to Visit score September rates 43/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: 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 6.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 26% of annual visitors, choosing September instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 12.2 hours of daylight in September to explore — between the 9.4-hour midwinter low and the 14.6-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 213,596 recreation visits, down 21.7% from 272,898 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 79.1%, so a September visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 80°F / 59°F | 0.9× Average | 80 Excellent |
| September | 76°F / 53°F | 3.6× Very busy | 43 Poor |
| October | 65°F / 41°F | 2.3× Very busy | 45 Fair |
All twelve months at Gauley River, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 53°F at Gauley River National Recreation Area, 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.
September is very busy at Gauley River National Recreation Area (about 3.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 43/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is September and the quietest is January. September sits at about 3.6× the park's average, or 30% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 47,000 recreation visits at Gauley River National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1993–2025.
Where to stay near Gauley River in September
Booking a September trip to Gauley River National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Gauley River
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in September.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1993–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.