James A Garfield National Historic Site in October
October at James A Garfield National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 62°F and an overnight low around 45°F, with about 3.9" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.1× the park's average month, which makes October an average month here.
- Average low
- 45°F
- Average high
- 62°F
Range across the year: 19°F to 82°F
- Precipitation
- 3.9 in
- Daylight
- 10.8 hours
Roughly 9% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: roughly 3,200 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1997 to 2025.
That makes October the 5th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.4×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score October rates 52/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 53°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 4.2 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 45% 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 10.8 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9-hour midwinter low and the 15-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 39,671 recreation visits, up 8.5% from 36,553 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 29.9%, 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 | 74°F / 55°F | 1.1× Average | 66 Good |
| October | 62°F / 45°F | 1.1× Average | 52 Fair |
| November | 49°F / 35°F | 0.5× Very quiet | 48 Fair |
All twelve months at James A Garfield, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at James A Garfield in October
The National Park Service tags 5 James A Garfield activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Cell Phone Tours At James A. Garfield National Historic Site · 30-60 minutes
- Complete the Junior Ranger Program!
- Start Your Visit in the Visitor Center · 45-60 minutes
- Today in the Park · reservation required
- Your Pet Can Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger! · 20-30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 62°F and an overnight low around 45°F at James A Garfield National Historic Site, with about 3.9 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is average at James A Garfield National Historic Site (about 1.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 52/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. October sits at about 1.1× the park's average, or 9% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 3,000 recreation visits at James A Garfield National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1997–2025.
Where to stay near James A Garfield in October
Booking a October trip to James A Garfield National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near James A Garfield
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 (1997–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.