Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in October
October at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument averages a daytime high near 54°F and an overnight low around 35°F. Visitation runs about 1.2× the park's average month, which makes October a busy month here.
- Average low
- 35°F
- Average high
- 54°F
Range across the year: 3°F to 76°F
- Daylight
- 10.7 hours
Roughly 10% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: roughly 3,900 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2020 to 2025.
That makes October the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the February peak (2.6×) and the April low (0.1×).
On our Best Time to Visit score October rates 48/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is June: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 44°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11.4 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 30% 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 10.7 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 8.5-hour midwinter low and the 15.5-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 33,835 recreation visits, down 3.8% from 35,173 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 8.2%, 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 | 67°F / 45°F | 1.3× Busy | 64 Good |
| October | 54°F / 35°F | 1.2× Busy | 48 Fair |
| November | 41°F / 25°F | 0.7× Quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at Katahdin Woods and Waters, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Katahdin Woods and Waters in October
The National Park Service tags 12 Katahdin Woods and Waters activities for fall. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Bike the IAT - Wassataquoik Stream Loop
- Bike the Katahdin Loop Road
- Bike the Upper East Branch Loop
- Bike to Haskell Rock Pitch · reservation required
- Bike to Orin Falls
- Hike Deasey Ponds Trail · 45-90 minutes
- Paddle the East Branch of the Penobscot River (From Lunksoos Boat Launch to Big Seboeis) · 3-5 hours
- Picnic at Lunksoos Boat Launch
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 54°F and an overnight low around 35°F at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11.4 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is busy at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (about 1.2× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 48/100. Our recommended month is June.
The busiest month is February and the quietest is April. October sits at about 1.2× the park's average, or 10% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 4,000 recreation visits at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2020–2025.
Where to stay near Katahdin Woods and Waters in October
Booking a October trip to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Katahdin Woods and Waters
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Katahdin Woods and Waters in October?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Katahdin Woods and Waters by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in October.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2020–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.