Missouri National Recreational River in September
September at Missouri National Recreational River averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 53°F, with about 3.2" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.8× 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: 10°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 3.2 in
- Daylight
- 12.3 hours
Roughly 15% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 21,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004 to 2025.
It is the single busiest month of the year at Missouri; February, the quietest, runs only about 0.4× the average — a 4-to-1 swing between high and low season.
On our Best Time to Visit score September rates 44/100 ("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 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% 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 12.3 hours of daylight in September to explore — between the 8.9-hour midwinter low and the 15.1-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 166,390 recreation visits, up 8.4% from 153,521 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 11.4%, 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 | 83°F / 61°F | 1.4× Busy | 59 Fair |
| September | 76°F / 53°F | 1.8× Very busy | 44 Poor |
| October | 62°F / 38°F | 1.2× Busy | 44 Poor |
All twelve months at Missouri, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Missouri in September
The National Park Service tags 12 Missouri activities for fall. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 53°F at Missouri National Recreational River, with about 3.2 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is very busy at Missouri National Recreational River (about 1.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 44/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is September and the quietest is February. September sits at about 1.8× the park's average, or 15% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 21,000 recreation visits at Missouri National Recreational River, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004–2025.
Where to stay near Missouri in September
Booking a September trip to Missouri National Recreational River? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Missouri
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 September.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2004–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.