Ozark National Scenic Riverways in October
October at Ozark National Scenic Riverways averages a daytime high near 73°F and an overnight low around 42°F, with about 3.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.7× the park's average month, which makes October a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 42°F
- Average high
- 73°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 92°F
- Precipitation
- 3.4 in
- Daylight
- 11.0 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 77,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes October the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.6×) and the January low (0.2×).
October is our recommended month at Ozark: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 57°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 5.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 56% 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 9.5-hour midwinter low and the 14.5-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,116,835 recreation visits, down 16.9% from 1,343,779 in 2024.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 83°F / 56°F | 1.4× Busy | 66 Good |
| October | 73°F / 42°F | 0.7× Quiet | 66 Good |
| November | 60°F / 32°F | 0.6× Quiet | 53 Fair |
All twelve months at Ozark, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in October 2026
The National Park Service lists these Ozark facilities as closed during October 2026. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Round Spring Ranger Station (visitor center): closed all month (September 2, 2026 to May 21, 2027)
- Pulltite Ranger Station (visitor center): closed all month (September 6, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
Things to do at Ozark in October
The National Park Service tags 31 Ozark activities for fall. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 73°F and an overnight low around 42°F at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, with about 3.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is quiet at Ozark National Scenic Riverways (about 0.7× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 66/100. October is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. October sits at about 0.7× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 77,000 recreation visits at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Ozark in October
Booking a October trip to Ozark National Scenic Riverways? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Ozark
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.
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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.