Redwood National and State Parks in October
October at Redwood National and State Parks averages a daytime high near 65°F and an overnight low around 42°F. Visitation runs about 1× the park's average month, which makes October an average month here.
- Average low
- 42°F
- Average high
- 65°F
Range across the year: 36°F to 69°F
- Daylight
- 10.9 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 42,000 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 (1.8×) and the February low (0.5×).
October is our recommended month at Redwood: 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 1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 42% 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 10.9 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9-hour midwinter low and the 15-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,202,480 recreation visits, up 93.1% from 622,883 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 40.1%, so a October visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 69°F / 45°F | 1.3× Busy | 55 Fair |
| October | 65°F / 42°F | 0.9× Average | 59 Fair |
| November | 56°F / 39°F | 0.6× Quiet | 63 Good |
All twelve months at Redwood, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in October 2026
The National Park Service lists these Redwood 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.
- Jedediah Smith Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 8, 2026 to May 19, 2027)
- Mill Creek Campground - Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park (campground): closed all month (October 1, 2026 to May 7, 2027)
Things to do at Redwood in October
The National Park Service tags 16 Redwood activities for fall. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Bike Redwoods to Beach on the Ossagon Trail Loop
- Drive the Bald Hills Road · 2-6 hours
- Go Tide Pooling at Enderts Beach · 60-120 minutes
- Hike the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop · 4-8 hours
- Hike to the Tall Trees Grove · 3-6 hours · reservation required
- Stroll the Simpson-Reed Trail · 30-60 minutes
- Walk the Fern Canyon Loop Trail · 45-90 minutes · reservation required
- Walk the Lady Bird Johnson Grove · 45-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 65°F and an overnight low around 42°F at Redwood National and State Parks. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is average at Redwood National and State Parks (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 59/100. October is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. October sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 42,000 recreation visits at Redwood National and State Parks, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Redwood in October
Booking a October trip to Redwood National and State Parks? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Redwood
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 (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.