Theodore Roosevelt in April: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

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April is one of the best months of the year to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park: crowds run 7% of the July peak (10,833 average visits). Weather: highs average 56°F and lows 30°F, with 1.6″ of precipitation and 13.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Theodore Roosevelt in April

Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 30°F, below freezing.
Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.

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A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape — Theodore Roosevelt National Park — photo: NPS Photo / Mark Meyers (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in April

Theodore Roosevelt averages 10,833 recreation visits in April — 7% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Average visits (April)

10,833 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

1.5% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 56°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 30°F). It is typically dry (1.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 13.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station MEDORA, ND US (5 mi from park coordinates, 2,268 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of April.

What to pack for Theodore Roosevelt in April

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 30°F, below freezing
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Also at their best in April

Other parks whose computed April verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

Badlands in April — 16% of peak crowds, highs 60°F, score 90/100
Lake Clark in April — under 1% of peak crowds, highs 46°F, score 89/100
Voyageurs in April — under 1% of peak crowds, highs 49°F, score 88/100
Wrangell–St. Elias in April — 2% of peak crowds, highs 48°F, score 87/100

Common questions

Is Theodore Roosevelt crowded in April?

No — April is one of the quieter months: 7% of the July peak, averaging 10,833 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Theodore Roosevelt.

What is the weather like in Theodore Roosevelt in April?

Average highs of 56°F, lows of 30°F, 1.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, MEDORA, ND US station). Compare it with other national parks in April.

What should I pack for Theodore Roosevelt in April?

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in May instead? Theodore Roosevelt in May has its own list.

See also: the best national parks to visit in April · Last verified 2026-09-24