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

Best window · VisitWhen score 78/100 · #3 of 12 months

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park: crowds run 34% of the July peak (54,275 average visits). Weather: highs average 58°F and lows 30°F, with 1.2″ of precipitation and 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Theodore Roosevelt in October

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 October

Theodore Roosevelt averages 54,275 recreation visits in October — 34% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.

Average visits (October)

54,275 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

7.4% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

34%

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 58°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 30°F). It is typically dry (1.2″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 11 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 October.

What to pack for Theodore Roosevelt in October

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 October

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

Badlands in October — 27% of peak crowds, highs 63°F, score 81/100
Isle Royale in October — 2% of peak crowds, highs 51°F, score 81/100
Wind Cave in October — 25% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 81/100
Gateway Arch in October — 26% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 80/100

Common questions

Is Theodore Roosevelt crowded in October?

No — October is one of the quieter months: 34% of the July peak, averaging 54,275 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Theodore Roosevelt.

What is the weather like in Theodore Roosevelt in October?

Average highs of 58°F, lows of 30°F, 1.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, MEDORA, ND US station). Compare it with other national parks in October.

What should I pack for Theodore Roosevelt in October?

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 November instead? Theodore Roosevelt in November has its own list.

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