Fall – September, October, November
Fall is a beautiful time in this area, as the foliage starts to pop and the trees turn vibrant yellow, oranges and reds. Although it’s starting to get a little chilly (you may not want to go for a swim), it’s not too cold to spend some time outdoors to take in the beautiful scenery.
On average, the fall months in Arkansas range from 80’s-low 60’s, September being warmer than November. It can be tricky to pack for a fall trip to Hot Springs National Park because the weather can change so much, so in this case it’s good to pack light clothes with lots of layers. I recommend bringing shorts, but also leggings or pants and a jacket just in case. If you are planning on camping during these months, the nights do tend to get chilly especially in October and November. Pack a warm sweatshirt, socks, and hats.
Winter – December, January, February
The winters in Hot Springs Arkansas aren’t the coldest, but they are chilly! Arkansas doesn’t get a lot of snow, hardly at all. However, if you are lucky enough to see the park with fresh snowfall, it is gorgeous. This is a lovely time of year to visit especially if you are trying to beat the crowds. Plus, it’s really nice to take a dip in the warm hot springs while it’s cold outside.
The winter months stay around low 50’s, with nights getting to low 30’s. Like with all the seasons, there is a chance of rain, and if it’s cold enough, snow can fall. Visiting the park around this time of year means lots of layers. Bring a warm insulated jacket, warm boots, and insulated pants. Hats and gloves are always a good thing to have as well.
Spring – March, April, May
Spring in Hot Springs National Park is when things start to bloom, the weather is warming and the crowds start to get a little thicker (though not really too much). Although it rains all year long here, this is still considered the rainy season as they get a substantial amount more rain.
March stays around 60’s, with the lows being around 40’s, so it’s still a little chilly in March. April is when things start to warm up, and the average temperature is mid 70’s, the lows being low 50’s. May is the warmest season in the spring when the weather can reach 80 and the lows are now low 60’s. May is almost, on average, the month that gets the most amount of rain. Definitely pack some layers to visit in the spring, though if you are traveling in May, you can probably pack some light clothes. Don’t forget a good rain jacket and rain boots!
Summer – June, July, August
Summer is the most popular time of year to visit the park. The weather is beautiful, and it’s not too hot to take a long hike or go for a nice walk. While it may be a little too warm to dip in the hot springs, it’s the perfect time to go swimming in the lovely Gulpha creek.
Summer months usually stick around the low 90’s, and the lows get to high 60’s. It’s the best time for camping, though you may want a sweatshirt for chillier nights. Pack sunscreen for walking around in the sun, and wear nice summer waterproof sandals to go swimming in the creek. Summer storms are bound to happen, so have that rain jacket on hand.
