Denali · October · Alaska

Denali National Park in October

October is the off-season at Denali National Park. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 31°F and lows 21°F, with about 1.39 inches of rain.

October is rated poor at Denali. Consider Jun–Aug instead.

Full park guideAll parks in October
RatingPoor
CrowdsQuiet
Avg high / low31°F / 21°F
Rain1.39 in

What to expect

Honest take: October is not the month for Denali. The tundra turns red and gold in late August and early September. Buses stop in mid-September.

Local tip

Private cars can only drive the first 15 miles of the park road. The buses are the way in.

Good to know

  • Best months overall: Jun–Aug.
  • Closest airport: Anchorage (ANC), about 4 hours; Fairbanks (FAI), about 2 hours.
  • Before you go: A 2021 landslide at Pretty Rocks closed the park road around mile 43; check current bus destinations and reopening status. Check current conditions on nps.gov.

2-day Denali itinerary · Packing list

Questions

Is October a good time to visit Denali National Park?

October is the off-season at Denali National Park. It is one of the quietest times to go. Highs average 31°F and lows 21°F, with about 1.39 inches of rain.

What is the weather like in Denali National Park in October?

Highs average 31°F and lows 21°F, with about 1.39 inches of rain. Conditions are poor this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.

How crowded is Denali National Park in October?

October is one of the quietest months at Denali National Park.