Best time to visit · Arkansas
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs National Park
Historic bathhouses and thermal water in the middle of a small Arkansas city.
The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is March–May and October–November. It's busiest in March through August, October and November.
Month by month
Hot Springs by season
Winter Good
Soaking weather. The thermal baths are perfect on cold days, and the town is quiet.
Spring Prime
Dogwoods and redbuds bloom on the mountain trails. It's mild and green.
Summer Fair
Hot and humid. A good time to tour the bathhouses and avoid long hikes.
Fall Prime
Pleasant hiking and fall color in the Ouachita Mountains.
What to do
- Take a traditional bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse
- Tour the Fordyce Bathhouse visitor center
- Walk the Grand Promenade
- Fill a jug at a free thermal spring fountain
- Ride up the Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Bring an empty bottle. The thermal water fountains are free and the water is safe to drink.
Good to know
Hot Springs was first protected by the federal government in 1832, 40 years before Yellowstone became the first national park.
Before you go: No entrance fee. Bathhouses are private concessions with their own prices. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Getting there
Closest major airport: Little Rock (LIT), about 1 hour.
Nearby national parks
Approximate driving distance. Check a map for exact routes.
Where to stay
Hot Springs month-by-month ratings
| Month | Rating | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | Moderate | |
| February | Good | Moderate | |
| March | Prime | Busy | Prime season starts · Best value |
| April | Prime | Busy | Best value |
| May | Prime | Busy | Last prime month · Best value |
| June | Good | Busy | |
| July | Fair | Busy | |
| August | Fair | Busy | |
| September | Good | Moderate | |
| October | Prime | Busy | Prime season starts · Best value |
| November | Prime | Busy | Last prime month · Best value |
| December | Good | Moderate |
Questions about visiting Hot Springs
When is the best time to visit Hot Springs National Park?
The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is March–May and October–November. It's busiest in March through August, October and November.
What is the worst time to visit Hot Springs National Park?
July and August are the weakest time, when conditions are at their worst.
When is Hot Springs National Park most crowded?
Crowds peak in March through August, October and November. March through May, October and November offer the best balance of good conditions and fewer people.
Is Hot Springs National Park worth visiting in winter?
Soaking weather. The thermal baths are perfect on cold days, and the town is quiet.
Do you need a reservation for Hot Springs National Park?
No entrance fee. Bathhouses are private concessions with their own prices. Always check the official NPS page for the current year's rules.
What is the closest airport to Hot Springs National Park?
The most convenient airport is Little Rock (LIT), about 1 hour.
How many days do you need at Hot Springs National Park?
Plan at least one full day, more if you want to hike or explore the backcountry.
More in Southeast · National parks in Arkansas · Season calendar
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.