Hot Springs Weather: Forecasts, Climate & Best Time to Visit
Nestled in Arkansas's Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs National Park has a humid subtropical climate: mild winters interrupted by cold snaps, hot and muggy summers, and an especially rainy spring and fall. Bottom line: you can visit year-round, but July's humidity calls for as much care as desert sun, and a rain jacket is almost always a good idea in spring.
Current readings are unavailable. See the seasonal averages farther down this page.
Open-Meteo readings · updating… · park time zone
Hot Springs Climate Month by Month
The averages below cover the park area, at about 590 feet above sea level in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Rain falls year-round, with a clear peak in April and May.
| Month | Low | High | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34 °F | 50 °F | ~3.9 in. |
| February | 37 °F | 55 °F | ~3.9 in. |
| March | 45 °F | 64 °F | ~4.7 in. |
| April | 55 °F | 73 °F | ~5.1 in. |
| May | 64 °F | 81 °F | ~5.7 in. |
| June | 72 °F | 90 °F | ~3.9 in. |
| July | 77 °F | 93 °F | ~3.1 in. |
| August | 75 °F | 91 °F | ~3.1 in. |
| September | 66 °F | 84 °F | ~3.9 in. |
| October | 55 °F | 73 °F | ~3.5 in. |
| November | 43 °F | 61 °F | ~3.9 in. |
| December | 36 °F | 52 °F | ~3.9 in. |
The July and August highs of 93 °F understate how uncomfortable it can feel. With Arkansas's characteristic humidity, the heat index regularly tops 104 °F and can reach 109 °F on some afternoons. Keep that in mind when planning your outings.
The Climate Season by Season
Winter (December to February)
Days range from 34 °F to 55 °F, while nighttime temperatures sometimes drop below 27 °F. Arctic cold snaps can push the feels-like temperature down to 16 °F. Snow is rare in Hot Springs, but ice is much more common. It turns the wooded slopes and Bathhouse Row sidewalks into slippery surfaces, often without warning.
The upside is that the crowds are gone, the trails have room to breathe, and the park's natural hot springs have never felt more welcome.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the wettest season. March and April bring the heaviest rain, sometimes accompanied by severe thunderstorms. Arkansas sits along the edge of Dixie Alley, the tornado-prone area of the American Southeast. Hail and powerful wind gusts aren't unusual. Meanwhile, wild azaleas bloom across the Ouachita Mountains in April, and temperatures climb quickly, reaching 81 °F in May.
Summer (June to August)
August is the peak of the muggy heat, with afternoon feels-like temperatures of 100 to 109 °F and nights staying around 75 °F. Mornings before 10 a.m. are still reasonable for the trails. After noon, prolonged outdoor activity carries a real risk of heat illness. The thermal baths and air-conditioned spaces in the park become welcome refuges.
Fall (September to November)
September holds on to summer's heat, but humidity gradually drops. October offers the best balance. With temperatures from 55 °F to 73 °F, skies often clear and the foliage turns auburn along the Ouachita ridges. November brings back the rain and the first chilly nights below 43 °F.
Is Hot Springs Cold or Hot? Records and Extremes
Both, depending on the month. On the hot side, the heat index reaches 109 °F during the July and August peaks, according to NPS data. On the cold side, winter arctic outbreaks can bring the feels-like temperature down to 16 °F, even though actual temperatures rarely fall below 23 °F.
The park doesn't have any problematic elevation, but summer humidity can dehydrate you just as much as desert sun. Sweat evaporates less efficiently in humid air, and you may not feel thirsty until you're already behind. Drink before you feel the need.
What to Wear and Bring Each Season
Winter. Thermal base layer, midweight fleece, and a waterproof windbreaker. If ice is in the forecast, choose shoes with slip-resistant soles for the trails and park walkways.
Spring. Breathable rain jacket and waterproof trail shoes. Check NWS weather alerts on Weather.gov before every outing from March through May, especially for thunderstorm and tornado alerts.
Summer. Moisture-wicking technical clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and at least 1.5 liters of water. Don't take a long hike between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. without extra water, even for the shortest outdoor activities.
Fall. A midweight layer and standard trail shoes are enough in October. Add a lightweight rain jacket for November days.
Alerts and Conditions to Watch
Thunderstorms and tornadoes (March to May). A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado in the area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been confirmed or detected. Take shelter immediately in a sturdy building. The Bathhouse Row Visitor Center serves as a shelter. The distinction between the two alerts is critical, so don't confuse them.
Extreme heat (July to August). The exposed trails on West Mountain and North Mountain become dangerous in the middle of the afternoon. Start before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m., and tell someone you trust about your route before you leave.
Ice and road closures (December to February). Park roads, including Hot Springs Mountain Road, North Mountain Drive, and West Mountain Drive, are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. They may close temporarily without notice during freezing conditions. Check the official NPS page or call the Visitor Center before heading out.
Muddy trails after heavy rain. In March and April, forest trails become slippery after a downpour. Check trail conditions on the NPS website before hitting the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the weather like in Hot Springs right now?
Hot Springs weather varies widely by season, from July's muggy heat, with feels-like temperatures up to 109 °F, to January freezes, when it can feel as cold as 16 °F. For today's conditions, see the real-time forecast at the top of the page.
What's the current temperature in Hot Springs National Park?
Temperatures in Hot Springs range from about 34 °F on a winter night to 93 °F on an August afternoon, with much higher feels-like temperatures in summer because of the humidity. Real-time readings are available at the top of the page.
Does it get cold in Hot Springs?
Winter is mild on average, with daytime temperatures from 34 °F to 55 °F, but arctic cold snaps can bring the feels-like temperature down to 16 °F. Nights below 27 °F are possible from December through February.
What's the climate like in Hot Springs National Park?
Hot Springs National Park has a humid subtropical climate: hot, muggy summers, with daytime temperatures of 90 to 93 °F and feels-like temperatures up to 109 °F; mild but variable winters; and rainy spring and fall seasons, with peak precipitation in April and May.
What should I wear to visit Hot Springs?
Wear layers in winter and spring, including a thermal base layer and waterproof windbreaker. In summer, choose breathable fabrics, a wide-brimmed hat, and bring plenty of water. A lightweight rain jacket comes in handy almost year-round.
When's the best time to visit Hot Springs?
October is often recommended for comfortable temperatures and fall foliage. Our When to Go page details every month, the busiest periods, and the best windows for your priority activities.