When is the Best Time to Visit Arkansas? (Advice From a Local)

When Is the Best Time to Visit Arkansas? Advice From a Local

When is the best time to visit Arkansas? I was born and raised here and if I had to pick a favorite time I would probably choose fall. The summer heat and humidity begin to ease, festivals are happening all over the state and fall colors start to appear.

But, you would need to come in spring if you want to see rushing waterfalls or float the upper Buffalo River. Summer is the best time for spending your days swimming, boating or playing on one of our lakes. Winter can be wonderful for hiking, museums and a quiet cabin getaway.

Well, shucks. Sounds like the right answer is that the best time to visit Arkansas depends on what you want to do when you get here.

Best Time to Visit Arkansas at a Glance

What you want to do	Best time to visit	What to know
See fall color	Late October to mid-November	Northern Arkansas usually changes first, and the vibrancy of the color can depend on the weather.
Go hiking	October through May	Fewer bugs and less hot this time of year
See waterfalls	Late winter through spring	Most Arkansas waterfalls depend on recent rain
Float the Buffalo River	Spring to early summer	The upper Buffalo depends heavily on rainfall for appropriate water levels
Swim, boat or enjoy the lakes	Late May through early September	July and August are hot and humid
See gardens and spring blooms	March through April	Bloom dates vary from year to year
Take a scenic road trip	April, May, October and November	Mountain roads are especially pretty in spring and fall
Enjoy a cabin getaway	Late fall through winter	Look for a fireplace or private hot tub
Attend festivals	Spring and fall	Check exact dates before planning your trip
Visit museums and cities and eat at great restaurants	Any time of year	Especially useful during summer heat or winter cold

Arkansas Weather Varies Across the State

Even though Arkansas is not a huge state, the weather can be surprisingly different depending on where you are going.

Northern and northwestern Arkansas, particularly the higher elevations of the Ozarks, are usually cooler than central and southern Arkansas. Spring may arrive a little later, fall color often begins sooner and there is a better chance of snow in winter.

The Ouachita Mountains in western Arkansas also have areas of higher elevation and slightly cooler temperatures.

Central Arkansas falls somewhere in the middle. Southern Arkansas and the Delta are generally warmer, with earlier spring growth and summer heat that can linger well into September and beyond.

This is important when planning outdoor activities. The weather in Little Rock may not tell you what conditions will be like on Mount Magazine or near the Buffalo National River.

Always check the forecast for the actual town, state park or mountain you are visiting.

Visiting Arkansas in the Spring

Spring is one of the prettiest times of the year in Arkansas. It comes early and quickly to this state.

The first hints of color arrive in early March, and by the middle of April much of the state is green and blooming. The dogwoods and redbuds make spring hiking especially beautiful.

One of our favorite spring activities is visiting some of the gorgeous gardens in Arkansas. The tulips at Garvan Gardens should simply not be missed. This is also a perfect time of year to take a tour of Moss Mountain Farm, the home of famous horticulturist P. Allen Smith.

Here are some more Ideas for things to do in spring in Arkansas

• Waterfall hikes
• Gardens and flowers
• Floating and paddling
• Hiking
• Fishing
• State parks
• Spring festivals
• Exploring Hot Springs or Eureka Springs
• Visit Moss Mountain Farm

Do be aware that many of our waterfalls are rain dependent as are some of our floatable rivers. They are usually best in spring and some of them actually slow to a trickle or dry up completely later in the year.

The upper Buffalo river is highly dependent on rainfall and may not remain floatable once summer gets dry, although sections farther downstream often have water longer.

Always check river levels and speak with a local outfitter before making plans to float.

What Is the Weather Like in Spring?

Unpredictable. Capricious. Beautiful. Stormy. Balmy…in other words, it’s a mix.

March can be warm one day and cold the next. April is usually milder, but rain and thunderstorms are common possibilities. May begins to feel more like summer, particularly in southern and central Arkansas.

Spring storms can occasionally be severe, so keep an eye on the forecast. That does not mean you should avoid Arkansas in spring. It simply means that you should leave a little flexibility in your schedule.

A rainy morning is a good time to visit a museum. You can always hike after the storm passes.

Visiting Arkansas in the Summer

Summer in Arkansas is hot. However, I would never discourage you from visiting this time of year.

Summer in Arkansas is also green and lush, with days made for lakes, boating and swimming, and nights made for lingering outside listening to the cicadas and watching the fireflies appear.

Arkansas has beautiful lakes, rivers and swimming holes. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy them.

This is not my favorite season for long hikes. If hiking is part of your summer plan, start early, carry more water than you think you will need and choose a shaded trail.

I would avoid building a schedule that has you walking around outdoors all afternoon.

You can enjoy indoor activities such as shopping, or visiting some of the amazing Arkansas museums including the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville.

If you are a family traveling in the summer then I would recommend finding a place to stay with a swimming pool. Some of our state parks including Petit Jean State Park and Mount Nebo State Park have swimming pools for the use of those who are staying in the parks.

We also have some cold water swimming holes including Charlton Recreation Area.

We have a list of more ways to beat the summer heat in Arkansas!

What is the Weather Like in Summer in Arkansas?

It’s hot, y’all.

The average high in Little Rock in July is 93 degrees, but temperatures can and DO exceed 100 degrees. Humidity is very high as well.

Just be prepared for the weather and plan accordingly. Make sure you are wearing cool clothing and drink plenty of water and take a break from the afternoon heat.

Visiting Arkansas in the Fall

Fall is the season I recommend most often, especially for first-time visitors. There are so many great things to do in Arkansas in the fall.

Of course leaf peeping is a favorite.

Fall color normally starts first in the Ozark highlands and then moves south and east. Color typically begins in the Ozarks and higher elevations in mid-October and continues moving south through the state into mid-November.

There is no single statewide peak so you will want to watch the leaf forecasts before your trip.

Here is our list of some of the best places to experience fall color in Arkansas. This is also a great time for pumpkin patches and fall festivals in the state.

What is the Weather Like in Arkansas in the Fall

Mostly great! The humidity begins to drop, the evenings become cooler and outdoor activities start feeling pleasant again.

Although September is technically fall, Arkansas weather does not always acknowledge that fact. It may still feel like summer, particularly during the first half of the month.

Sometime in late September or early October the humidity begins to lower and we will begin to feel a hint of coolness in the air.

October is usually glorious and November is nice as well although we might get our first nip of cold weather in November.

Visiting Arkansas in the Winter

I really like Arkansas in the winter! Yes, we have some cold days, but there are still so many great outdoor and indoor winter activities.

Winter may actually be my favorite season for hiking. Once the leaves are off the trees, you can see views that are hidden during the rest of the year. There are fewer bugs, fewer people and no summer humidity.

I also enjoy winter hiking because you can see all the cool rock formations that exist on many of the Arkansas trails.

In addition all the holiday lights and events are in full swing by the first of December. We have some amazing light displays and amazing Christmas towns in the state.

You can see our list of great things to do in winter in Arkansas.

What is winter weather like in Arkansas?

Snow is possible, but it is not dependable enough to plan a trip around. Ice is often a bigger concern than snow.

For snowfall averages, regional differences and the honest truth about driving here during winter weather, read our guide to does It snow in Arkansas?

The Best Time to Visit Arkansas for Different Trips

Best Time for Hiking

The best hiking weather is generally from late September through early June.

Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful scenery. Winter offers long views through bare trees. Spring is beautiful and green, although trails can be muddy after heavy rain.

Best Time to See Arkansas Waterfalls

Late winter and spring usually give you the best chance of seeing Arkansas waterfalls flowing well.

Rain matters more than the date on the calendar. A waterfall may be spectacular after a wet week in October and barely flowing after several dry weeks in May.

Best Time to Float the Buffalo River

Spring and early summer are usually best for the upper Buffalo River.

Lower sections remain floatable longer, but the entire river is rainfall dependent. Also, be aware that the water levels can be too high to float safely.

Always check current water levels before you go. Do not assume that because it is “float season” every section will have safe and suitable water for floating.

Best Time for an Arkansas Lake Vacation

May through early September is the best time for swimming, boating and other lake activities.

June is often a good compromise. The water has warmed, but the most intense heat of July and August may not have arrived yet.

Best Time to Visit Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a year-round destination.

Spring and fall are especially nice for walking Bathhouse Row, hiking and exploring downtown. Winter is quieter and perfect for soaking in the thermal waters or enjoying a spa treatment.

Summer is great if your trip includes one of the nearby lakes.

Best Time to Visit Eureka Springs and the Ozarks

Spring and fall are both beautiful in Eureka Springs and the surrounding Ozarks.

Visit in spring for blooming hillsides, gardens and flowing waterfalls. Come in fall for cooler weather and colorful scenic drives.

Winter is quiet and cozy and some things in Eureka Springs will be closed during the week. Summer is lively, green and busy, although it can be hot.

Best Time for Scenic Drives

The designated Scenic Routes in Arkansas are beautiful year round, but fall is special. Everyone knows about fall on the northern part of Scenic Highway 7 and in the Ozarks, but I also really like fall on Crowley’s Ridge.

Spring is also lovely, especially when the redbuds and dogwoods are blooming, while winter offers long views that are hidden by leaves during the rest of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Arkansas

What is the best month to visit Arkansas?

October is probably the best all-around month for an Arkansas trip. The worst of the summer heat usually begins to ease, festivals are plentiful and fall color starts appearing across the state.

Late October is a safer choice for comfortable weather and fall foliage, although early November may be even prettier in central and southern Arkansas.

April would be my second choice for blooming dogwoods and redbuds, rushing waterfalls and pleasant hiking weather. Just be prepared for rain and the possibility of spring storms.

When is fall foliage at its peak in Arkansas?

Peak fall color varies by region and year.

The higher elevations of northern Arkansas usually change first. Central Arkansas often follows in late October or early November, while southern and eastern Arkansas may hold color later.

Is Arkansas too hot to visit in the summer?

No, but summer is better for water activities and indoor attractions than long daytime hikes.

Plan outdoor activities for the morning, take an afternoon break and choose lodging with a pool if that is important to your family.

Does Arkansas have four seasons?

Yes, Arkansas experiences all four seasons.

Sometimes several of them appear during the same week.

When is the best time to visit Arkansas for fewer crowds?

Winter is usually quieter outside the Christmas holiday season. Early spring and weekdays in fall can also feel less crowded than popular October weekends.

Major festivals, football weekends and peak foliage dates may bring more visitors to certain towns.

So, When Should You Visit Arkansas?

There really is something to enjoy in every season. The trick is not finding one perfect time to visit Arkansas. It is choosing the season that fits the trip you actually want to take.

Pick your season and come see my beautiful home state of Arkansas.