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Dry Tortugas · October

Dry Tortugas in October

October is a good time to visit Dry Tortugas — quieter than September, quieter than November.

Expect moderate crowds (6/10), highs near 85°F, about 11.6 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

6/10
Moderate

A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.

About 52% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 13, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical October visits vs. the year

October (typical)4,812
Peak — May9,256
Quietest — October4,812

October draws about 6% of Dry Tortugas’s yearly visitors.

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

October weather

Avg high
85°F
Avg low
76°F
Precipitation
4.7"
Sunrise
5:29 AM
Sunset
5:04 PM
Daylight
11.6h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, DRY TORTUGAS, FL US

This week

7-day forecast for Dry Tortugas

DayConditionsHighLowPrecip chance
Tue 13Overcast84°F81°F12%
Wed 14Overcast84°F81°F42%
Thu 15Thunderstorm85°F80°F52%
Fri 16Thunderstorm84°F82°F47%
Sat 17Thunderstorm84°F81°F77%
Sun 18Thunderstorm83°F79°F87%
Mon 19Thunderstorm84°F81°F80%

Forecast data by Open-Meteo

Source: Open-Meteo

What's open

Dry Tortugas in October: access

The Dry Tortugas is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. This includes holidays.

Seasonal closures may apply:

  • Park Closure

    Sections of moat wall closed until Winter 2026

    Sections of the moat wall that were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024) are undergoing repair and reinforcement. For your safety, please follow posted signage and do not cross any barricades.

  • Park Closure

    Seasonal Closure: Bush Key

    Most of Bush Key is now open to the public. To protect nesting frigatebirds, a small area on the north side of Bush Key, all of Long Key, and all vegetation remains closed until further notice.

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Caution

    Garden Key Harbor Light

    Vessel operators - the Garden Key Harbor Light is undergoing repairs and is extinguished. At this time it is unknown when the light will again be illuminated.

  • Information

    Migrant Notice

    Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, we have seen an increase in Cuban migrants arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. You may observe migrant landings at the park and visitor areas may be impacted.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Dry Tortugas crowds across the year

January: 8/10 crowdJanFebruary: 8/10 crowdFebMarch: 9/10 crowdMarApril: 9/10 crowdAprMay: 10/10 crowdMayJune: 9/10 crowdJunJuly: 9/10 crowdJulAugust: 7/10 crowdAugSeptember: 7/10 crowdSepOctober: 6/10 crowd6OctNovember: 8/10 crowdNovDecember: 8/10 crowdDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in October

FAQ

Dry Tortugas in October

How busy is Dry Tortugas in October?

October rates 6/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Dry Tortugas National Park — about 52% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 4,812.

What is the weather like at Dry Tortugas in October?

In October, Dry Tortugas averages a high of 85°F and a low of 76°F, with about 4.7 inches of precipitation.

How much does it cost to visit Dry Tortugas?

Entrance to Dry Tortugas costs $15 (The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person 15 years old and under is exempt from paying an entrance fees (including international visitors). Ferry tickets include the cost of entrance to the park, but NOT camping fees. Seaplane will charge the entrance fee upon arrival. Plan to bring cash for each person aged 16-years of age and older. Private boaters may purchase a digital pass in advance or pay cash/check at Garden Key main dock.).

When is Dry Tortugas least crowded?

Dry Tortugas is quietest in October and August. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.

How many hours of daylight does Dry Tortugas get in October?

In mid-October, Dry Tortugas gets about 11.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:29 AM and sunset around 5:04 PM.