Petrified Forest · October
Petrified Forest in October
October is a busy time to visit Petrified Forest — about as busy as September, busier than November.
Expect heavy crowds (7/10), highs near 71°F, and about 11.3 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 63% 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 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical October visits vs. the year
October draws about 8% of Petrified Forest’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
- 71°F
- Avg low
- 40°F
- Precipitation
- 1.0"
- Sunrise
- 6:25 AM
- Sunset
- 5:43 PM
- Daylight
- 11.3h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US
This week
7-day forecast for Petrified Forest
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Overcast | 67°F | 46°F | 21% |
| Mon 19 | Light rain | 69°F | 46°F | 18% |
| Tue 20 | Light drizzle | 73°F | 49°F | 7% |
| Wed 21 | Rain showers | 75°F | 60°F | 75% |
| Thu 22 | Rain showers | 72°F | 56°F | 91% |
| Fri 23 | Overcast | 64°F | 53°F | 25% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 68°F | 52°F | 6% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
What's open
Petrified Forest in October: access
Park Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Park Headquarters Phones are Down
Phones at park headquarters are currently down. Please call the visitor center at Painted Desert Inn 928-235-2467 or the Visitor Services office 928-235-2391 between 8 am and 5 pm. You can also send us an email at pefo_information@nps.gov.
- Information
The Painted Desert Oasis Gift Shop, Gas Station and Restaurant are Open!
The Painted Desert Oasis gift shop, gas station and restaurant located at the north entrance of the park are open, and restrooms are available during construction. Visitor center operations are currently located at the Painted Desert Inn, two miles past the entrance station.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Petrified Forest crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in October
FAQ
Petrified Forest in October
How busy is Petrified Forest in October?
October rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Petrified Forest National Park — about 63% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 37,639.
What is the weather like at Petrified Forest in October?
In October, Petrified Forest averages a high of 71°F and a low of 40°F, with about 1.0 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Petrified Forest?
Entrance to Petrified Forest costs $25 (Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Valid for 7 days.).
When is Petrified Forest least crowded?
Petrified Forest is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Petrified Forest get in October?
In mid-October, Petrified Forest gets about 11.3 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:25 AM and sunset around 5:43 PM.