Petrified Forest · September
Petrified Forest in September
September is a busy time to visit Petrified Forest — about as busy as August, about as busy as October.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 68% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical September visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
September weather
- Avg high
- 82°F
- Avg low
- 51°F
- Precipitation
- 1.1"
- Sunrise
- 6:02 AM
- Sunset
- 6:25 PM
- Daylight
- 12.4h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US
What's open
Petrified Forest in September: 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 September
FAQ
Petrified Forest in September
How busy is Petrified Forest in September?
September rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Petrified Forest National Park — about 68% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 40,874.
What is the weather like at Petrified Forest in September?
In September, Petrified Forest averages a high of 82°F and a low of 51°F, with about 1.1 inches of precipitation.