Blue Ridge Parkway in October
In October, Blue Ridge Parkway averages a high of 66°F and a low of 41°F, with 4.5 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow). About 1,776,000 people visit, the 5th busiest of 12 (very busy). Days are 11 hours 12 minutes long.
- Quiet
- Moderate
- Busy
- Very busy
- Few or no visits (may be closed)
- Best months
- High / low
- 66° / 41°F
- Precipitation
- 4.5in
- Snow
- 0in
- Daylight
- 11h 12m
- Visitors
- 1,776,000
- Crowds
- Very busy
October is one of the best months to visit: mild weather with very busy crowds.
Higher or lower in the park, expect a different picture: Elkin, NC at 910 ft averages a October high of 71°F and a low of 42°F.
Weather 1991–2020 averages at Sparta 3.5 SSW, NC, 4.8 miles from the park's center, 3,011 ft. Second station lower down: Elkin, NC, 910 ft, 17 miles. Visitors National Park Service recreation visits, average of 2023–2025. Updated .
Other parks in October
| Park | High / low °F | Crowds | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | 65° / 42° | Busy | Mild |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 69° / 44° | Very busy | Mild |
| Congaree National Park | 77° / 53° | Busy | Mild |
| Shenandoah National Park | 67° / 43° | Very busy | Mild |
| Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area | 73° / 51° | Busy | Mild |
Closures, reservations and alerts: Blue Ridge Parkway on nps.gov
All twelve months at Blue Ridge Parkway · National parks to visit in October