Thanks to its southerly location, Arkansas experiences relatively mild weather most of the year. No matter which month you visit, you can expect generally pleasant weather unless you are up in the mountains or the far north. The state has four distinct seasons, so visitors can choose the climate they want and plan accordingly.
Though conditions range widely between the mountainous regions, the north and southern end of the state, January sees statewide average temperatures of around 50?F during the day. July and August, on the other hand, average 90?F during the day and with the typically high humidity, can get a bit uncomfortable. Arkansas is known for its volatile weather, with thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, and snow storms regular features of the annual climate. Tornadoes are a possibility during the summer months.
Precipitation is between 40 and 60 inches per year throughout the state. More rain falls in the south than in the northern region. But in the north, rain often becomes snow in the winter. In the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, the snowfall is significantly higher than in the lowland valleys. South of Little Rock, winters bring sleet and freezing rain.
Best Time to Visit Arkansas
With summers so hot and humid, there’s little dispute that spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit Arkansas. Spring can be a bit rainy, but April and May see the land burst back into life. Temperatures are ideal and the humidity has yet to kick in. May is especially nice as the wildflowers bloom and the rivers run strongly from the snowmelt.
Fall is arguably even nicer as the trees turn beautiful colors and the skies are often brilliantly blue. By the end of September, the summer heat has finally dissipated, but October is the real gem of fall. With daily temperatures in the mid 70s (?F) and all shades of the rainbow emulated in the trees, this is Arkansas’ best month for a visit. It’s no secret though, and tourism gets a boost in October. Early November isn’t bad, but by the end of the month the frosts start to arrive and the leaves have all fallen.
Hotel rates tend to rise in the peak of the summer holiday season and then bump up again in October for the fall colors. Spring is when great deals can be found on hotels while winter, when few visitors venture into Arkansas, also sees bargains.