Hiking to Havasupai Falls in October: The Weather, Campground, Gear, and More

October can be a great time to visit Havasupai Falls. The weather’s warm enough to swim (usually) but you won’t bake in the desert heat.

Plus, while a rain shower might move through, you’re at a far less risk of a summer monsoon storm impacting your visit.

Key Info on Havasupai Falls

• Permits become available each February.
• It’s $455 per person to camp for 3 nights.
• It’s $2277 for 4 people to stay 3 nights at the lodge.
• Be prepared to hike 10 miles each way, since the helicopter is unpredictable.
• You can hire a mule to haul your gear.

October Weather Overview

Generally in October, for the village of Supai, you can expect daily highs in the 70s or low 80s, with overnight lows around 50 degrees. Temperatures definitely dip toward the end of the month, especially at night.

• Average High: 78°F
• Average Low: 50°F

Daylight Hours

You’ll have about 12 hours of daylight at Havasupai Falls in October, but sunlight dwindles toward the end of the month.

• Sunrise: : 6:40 AM
• Sunset: 6:15 PM

If you’re going to attempt the additional hike to the Confluence with the Colorado River (10 miles each way) leave early to make sure you’re back by sunset. Also, you should bring a headlamp in case you run out of daylight.

Crowds and Permit Availability

It can be difficult to secure a permit to Havasupai Falls any month of the year. By October, the season is starting to wind down, so you might have better luck.

Over the years, I’ve had success checking the Havasupai Tribe’s “Transfer” website, where people who can’t use their permits can sell them.  Usually people buy permits on February 1st, so for any number of reasons they may no longer be able to use them by October.

As for crowd size, Havasupai Tribe doesn’t release exact numbers, but public filings online with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other agencies provide some insight.

The tribe grants roughly 100 permits per day. Up to 30,000 people visit Havasupai Falls each year. The campground is almost always buzzing with new people arriving and other groups packing up to leave.

Hiking to Havasupai Falls in October

In the summer months, most people begin their hikes before dawn to avoid the scorching midday heat on the trail to Havasupai Falls.

By October, the sun isn’t quite as hot, so you can start your hike anytime in the morning.

Carrying all your gear, you’re still likely to be hot on the trail, but there are shady spots to rest along the way.

Many days, the Havasupai Tribe enforces a rule, which prevents hikers from beginning after 2:00 PM, so aim for sometime in the morning.

Trail Conditions and Challenges

Unless an unexpected storm impacts the trail, you won’t have any challenges hiking in October. It’s clearly marked and easy to follow.

Camping Along Havasu Creek in October

October is a great month to camp along Havasu Creek, between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.

The campground itself stretches about a mile on both sides of the creek’s famously blue waters.

Campground Conditions and Best Spots

In October, you mostly likely won’t have to worry about the creek flooding from a storm. One flood in recent memory forced campers to higher ground in October, but most years monsoon season is over.

No matter what month you visit Havasupai Falls, my advice for choosing a campsite is: look for a setup with a picnic table along the creek, and make sure it’s a distance from the vaulted toilets.

Nighttime Temperatures and Sleeping Tips

Nighttime temperatures might be chilly by the end of October, but they should still be comfortable.   

With that said, check the weather forecast before your trip! Temperatures fluctuate, and can dip down quite a bit colder sometimes at night (especially in late October).  

While I’ve seen people sleep in hammocks (without a tent) in October, I’d suggest bringing a tent.

Wildlife to Watch For

I’ve heard people complain about flies and mosquitoes, but we’ve never had a problem with bugs or scavenger rodents getting into our food. Still, I bring insect repellent with me, and many people bring rat sacks to secure their food.

The most exciting wildlife encounter you’re likely to have is with the desert long-horned sheep that graze along the trail between Mooney and Beaver Falls.

Waterfalls and Swimming in October

In early October, you might still enjoy taking a dip in Havasu Creek on a warm day. It’ll be less-enticing as the month goes on.

Water Temperature

Here’s a chart of the water temperatures in Havasu Creek over the course of October of 2023. The gauge broke in a flood during 2024, so 2023 was the last year available.

You can see how it varies by the time of day, but the water is usually in the mid-60s in early October and the lower 60s by the end of the month.

Wrap: Pros and Cons of Visiting Havasupai in October

If you’re planning a trip to Havasupai, October is a nice month to go. The summer heat is gone, but most of the month will remain pretty mild.

Advantages of This Time of Year

Temperatures are likely to be warm, but not hot, allowing you to make the 10-mile hike to Havasupai Falls any time of the day.   

You’ll avoid the scorching summer heat, which causes several hikers to get sick from heat exhaustion each season (I know from experience!). Rainfall is usually minimal in October, meaning less of a chance of flash floods turning the turquoise waterfalls brown.   

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

By the end of October, the nights will get chilly for campers. Just prepare by bringing layers to wear, plus tea, coffee, and other warm things for breakfast.

Also, Havasu Creek turns noticeably colder in October. It’s great to cool off in on a hot day, but the creek crossings between Mooney and Beaver Falls will be chilly!