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For guests
What to pack for Hot Springs
Hot Springs summers are hot and humid and winters are mild with cold snaps. Pack for the weather, then for what you plan to do.
The weather in brief
July is the hottest month, with average highs around 92°F and lows around 72°F. January is the coldest, with highs around 52°F and lows around 33°F. The hot stretch runs from about June through mid-September.
By season
Spring (March to May)
Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons, a rain jacket, and walking shoes. Oaklawn's 2026-27 racing season runs through May 1, so bring something a little nicer if you have a dining reservation at the track.
Summer (June to August)
Light, quick-dry clothes, a brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a refillable water bottle. A swimsuit and water shoes if you are headed to the lakes.
Fall (September to November)
Early fall can still feel like summer, so pack short sleeves plus a jacket for evenings. Trail shoes for the Ouachitas. The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival runs Oct. 9 to 17, 2026, if you plan to spend long days in theater seats.
Winter (December to February)
A warm coat, layers and gloves for cold snaps. This is a good season for the bathhouses. Oaklawn's 2026-27 season opens Nov. 27 and runs through the winter.
By activity
| Activity | Bring |
|---|---|
| Quapaw Baths thermal pools | A real swimsuit and pool sandals. Quapaw supplies a towel and locker for the pools. |
| Buckstaff traditional bath | Nothing special. The traditional bath is taken wrapped in a sheet, with an attendant guiding you through each station. |
| Lake day | Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water shoes, a cooler and a dry bag for your phone. Life jackets for kids if the rental does not supply them. |
| Hiking in the park or national forest | Trail shoes, a daypack, plenty of water, bug spray and a downloaded trail map. |
| Downtown and Bathhouse Row | Comfortable shoes for the hills and a light layer for evenings. |
| Oaklawn | Comfortable shoes for the grandstand and a layer for cool mornings. |
There are no outdoor soaking spots in the national park. The two places to bathe in the thermal water are Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Baths and Spa on Bathhouse Row.
Check the listing before you pack
Many rentals supply linens, towels, basic toiletries, kitchen basics and Wi-Fi, but it varies by host. Read the amenities list and ask the host about anything that matters to you, such as a crib, beach towels, kayaks or life jackets.
- Does the rental provide pool or lake towels?
- Are kayaks or paddleboards included, and are there life jackets in every size?
- Is there a washer and dryer for a longer stay?
- Where do guests park, and how many cars fit?
Questions about short-term rentals in Hot Springs?
Call or text 501.365.1001, or send a note and we will get back to you.