Arkansas seasons
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Arkansas
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Arkansas is fall, from late September into early November, when the Ozarks and Ouachitas turn color, usually peaking around late October. Spring, April and May, is the other great window, with green hills and full waterfalls, but also storms and flooding. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is rideable on dry days between ice storms.
- Best overall
- Late Sept to early Nov
- Fall color
- Around late October
- Spring
- April and May
- Watch for
- Flash floods, winter ice
The short version
Arkansas's riding year
Arkansas has four real seasons. The Ozarks and Ouachitas ride beautifully from April to November, with fall as the high point and spring close behind. Summer is hot and humid but workable in the morning, especially under the forest canopy. Winter brings cold snaps and the occasional ice or snow that can shut mountain roads for days.
The regions differ a little. The Ozarks in the north are the coolest part of the state and get the most winter ice. The Ouachitas and the Arkansas River Valley run a bit warmer. The Delta in the east is flat, open and hot in summer. The best motorcycle roads in Arkansas lists the best season for each road, and the Arkansas motorcycle rides hub has the overview.
Month by month
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Arkansas, month by month
| Month | Ozarks | Ouachitas and River Valley | Delta and Little Rock |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold. Ice possible, dry days only | Cold. Ride sunny days | Cool. Ride mild days |
| February | Cold. Ice and snow possible | Cool. Ice possible | Cool, warming late |
| March | Warming. Storms start | Good. Storms possible | Good. Storms possible |
| April | Prime. Dogwoods, waterfalls | Prime | Prime |
| May | Prime. Watch for floods | Prime, warming | Warm, getting humid |
| June | Warm. Ride early | Hot. Ride early | Hot and humid |
| July | Hot. Ride early | Hottest. Dawn rides | Hottest. Dawn rides |
| August | Hot. Ride early | Hot. Dawn rides | Hot. Dawn rides |
| September | Great late. Rally week crowds | Good, easing | Warm, easing late |
| October | Prime. Color late in the month | Prime. Color late | Prime |
| November | Great early, cold late | Great. Color early | Great |
| December | Cold. Dry days only | Cold. Dry days | Cool. Good days |
General patterns, not a forecast. Check the forecast and IDriveArkansas before you ride.
March to May
Spring: waterfalls, dogwoods and floods
April and May are when the Ozarks are greenest. Dogwoods and redbuds bloom along the forest roads, the waterfalls run full, and the temperatures are perfect for long days. Spring is also canoe season on the Buffalo National River, so expect more traffic around Ponca and Jasper on weekends.
Spring is storm season too. Heavy rain causes flash flooding in the hills, washes gravel onto the curves and covers low-water crossings fast. Never ride through water over the road. Severe storms and tornadoes are most likely in spring, so check the forecast before long rides and know where you'd shelter.
June to August
Summer: early starts and forest shade
Arkansas summers are hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms. The forest roads in the Ozarks and Ouachitas are the best summer rides, since the canopy blocks the sun and the ridges catch a breeze. Start at first light and be done by early afternoon.
The Delta is the hardest summer riding in the state: flat, open and shadeless. Drink water at every stop and wear vented gear with armor. Mount Magazine and the Talimena ridge are a little cooler than the valleys below.
September to November
Fall: the best riding of the year
Fall is why riders come to Arkansas. Cooler, drier air arrives in late September, and color usually peaks across the Ozarks and Ouachitas around late October into early November. Scenic 7, the Pig Trail, AR 21 and the Talimena Byway are spectacular, and busy.
Plan around the crowds. Bikes, Blues and BBQ fills Fayetteville and the Pig Trail in late September. The War Eagle craft fair brings heavy traffic to northwest Arkansas in October, and Razorback home games pack Fayetteville on fall Saturdays. The elk rut in Boxley Valley draws watchers to AR 43 in fall. See Arkansas motorcycle events for the calendar.
December to February
Winter: dry days and black ice
Winter is rideable on dry, sunny days, especially in the south and east. The danger is ice. Shaded corners and north-facing slopes on mountain roads hold ice long after the sun comes up, and an ice storm can shut the Ozarks for days. Wait for afternoon, treat dark wet patches as ice, and stay off the mountains after a freeze.
Winter has a quiet upside: no crowds, long views through bare trees, and bald eagles wintering around Arkansas lakes.
By region
Best months to ride, by Arkansas region
| Region | Best months | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Arkansas and the Pig Trail | April to May, October | Rally week, game days, leaves |
| Buffalo River and Boxley Valley | April to May, September to November | Elk, canoe season traffic, floods |
| North central Ozarks | April to November | Ice in winter, gravel |
| Arkansas River Valley | April to November | Fog on Mount Magazine |
| Ouachitas and Talimena | April to November | Fog, deer, no fuel on the ridge |
| Delta | March to May, September to November | Summer heat, farm traffic |
Plan it
Plan your Arkansas season with Rippin'
- Weather alertsRippin' sends weather alerts before you ride, and riders flag road hazards, like flooded crossings, on the map. See road and weather alerts.
- Ride plansShare a ride card with departure time, route, fuel stops and RSVPs, so the crew beats the fall weekend traffic.
- Loop builderTap roads on the map to build an Ozark loop, then ride it with turn-by-turn in the app.
- Passport stampsEvery town you ride through adds a stamp, from Eureka Springs to Mena, and badges pay points.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
What is the best month to ride a motorcycle in Arkansas?
October, when the Ozarks and Ouachitas start to turn and the air is cool and dry. Late October is usually peak color. April and May are close behind.
When is fall color in the Arkansas Ozarks?
Usually around late October into early November. Every year is a little different, and higher ridges turn first.
Can you ride a motorcycle in Arkansas in winter?
On dry, sunny days, yes. Mountain roads can hold ice in shaded corners, and ice storms can shut roads for days.
Is summer a good time to ride in Arkansas?
In the mornings, yes, especially on shaded forest roads. Afternoons are hot and humid, with thunderstorms.
When is the Pig Trail busiest?
Fall weekends, Razorback game days and Bikes, Blues and BBQ week in late September. Ride it on a weekday or early morning.
Is spring a good time to ride in Arkansas?
Yes, it's beautiful, but it's storm season. Watch for flash floods, gravel washed into curves and water over low crossings.
Ride Arkansas in every season.
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