Short answer: the best time of year to golf in Northwest Arkansas is fall, from late September through early November. Average highs slide from the low 80s to around 70°F, the humidity is gone, and Ozarks fall color usually peaks in late October. Late April through early June is a close second, with green courses and mild temperatures but more rain.
You can play in summer and winter too; you just plan the day differently. Here is how each season compares, with weather numbers from the National Weather Service.
Ozark Golf Getaways is an independent trip planner. We are not affiliated with any golf course, team or event; we plan and book the golf, lodging and dinners for your group.
What is the golf weather like in Northwest Arkansas month by month?
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Avg rain | Golf verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F | 24°F | 2.6 in | Pick-your-day golf |
| February | 51°F | 27°F | 2.7 in | Pick-your-day golf |
| March | 59°F | 35°F | 4.3 in | Season opener, pack layers |
| April | 69°F | 44°F | 4.3 in | Very good |
| May | 76°F | 54°F | 5.7 in | Very good, but the wettest month |
| June | 84°F | 62°F | 4.8 in | Good, warm afternoons |
| July | 89°F | 66°F | 3.3 in | Hot: play early |
| August | 90°F | 65°F | 3.4 in | Hot: play early |
| September | 82°F | 57°F | 4.7 in | Very good, best late in the month |
| October | 71°F | 45°F | 3.6 in | The best month |
| November | 59°F | 36°F | 4.4 in | Good early, cooler late |
| December | 48°F | 26°F | 3.4 in | Pick-your-day golf |
Source: National Weather Service climate normals for Bentonville, Arkansas (1981–2010), rounded. These are long-term averages; any single week can run warmer, colder or wetter.
Why is fall the best season for a Northwest Arkansas golf trip?
Three things line up at once:
- Comfortable all day. An average October afternoon is about 71°F, so a group can play 18, eat lunch and go back out for more without wilting.
- Fall color. Arkansas Tourism says color in the Ozarks typically starts appearing in earnest by the second week of October, with peak color arriving in late October. The Bella Vista courses run through wooded hills and valleys, so you play right through it.
- Less rain than spring. October averages about 3.6 inches of rain, compared with 5.7 in May.
What to know: fall is also the busiest time for visitors. Football weekends in Fayetteville and the big October craft fairs fill rental homes, and event weekends cost more. If you want golf around a game, see our Razorback game weekend golf page.
Mornings are cool, with an average October low in the mid 40s, so bring a pullover for the first few holes.
Is spring a good time to golf in Northwest Arkansas?
Yes. Late April through early June is the second-best window. Average highs climb from 69°F in April to 76°F in May, and the courses are green and fresh.
The trade-off is rain. March, April and May each average more than 4 inches, and May is the wettest month of the year. That does not mean a washed-out trip; it means you plan for it:
- Pack a rain jacket and a second glove.
- Keep one tee time flexible, or leave a free afternoon you can move a round into.
- Have a backup: downtown Bentonville's restaurants, museums and breweries are a short drive from the Bella Vista courses.
Is it too hot to golf in Northwest Arkansas in summer?
Hot, but very playable if you set the day up right. Average highs are near 89°F in July and August, and it is humid.
- Tee off early. Mornings start in the mid 60s on average.
- Play 18, not 36. Use the afternoon for the lake, the pool or a long lunch.
- Ride. Carts and plenty of water make a big difference.
Summer has one real advantage: long daylight, which makes it easy to fit golf around a group's travel day.
Can you golf in Northwest Arkansas in winter?
On the right day, yes. From December through February the average high is in the mid 40s to low 50s and the average low is in the 20s. Some winter afternoons reach the 50s or 60s, and others are not golf weather at all.
Winter golf here works best for flexible groups, especially ones driving in from Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Kansas City or Dallas who can pick a weekend off the forecast.
- Expect frost delays on cold mornings; late-morning tee times are safer.
- Courses can close for snow, ice or wet conditions, so confirm before you travel.
- The grass is dormant, so the look is brown rather than green.
Which season should your group pick?
| If your group wants… | Go in |
|---|---|
| The best weather and scenery | October |
| Green courses and mild days | Late April to early June |
| Golf plus a football game | September to November home-game weekends |
| Golf plus lake or pool time | June to August |
| A quiet, last-minute weekend | December to February, weather permitting |
How far ahead should you book a Northwest Arkansas golf trip?
For most weekends, six to eight weeks is plenty. For October weekends and home-game weekends, start earlier, because houses that sleep 8 or more golfers go first.
Ozark Golf Getaways builds the whole trip in one plan: tee times, lodging, dinner reservations and one point of contact. Starting prices per golfer (smaller groups pay more; event weekends cost more):
2 nights · 3 rounds
Ozark Weekender
from $449/golfer
12+ golfers; $479 for 8–11.
3 nights · 4 rounds
Bella Vista Stay & Play
from $749/golfer
3 nights · 4 rounds
Ozark Getaway
from $699/golfer
See the details on our Bella Vista golf packages page, browse the Northwest Arkansas golf course guide, or check drive-in plans for Dallas, Tulsa and Kansas City groups. Tee times are subject to course availability, and rates change by season, so check current rates when you request a quote.
Questions
What is the best month to golf in Northwest Arkansas?
October is the favorite for most groups. Bentonville's average high is about 71°F, summer humidity is gone, and Ozarks fall color usually peaks in late October. May and late September are close behind.
Can you golf in Northwest Arkansas in winter?
Yes, on the right day. Average highs are in the mid 40s to low 50s from December through February and overnight lows are below freezing, so expect frost delays and plan flexible, late-morning tee times.
Is it too hot to golf in Arkansas in the summer?
It is hot but playable. Average highs in Bentonville are near 89°F in July and August. Book early-morning tee times, ride in carts and save the afternoon for the lake, the pool or downtown Bentonville.
What is the rainiest month in Northwest Arkansas?
May, with about 5.7 inches of rain on average in Bentonville. Spring trips are still a great choice; just build in a flexible tee time or a backup plan.
How far ahead should we book a Northwest Arkansas golf trip?
Six to eight weeks is plenty for most weekends. For October weekends and Razorback home-game weekends, start earlier because lodging for groups fills first.
Pick your season. We'll plan the rest.
Send your dates and group size (4–24 golfers). You'll get a custom Northwest Arkansas itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
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