You’re looking at the hot springs weather 10 day forecast because you're probably planning a trip to the "Spa City." Maybe you’re envisioning a steamy soak while the steam rises into a crisp Arkansas morning. Or maybe you're worried that the infamous Southern humidity is going to turn your hike up Hot Springs Mountain into a literal swamp trek.
Honestly, the weather in this corner of the Ouachita Mountains is a bit of a wild card. Today, January 13, 2026, we’re seeing a high of 68°F. That’s unusually warm for mid-January! But don't let that fool you into packing just a light jacket. By tomorrow, the high drops to 55°F, and by Thursday, we’re looking at a crisp 48°F.
That's the thing about Hot Springs. You can’t just look at one number and call it a day.
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The 10-Day Outlook: A Quick Reality Check
If you're checking the hot springs weather 10 day forecast right now, here is the raw data you need to know for this week and next. We're moving from a weirdly warm "false spring" back into the heart of winter.
- Today (Tuesday, Jan 13): High of 68°F. Sunny and gorgeous. Perfect for walking the Grand Promenade.
- Wednesday, Jan 14: High of 55°F / Low of 28°F. A massive 27-degree swing. Welcome to Arkansas.
- Thursday, Jan 15: High of 48°F. Cold but sunny.
- Friday, Jan 16: High of 56°F. A bit of a rebound.
- The Weekend (Jan 17-18): Chilly. Highs in the mid-to-high 40s. Lows will dip below freezing (around 27°F).
- Next Week (Jan 19-22): We stay in the 50s until Wednesday, when rain chances kick in.
By January 21st and 22nd, there's a 20% to 30% chance of light rain. In this town, "light rain" often means a persistent mist that makes the quartz-veined rocks on the trails pretty slippery.
Why the Temperature Swings Are So Intense
You’ve probably noticed that the lows are often 30 degrees colder than the highs. That’s the Ouachita Mountains for you. The geography of Hot Springs National Park creates a bit of a bowl effect. Cold air sinks into the valley at night.
If you're staying at the Arlington or one of the historic rentals downtown, you'll feel that sharp bite the second the sun goes behind West Mountain.
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The Humidity Factor
Arkansas is technically a humid subtropical climate. Even in the winter, the humidity rarely drops into the "desert dry" range. Right now, it’s hovering around 41%, but it’ll jump to 72% by next Thursday when the rain moves in. High humidity makes 48°F feel like 40°F. It’s a "wet cold" that gets into your bones.
Planning Around the Rain
Rain doesn't actually ruin a trip here. In fact, some locals prefer it.
When it rains, the "Hot Water Cascade" near the Arlington Lawn looks even more dramatic. Plus, the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row were built for indoor luxury. If the hot springs weather 10 day forecast shows a string of gray icons, it’s the perfect excuse to book a session at the Buckstaff or Quapaw Baths.
The Buckstaff is the "old school" experience—think whirlpool tubs and personal attendants. Quapaw is more of a modern spa vibe with large thermal pools. Either way, you're shielded from the elements.
Indoor B-Plans for Bad Weather
- The Fordyce Bathhouse: This is the National Park’s visitor center. It’s free and you can spend two hours exploring the marble-heavy architecture.
- Superior Bathhouse Brewery: They brew beer using the thermal spring water. It’s the only brewery in a National Park. On a rainy Tuesday, a flight of beer and some soft pretzels are a win.
- The Gangster Museum of America: Located right across from the park, it’s a deep dive into the days when Al Capone treated this town like a neutral-ground vacation spot.
The Seasonal "Sweet Spots"
If you aren't locked into these specific ten days, you might want to know when the weather actually behaves itself.
Spring (April - May): This is peak season. The tulips at Garvan Woodland Gardens are legendary. Temperatures are usually in the 70s. But—and this is a big but—it’s also the rainiest time of year. April averages over 5 inches of rain.
Fall (October - November): This is arguably the best time to visit. The humidity breaks, and the foliage in the Ouachitas turns vibrant shades of orange and red. Highs in October are usually in the 70s, which is perfect for hitting the North Mountain trails.
Summer (June - August): Be warned. It’s hot. We’re talking 90°F+ with 90% humidity. The heat index can hit 110°F. Unless you plan on spending the entire day at Magic Springs water park or on Lake Hamilton, it can be brutal.
What to Pack Based on the Current 10-Day
Since the hot springs weather 10 day outlook shows a mix of 60s and 40s, you need layers.
- A mid-weight jacket: Necessary for those 20-degree nights.
- Good hiking boots: If you’re hitting the 26 miles of park trails, remember that January can be muddy.
- A swimsuit: Obviously. Even if it’s freezing outside, the thermal water stays at a steady 143°F (though it's cooled down for the actual baths).
- A hat: For the wind. When the wind kicks up from the northwest at 16 mph (like it will this Saturday), the valley becomes a wind tunnel.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just watch the clouds; play the weather to your advantage. If the forecast says it’s going to be a clear, sunny morning, get to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower early. You can see for 140 miles across the Arkansas countryside. If it's looking overcast, that’s your day for the museums and the bathhouses.
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Check the National Weather Service (NWS) specifically for "Hot Springs, AR" rather than just a general "Central Arkansas" report. The mountains create micro-climates that can differ from Little Rock's weather by several degrees.
Keep an eye on the overnight lows. If you're camping at Gulpha Gorge, those 25°F lows on Sunday night are no joke. Make sure your gear is rated for freezing temps, or maybe consider moving into a hotel for that specific stretch.
Keep your plans flexible, pack a raincoat just in case, and remember that even a cold day in a hot spring is better than a warm day at the office.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Hourly Wind Speed: If you plan on doing the ZipLine Canopy Tour at Adventureworks, wind gusts over 20 mph can lead to closures.
- Book Bathhouse Appointments: If the 10-day forecast shows rain on the weekend, the bathhouses will fill up fast—call at least 48 hours in advance.
- Verify Trail Conditions: After heavy rain (predicted for Jan 21-22), contact the Park Ranger station to see if the Lower Dogwood or Goat Rock trails have any washouts.