What are Hot Springs like in winter?

The hot mineral springs are open year-round and, with water temperatures of 102-103 degrees, a soak in the springs is great even in the coldest of weather – in fact many people prefer a hot soak during the coldest of weather. When Valentine's Day arrive in Hot Springs, we know that spring is just around the corner.



People Also Ask

Hot Springs National Park is open year-round, but fewer people visit the park during winter months. It's an ideal quiet destination during these colder days.

MORE DETAILS

In the winter bring warm clothing and good footwear (not flip flops) so you can make the short walk to the hot springs comfortably. There are both private and not so private changing areas available at the hot springs. Wear your swim suit under your clothes to speed up getting into the pools.

MORE DETAILS

The best thing about Hot Springs is that most don't have an off-season. You can always visit them because their temperatures are almost constant.

MORE DETAILS

You do not have to shower before getting out. The effects of hot springs last for about 3 hours, so it is actually more effective not to rinse off before getting out. However, because Unzen hot springs are sulfuric and strongly acidic, those with sensitive skin should rinse off with fresh water.

MORE DETAILS

Leave No Trace at the Hot Springs Treat it the same way you would while you were hiking or camping outdoors so it can stay clean, beautiful, and continue to be preserved for others to enjoy. What is this? Also, do not bathe or use soap in the hot springs.

MORE DETAILS

The intense heat can cause dehydration, fainting, and even burns depending on the temperature, so stick to 10- or 15-minute soaks with breaks in between to allow your body temperature to return to normal.

MORE DETAILS

Taking a Dip The naturally high temperatures of the spring water make the water unsafe for bathing, so think twice before you dip your toes in. Fortunately, there are other options at the park that make it possible to submerse yourself in the therapeutic waters at a safe temperature.

MORE DETAILS

They will list the current temperature of the water as well as the maximum amount of minutes to stay in at a time. For the most part, almost all commercial hot springs in North America require swimsuits so always err on the side of caution and keep that suit on. Even if you see someone remove their suit – wait.

MORE DETAILS

Unfortunately, this means not all primitive hot springs are safe to swim in, with many boasting dangerous levels of algae or bacteria. Luckily, these dangerous conditions are rare, and most primitive hot springs undergo natural purifying processes that ensure their clean and safe swimming conditions for visitors.

MORE DETAILS

It's best not to eat before bathing in the onsen, but you need to drink a lot of water before and after your onsen bath. Keep your bath to a minimum. Staying too long may cause dehydration. While an onsen is relaxing and beneficial to your health, it's generally not a good idea to enter more than three times a day.

MORE DETAILS

Rest and stay hydrated Don't pack too many activities into your hot spring trip. Avoid bathing soon after eating or drinking alcohol, and avoid activities such as driving soon after bathing. Remember to rest and drink plenty of fluids after leaving the bath.

MORE DETAILS

Drinking the hot springs water is perfectly normal, even encouraged. Go ahead, quaff the elixir, as they used to say in the heyday of the spa. Thousands of visitors highly endorse the good quality of the hot springs water and fill bottles to take home. Below are the fountain locations for your enjoyment.

MORE DETAILS