Fayetteville
Go for the University of Arkansas game days, a historic downtown Square, live music on Dickson Street, and paved trails that run through town.
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Fayetteville is a city of 93,949 people at the 2020 census, in Washington County in northwest Arkansas. It is the county seat and the largest city in Northwest Arkansas. The city sits on the edge of the Boston Mountains in the Ozarks, and the name is pronounced FAY-ət-vil. The University of Arkansas, the state's flagship university, is the city's best-known draw, and student numbers change the pace while classes are in session. Many fans travel to Fayetteville for Razorbacks football, basketball and baseball games.
The Fayetteville Historic Square is the original city center, with boutiques, restaurants, music venues, museums and the visitor center. Dickson Street, next to the campus, is the best-known entertainment district in Arkansas, with live music, stage shows, shops and bars. Summer is hot, with July's average high at 88.7°F (31.5°C), so spring and fall are the easier months for walking and cycling. Plan two or three days for the Square, Dickson Street and a trail ride, and add time for a home game weekend.
Fayetteville in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Fayetteville
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
20
- Feels like
- 18°
- Humidity
- 87%
- Wind
- 25 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 20%
Fayetteville
11:03 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today24°16°20%Monday: Cloudy. High 24°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Tue20°12°84%Tuesday: Rain. High 20°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 84%.
- Wed19°11°2%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Thu21°11°25%Thursday: Rain. High 21°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 25%.
- Fri15°10°25%Friday: Drizzle. High 15°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 25%.
- Sat16°7°4%Saturday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sun18°5°8%Sunday: Clear. High 18°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 8%.
Updated 10:58 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.119 USD
Rates from Nov 3, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Fayetteville
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Rules for Fayetteville, checked
- Visa rules depend on your passport. Check whether you need a visa or an ESTA before you fly to the U.S. on travel.state.gov.Source
- Liquids in carry-on bags must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one clear bag. Check current rules at tsa.gov.Source
- Criminal, civil, small claims and traffic cases within city limits are heard at the Fayetteville District Court at 176 S Church Avenue.
- Dial 911 for police, fire or an ambulance.
Plan around Fayetteville
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideFayetteville FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.