Major city · United States
Fort Davis
Spend 1–2 days: see Fort Davis National Historic Site, drive to McDonald Observatory and Davis Mountains State Park.
Fort Davis is a small West Texas town that serves as a gateway to the historic fort, the McDonald Observatory and the surrounding Davis Mountains. A half‑day covers the fort; another day lets you explore the observatory and state park. Most visitors stay in town or nearby Alpine.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr (cooler, clear skies)
- avoid Jun–Aug (very hot)
- Airport
- ELP
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Fort Davis911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Fort Davis National Historic Site (info)+1 432‑426‑3224
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Fort Davis, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyFort Davis is low‑crime; main risks are heat, remote location and limited services – carry water, fuel and a spare tire.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 432‑426‑3224 Fort Davis National Historic Site (info)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportELP El Paso International Airport (about 120 mi (2 h drive) via TX‑17).
- Getting aroundCar is essential; roads TX‑17 and TX‑118 are paved.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Museum or sight ticketFort Davis National Historic Site entry$0
- Budget bedMotel room (double), a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedMotel room (double), a night, per roomUS$110
- High-end bedMotel room (double), a night, per roomUS$150
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$120 · High US$180
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ELP El Paso International Airport (about 120 mi (2 h drive) via TX‑17)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Jul
Avoid
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Aug
Avoid
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
Sep
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Oct
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (5 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Fort Davis: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
5 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Jun
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Jul
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Aug
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Sep
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
Dec
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential; roads TX‑17 and TX‑118 are paved. No public transit.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
McDonald Observatory
goDoor to door: ≈30 min
Drive west on TX‑118, 16 mi
Tours $8 adult; star parties $10 after dark.
Davis Mountains State Park
goDoor to door: ≈10 min
Drive west on TX‑118, 4 mi
Hiking, picnicking; $6 entry.
Balmorhea State Park
cautionDoor to door: ≈45 min
Drive north on TX‑17, 30 mi
World's largest spring‑fed pool; check opening hours.
Big Bend National Park (west entrance)
overnightDoor to door: ≈1 h 20 min
Drive south on TX‑118, 70 mi
Park fee $30 per vehicle; plan at least one night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Local motels and inns
few options; book ahead in summer
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $100–$150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel room (double)1 × 1 night × US$110 | US$110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Gas for round‑trip El Paso–Fort Davis (≈240 mi)2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| McDonald Observatory star party ticket2 × US$10 · check | US$20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$40 |
| Trip total≈ US$220 per person per day, bed included | US$440 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Fort Davis National Historic Site entry | $0 |
| McDonald Observatory tour (adult) | $8 |
| Star party (adult) | $10 |
| Davis Mountains State Park entry | $6 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Limited services in town; fuel stations are few.
- Summers can exceed 38 °C (100 °F); bring water and sun protection.Summers can exceed 100 °F (38 °C); bring water and sun protection.
- Star parties at the observatory require tickets; check schedule.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Fort Davis National Historic Site (info)
- +1 432‑426‑3224
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Fort DavisFort Davis
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
US citizens use 911; nearest US consulate in El Paso.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- El Paso → Fort Davis (rental car, 120 mi): ≈ $15 fuel (check); 2 h drive
- McDonald Observatory star party: $10 adult, $8 child (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑KUL‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑SEE‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN‑to KWEHS‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the restroom? (DON‑de es‑TA el BAH‑nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Fort Davis. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr (cooler, clear skies) · avoid Jun–Aug (very hot) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Fort Davis
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