Monthly Guide

Best National Parks in August

August mirrors July but with the first hints of summer's end. Afternoon thunderstorms become common in the Rockies and Southwest. Alaska is still superb but days are getting shorter. Crowds remain at peak levels in most parks. Late August offers a slight reprieve as families head back to school — a small window before the fall rush.

Top 10 Parks for August

Ranked by our monthly visit score — a blend of weather comfort, crowd levels, and park accessibility.

#1Waimoku waterfall in the park's Kipahulu District

Haleakalā

HI

Very CrowdedHidden Gem

Warmest weather continues, but this is the quietest month. Clear skies, minimal rain. Ideal for uncrowded crater exploration.

#2A cloud-filled volcanic crater at sunrise with a mountain rising behind

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes

HI

Moderate Crowds

Summer crowds persist with warm, humid conditions. Rain comes in brief showers. Sunset at Crater Rim draws photographers.

#3Golden grasses edge a pond reflecting a snow-dusted peak

Lassen Volcanic

CA

ComfortableHidden Gem

Summer without the peak crowds. All trails open, wildflowers still blooming at high elevations, and no snow on Lassen Peak.

#4Yellow flowers in foreground extending out along a rocky coastline to a natural arch.

Channel Islands

CA

ComfortableHidden Gem

Hot on land, but ocean temps peak for swimming. Busiest month—expect full boats and crowded trails on Santa Cruz Island.

#5the slat flats become flooded during monsoon months after large rain events.

Guadalupe Mountains

TX

ComfortableHidden Gem

The quietest month. Storms continue, heat persists. McKittrick Canyon offers shade but trails stay empty.

#6Tents set up in a wooded area.

North Cascades

WA

Room to BreatheHidden Gem

Best month. Driest weather, warmest temps, wildflowers still blooming at high elevations. Moderate crowds, all trails accessible.

#7Bristlecone pine tree with a dark blue sky behind it with a bright Jupiter shining

Great Basin

NV

Room to BreatheHidden GemDark Sky

Still warm and fully accessible, but afternoon storms persist. Start early for Wheeler Peak or Bristlecone Grove to avoid lightning risk.

#8a view of Phantom Ship and Chaski Bay

Crater Lake

OR

ComfortableHidden Gem

Warm and dry with high crowds. Full access to Rim Road and trails. Wildflowers fade but visibility stays excellent. Prime month.

#9Redwood trees line a narrow dirt road.

Redwood National and State Parks

CA

ComfortableHidden Gem

Warmest, driest month with strong crowds but best trail conditions. Cathedral Trees Trail shows the redwoods at their most photogenic.

#10Park visitors visiting a cliff dwelling

Mesa Verde

CO

Moderate CrowdsHidden GemDark Sky

Similar pattern to July. Monsoon rains keep temperatures bearable, but lightning delays can disrupt afternoon cliff tours.

Parks to Skip in August

These parks score lowest for August — typically due to harsh weather, road closures, or inaccessibility.

Death Valley Dangerously hot — average highs reach 120°F. Not safe for most outdoor activities.
Joshua Tree Dangerously hot — average highs reach 111°F. Not safe for most outdoor activities.
Zion Uncomfortably hot at 98°F. Heat limits hiking to early morning hours only.
Grand Canyon Hot conditions at 92°F. Plan for early starts and plenty of water.
Arches Uncomfortably hot at 98°F. Heat limits hiking to early morning hours only.