Death Valley in August: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 35/100 · #12 of 12 months

August is a harsh-season month at Death Valley National Park: crowds run 47% of the March peak (75,918 average visits), days average 116°F with 13.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Extreme-heat warning: average highs of 116°F are dangerous. Plan activity for early morning, stay within reach of your vehicle, and carry far more water than feels reasonable — heat illness is the leading danger in months like this. Read the park's NPS safety guidance →

Crowds in August

Death Valley averages 75,918 recreation visits in August — 47% of what March, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Average visits (August)

75,918 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

6.2% of annual visitation

vs. peak (March)

47%

Weather & daylight

Daytime heat is the story (highs average 116°F), and even nights stay hot (lows average 89°F). It is typically dry (0.1″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 13.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US (1 mi from park coordinates, -194 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of August.

What to pack for Death Valley in August

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity — highs average 116°F
Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention) — at highs of 116°F, water alone is not enough — dehydration is the real risk
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Death Valley are January and February.

Also at their best in August

Other parks whose computed August verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

Big Bend in August — 18% of peak crowds, highs 84°F, score 83/100
Guadalupe Mountains in August — 28% of peak crowds, highs 84°F, score 80/100
Lassen Volcanic in August — 56% of peak crowds, highs 78°F, score 77/100
Bryce Canyon in August — 81% of peak crowds, highs 78°F, score 68/100

Common questions

Is Death Valley crowded in August?

Moderately: August runs 47% of the March peak, averaging 75,918 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Death Valley in August?

Average highs of 116°F, lows of 89°F, 0.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US station).

What should I pack for Death Valley in August?

Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity; Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention); Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

See also: the best national parks to visit in August · Last verified 2026-09-12