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). Weather: highs average 116°F and lows 89°F, with 0.1″ of precipitation and 13.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Death Valley in August
- A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker)See it on AmazonWhy: a 27°F swing between the average low of 89°F and high of 116°F.
- Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacitySee it on AmazonWhy: highs average 116°F.
- Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention)See it on AmazonWhy: at highs of 116°F, water alone is not enough — dehydration is the real risk.
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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.
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.
- A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker) — a 27°F swing between the average low of 89°F and high of 116°F
- 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 (compare other options)
- 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:
- 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
- Redwood in August — 85% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 67/100
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?
A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker); Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity; Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention) — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in August · Last verified 2026-09-24