Yellowstone in August: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 67/100 · #4 of 12 months
August is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Yellowstone National Park: crowds run 89% of the July peak (820,128 average visits), days average 71°F with 14.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in August
Yellowstone averages 820,128 recreation visits in August — 89% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 71°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 37°F). It is typically dry (1.3″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 14.1 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US (6 mi from park coordinates, 7,835 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of August.
What to pack for Yellowstone in August
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 37°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
- Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)
If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Yellowstone are April and May.
Common questions
Is Yellowstone crowded in August?
Yes — August runs 89% of Yellowstone's peak, averaging 820,128 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Yellowstone in August?
Average highs of 71°F, lows of 37°F, 1.3″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US station).
What should I pack for Yellowstone in August?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit; Bear spray — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in August · Last verified 2026-07-16