Yosemite in August: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 53/100 · #12 of 12 months
August is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Yosemite National Park: crowds run 100% of the August peak (537,020 average visits), days average 89°F with 13.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in August
August is Yosemite's busiest month — an average of 537,020 recreation visits (2021–2025), the park's crowd peak. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Expect warm days (highs average 89°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 57°F). It is typically dry (0.2″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 13.6 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US (3 mi from park coordinates, 4,018 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of August.
What to pack for Yosemite in August
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Sun protection and 2L+ water per person — highs average 89°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Yosemite are March and April.
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 Yosemite crowded in August?
Yes — August runs 100% of Yosemite's peak, averaging 537,020 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Yosemite in August?
Average highs of 89°F, lows of 57°F, 0.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station).
What should I pack for Yosemite in August?
Sun protection and 2L+ water per person; 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