United States, North America

Yellowstone in August

July's twin, easing slightly late month. Wildlife retreats from midday heat, which makes early starts even more valuable.

TradeoffsWarm and dry, highs near 78F (26C), wildfire smoke possible some years

Aerial view of Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone — YellowstonePhoto: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Yellowstone. July's twin, easing slightly late month. Wildlife retreats from midday heat, which makes early starts even more valuable.

Weather: Warm and dry, highs near 78F (26C), wildfire smoke possible some years
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Yellowstone

August is July's twin, with warm, dry days, highs near 78F (26C), and full parking lots. Crowds ease a little late in the month. Some years bring wildfire smoke that can haze the views. Wildlife hides from midday heat, which makes early starts even more valuable.

It is a mixed month that suits families on summer break and anyone who can only come now. Start early, pace yourself, and keep plans flexible in case of smoke. If you have a choice, the second half of September brings cooler days, thinner crowds, and the elk rut.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Yellowstone this month.

Dawn wildlife drives

Animals are most active in the cool early hours, so a sunrise drive through Hayden or Lamar valley is the best use of an August morning.

Norris Geyser Basin

The park's hottest, strangest basin is home to Steamboat, the tallest active geyser, whose big eruptions cannot be predicted.

Evening at the canyon

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is quieter in the late afternoon and early evening than at midday.

What to pack for August

Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
A warm layer for chilly dawns
A light rain shell
Plenty of water and snacks for long drives

Our timing tip

Check air quality and fire updates before and during an August trip, and plan your first stop of the day for sunrise.

Book Yellowstone for August.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Yellowstone
Opens a hotel search for Yellowstone in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Yellowstone
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Yellowstone
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Yellowstone for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Yellowstone

Full guide

Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin

See the famous eruption, then walk the basin's boardwalks, where Grand, Riverside, and Castle geysers reward those who check predicted times at the visitor center.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Grand Prismatic Spring

The boardwalk gets you close; the overlook trail from the Fairy Falls parking area gets you the postcard view. Midday color is best, midday parking is worst.

Tickets and tours →

Lamar Valley at dawn

The park's wildlife theater: wolves, bison, bears, and pronghorn. Bring binoculars, arrive before sunrise, and pull fully off the road to watch.

Tickets and tours →

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Artist Point at sunrise is the classic. The Uncle Tom's area and North Rim viewpoints each frame the Lower Falls differently; give the canyon a half day.

Tickets and tours →

Hayden Valley

The central bison superhighway, best at dawn and dusk. Traffic jams here are caused by the residents; budget slack time in every drive.

Tickets and tours →

Mammoth Hot Springs

Travertine terraces near the year-round North Entrance. In September and October, rutting elk take over the lawns; give them serious distance.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Work dawn to 10am and 5pm to dusk, and hide out midday: wildlife and parking both vanish in the middle of the day in summer, and both return in the evening.
Sleep inside the park or in Gardiner or Cooke City on the quieter north side; day-trippers from West Yellowstone and Jackson all surge in on the same schedule.
Drive the Grand Loop counterclockwise to the day-tripper flow and hit the marquee basins at breakfast or dinner time rather than at noon.
Walk ten minutes past any trailhead: even in August, the crowds evaporate a half mile from the road at spots like the Fairy Falls approach or the canyon rim trails.

Know before you go

Most park roads close to regular vehicles from about early November to late April, with openings staged through spring: west-side roads typically first in late April, higher passes like Dunraven last, into late May. Snow can delay any of it.
The one year-round road runs across the park's north side, from the North Entrance at Gardiner through Mammoth to the Northeast Entrance and Cooke City. In winter that is the only park road for regular cars, and the highway beyond Cooke City closes seasonally.
Winter interior access runs roughly mid December to mid March, by commercially guided snowcoach and snowmobile only, to destinations like Old Faithful. It is unforgettable, capacity-limited, and priced accordingly; book well ahead.
In-park lodges, campgrounds, and services operate seasonally, mostly from May or June to early October, with only limited winter operations. October and April visitors should expect most services closed even when some roads are open.

Yellowstone in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Yellowstone?

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Yellowstone. July's twin, easing slightly late month. Wildlife retreats from midday heat, which makes early starts even more valuable.

What is the weather like in Yellowstone in August?

Warm and dry, highs near 78F (26C), wildfire smoke possible some years.

Is Yellowstone crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in Yellowstone; expect lines at the headline sights.