United States, North America

Zion in August

Still hot and stormy. Check the flash flood forecast every day; The Narrows can close on short notice.

TradeoffsVery hot, highs near 97F (36C), afternoon storms

Zion Canyon, United States — ZionPhoto: Michael Gäbler, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Zion. Still hot and stormy. Check the flash flood forecast every day; The Narrows can close on short notice.

Weather: Very hot, highs near 97F (36C), afternoon storms
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Zion

August stays very hot, with highs near 97F (36C), and afternoon storms roll in on many days. The Narrows can close on short notice when flash floods threaten, so check the forecast every morning. Crowds and prices remain high, though they ease a little late in the month as schools go back.

It suits families tied to summer holidays who plan early starts and flexible afternoons. It is a poor pick for heat-sensitive travelers or anyone set on long exposed hikes. If you can wait, late September and October bring cooler, calmer days.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Zion this month.

Warm water in The Narrows

When the flash flood risk is low, the river is warm enough for kids to enjoy the first mile or so.

Late-month breathing room

Crowds start to thin as school starts, especially on weekdays.

Evening walks

The Pa'rus Trail at dusk is cooler and easy for all ages, with no shuttle needed.

What to pack for August

Canyoneering shoes and a dry bag for The Narrows
A rain shell for afternoon storms
Sun protection and extra water
A headlamp for dawn starts

Our timing tip

Plan every day around an early start and a flexible afternoon, since storms can close The Narrows with little warning.

Book Zion for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Zion
Opens a hotel search for Zion 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 Zion
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 Zion
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Zion for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Monsoon season

Roughly July to mid September

Afternoon storms can cause flash floods in The Narrows and slot canyons. Heed the daily flash flood forecast.

Things to do in Zion

Full guide

The Narrows from the bottom

No permit is needed to hike upstream from the Temple of Sinawava. Rent canyoneering shoes and a pole in Springdale; check the flash flood forecast first.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Angels Landing

Permits are required, through seasonal lotteries and a day-before lottery on Recreation.gov. Without one, hike to Scout Lookout for a strong consolation view.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by shuttle

The free shuttle runs most of the year; get on at the visitor center early to beat the lines.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Canyon Overlook Trail

A short hike off the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway with a big view. Parking is tiny, so go early or late.

Tickets and tours →

Kolob Canyons

The park's quieter northwest section, with its own entrance off Interstate 15 and a scenic drive to red finger canyons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Emerald Pools

An easy family trail to pools and seasonal waterfalls, best in spring.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Ride the first shuttles of the morning. By mid morning in spring, summer, and fall, lines at the visitor center shuttle stop can run long.
Stay in Springdale and walk or take the town shuttle to the park entrance; the park lots often fill by 8am in busy seasons.
Hike The Narrows at first light and turn around before midday, when the crowds peak.
Head to Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace Road for the same red rock with a fraction of the visitors.

Know before you go

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during shuttle season, which typically runs from about March through late November and briefly over the winter holidays. Outside those periods, you can usually drive it.
The Narrows closes when the Virgin River flow is too high or flash floods threaten; spring snowmelt and summer monsoon storms both cause closures.
Angels Landing requires a permit year-round through seasonal and day-before lotteries. The rules and application windows can change, so check the park's current permit page.
Large vehicles need a paid tunnel escort through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, and some oversized vehicles are not allowed at all. Check size limits before towing or driving an RV.