Late summer · Weather & things to do
Badlands National Park in August
Badlands National Park cools off: highs slip to 89°F (32°C), from 93°F in July, with lows of 61°F (16°C) and about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain.
It scores 78/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 89°F (32°C)
- Avg low
- 61°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 1.9 in (47 mm)
- Humidity
- 52%
- Cloud cover
- 41%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 49 min
- Comfort score
- 78/100 · Great
What August feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 89°F (32°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 61°F (16°C), about 15°C (28°F) below the afternoon high.
About 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's August.
Plan around August
August is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (May and September & October).
- Comfort improves from 68/100 in July to 78/100.
- August sits inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 89°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 61°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Badlands National Park in August
Afternoons run hot (89°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Main park visitor center with a fossil prep lab and orientation film.
Why now August scores 78/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Door Trail
Easy 0.75-mile trail through a break in the Badlands Wall into eroded terrain.
Why now Highs near 89°F and 1.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Notch Trail
1.5-mile trail with a log ladder climb to a ledge over the White River Valley.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Pinnacles Overlook
Wide view across spires and layered buttes at the park's west end.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 89°F.
Wall Drug
Sprawling roadside stop since 1931 with 5-cent coffee, donuts and free ice water.
Why now A break from 89°F afternoons.
Nearby in August
- Black Hills in August~64 mi · highs 80°F, 1.9 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Medora in August~219 mi · highs 85°F, 1.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Rocky Mountain NP in August~297 mi · highs 71°F, 1.7 in rain · 10°C (17°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Badlands National Park in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Badlands National Park?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 78/100 against a best of 96 in May and September & October. Expect highs of 89°F (32°C) and 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain. August is inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
How hot is Badlands National Park in August?
Average highs are 89°F (32°C) and average lows 61°F (16°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Badlands National Park in August?
Not much: about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 16.9 in (429 mm).
What should I pack for Badlands National Park in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 89°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 61°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Badlands National Park
Routes in season in August
- Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills May – Sep
Planning Badlands National Park in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.