Late summer · Weather & things to do
Canyonlands in August
Canyonlands cools off: highs slip to 91°F (33°C), from 96°F in July, with lows of 65°F (18°C) and about 0.9 in (24 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 72/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 91°F (33°C)
- Avg low
- 65°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 0.9 in (24 mm)
- Humidity
- 33%
- Cloud cover
- 44%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 72/100 · Good
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 91°F (33°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 65°F (18°C), about 15°C (26°F) below the afternoon high.
The air is dry, at about 33% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.9 in (24 mm) of rain.
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are April & May and September & October.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (August – October), which brings about 3.1 in (78 mm) in total.
- Comfort improves from 61/100 in July to 72/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes91°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 65°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Canyonlands in August
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Moab Diner
Retro diner on Main Street serving green chile, burgers and big breakfasts.
Why now August scores 72/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
NAVTEC Expeditions
Moab outfitter running rafting and jet-boat trips on the Colorado River and Cataract Canyon.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best May–Sep.
Shafer Canyon Overlook
Look down on the switchbacks of the Shafer Trail dropping to the White Rim.
Why now Highs near 91°F and 0.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Green River Overlook
Easy view over the winding Green River and the White Rim.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Overlook 2,000 ft above a gooseneck bend of the Colorado River.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 91°F.
Nearby in August
- Arches in August~32 mi · highs 92°F, 1.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in August~75 mi · highs 89°F, 1.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bryce Canyon in August~136 mi · highs 79°F, 1.3 in rain · 7°C (12°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Aspen in August~175 mi · highs 76°F, 1.8 in rain · 8°C (15°F) cooler by day, wetter
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.
Canyonlands in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Canyonlands?
It's middling, scoring 72/100. The best months are April & May and September & October, at up to 98. Expect highs of 91°F (33°C) and 0.9 in (24 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Canyonlands in August?
Average highs are 91°F (33°C) and average lows 65°F (18°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Canyonlands in August?
Not much: about 0.9 in (24 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 9.1 in (230 mm).
What should I pack for Canyonlands in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (91°F afternoons), 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 65°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Canyonlands
Planning Canyonlands in August?
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