Late summer · Weather & things to do
Capitol Reef in August
Capitol Reef edges cooler than July, with highs of 89°F (32°C), lows of 62°F (17°C) and about 1.0 in (26 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 74/100, 6th of 12.
- Avg high
- 89°F (32°C)
- Avg low
- 62°F (17°C)
- Rain
- 1.0 in (26 mm)
- Humidity
- 38%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 74/100 · Good
What August feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 89°F (32°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (27°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
The air is dry, at about 38% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
Rain is scarce: about 1.0 in (26 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are April & May and September & October.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, July – September.
- Comfort improves from 66/100 in July to 74/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes89°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 62°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Capitol Reef in August
Afternoons run hot (89°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Fruita Orchards
Historic orchards where you can pick cherries, apricots, peaches and apples in season.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Jun–Oct.
Fremont Petroglyphs
Boardwalk along Highway 24 with Fremont-culture rock art figures.
Why now August scores 74/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Gifford Homestead
Restored pioneer farmhouse selling small fruit pies and cinnamon rolls.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Mar–Oct, morning.
Rim Rock Patio
Casual patio bar with beer, pizza and red-cliff views just west of the park.
Why now Highs near 89°F and 1.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Hunt & Gather
Torrey's top dinner spot, with upscale comfort food from local ingredients.
Why now A break from 89°F afternoons.
Nearby in August
- Bryce Canyon in August~70 mi · highs 79°F, 1.3 in rain · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Canyonlands in August~75 mi · highs 91°F, 0.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Arches in August~95 mi · highs 92°F, 1.2 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in August~118 mi · highs 86°F, 1.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,104 m to Capitol Reef's ~1,674 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Capitol Reef in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Capitol Reef?
It's middling, scoring 74/100. The best months are April & May and September & October, at up to 98. Expect highs of 89°F (32°C) and 1.0 in (26 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Capitol Reef in August?
Average highs are 89°F (32°C) and average lows 62°F (17°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Capitol Reef in August?
Not much: about 1.0 in (26 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.1 in (257 mm).
What should I pack for Capitol Reef in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (89°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 62°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Capitol Reef
Planning Capitol Reef in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.