Late summer · Weather & things to do
Grand Canyon in August
The year's rain peaks now, with about 2.0 in (50 mm) falling in Grand Canyon, alongside highs near 96°F (36°C) and lows of 71°F (21°C).
With a comfort score of 59/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by heat.
- Avg high
- 96°F (36°C)
- Avg low
- 71°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 2.0 in (50 mm)
- Humidity
- 42%
- Cloud cover
- 44%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 22 min
- Comfort score
- 59/100 · Fair
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 96°F (36°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 71°F (21°C), about 14°C (26°F) below the afternoon high.
About 2.0 in (50 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's August.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are March – May and October & November.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, July – September.
- Comfort improves from 53/100 in July to 59/100.
- Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes96°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 71°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Grand Canyon in August
Afternoons run hot (96°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Arizona Steakhouse
Southwestern steakhouse at Bright Angel Lodge with big canyon windows.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 96°F.
Mather Point
First big overlook, a short walk from the main visitor center.
Why now Best first thing, before the 96°F afternoon heat.
Desert View Watchtower
Mary Colter's 1932 stone tower at the east end, with wide views of the river.
Rim Trail
Mostly paved path linking overlooks from Yavapai Point toward Hermits Rest.
Bright Angel Trail
Classic switchback trail below the rim; turn around at the 1.5- or 3-mile resthouse.
Nearby in August
- Sedona in August~88 mi · highs 92°F, 2.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Zion in August~97 mi · highs 86°F, 1.3 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, drier
- Bryce Canyon in August~103 mi · highs 79°F, 1.3 in rain · 9°C (17°F) cooler by day, drier
- Capitol Reef in August~158 mi · highs 89°F, 1.0 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,837 m to Grand Canyon's ~1,015 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.
Grand Canyon in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Grand Canyon?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 59/100, held back mainly by heat. The best months are March – May and October & November. Expect highs of 96°F (36°C) and 2.0 in (50 mm) of rain. Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Grand Canyon in August?
Average highs are 96°F (36°C) and average lows 71°F (21°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Grand Canyon in August?
Not much: about 2.0 in (50 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.4 in (314 mm).
What should I pack for Grand Canyon in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (96°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 71°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Grand Canyon
Planning Grand Canyon in August?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.