Late summer · Weather & things to do
Red Rock Canyon in August
Red Rock Canyon edges cooler than July, with highs of 96°F (36°C), lows of 71°F (21°C) and about 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 65/100, 11th of 12.
- Avg high
- 96°F (36°C)
- Avg low
- 71°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 0.7 in (17 mm)
- Humidity
- 26%
- Cloud cover
- 33%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 23 min
- Comfort score
- 65/100 · Good
What August feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 96°F (36°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 71°F (21°C), about 14°C (25°F) below the afternoon high.
Low humidity, around 26%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 33%.
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are March – May and October & November.
- Comfort improves from 58/100 in July to 65/100.
- Our Las Vegas New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — August falls outside it.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 96°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 71°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Red Rock Canyon in August
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Calico Tanks Trail
A 2.5-mile round-trip scramble through the Calico Hills sandstone to a seasonal water tank and a view back to the Strip.
Why now August scores 65/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
A 13-mile one-way loop past the Calico Hills and the Keystone Thrust, with trailheads and pullouts along the way.
Why now Highs near 96°F and 0.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
BLM visitor center at the start of the Scenic Drive, with desert exhibits and an outdoor tortoise habitat.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Peppermill
Round-the-clock Strip diner since 1972, with oversized breakfasts and a neon lounge built around a fire pit.
Why now A break from 96°F afternoons.
Nearby in August
- Las Vegas in August~16 mi · highs 104°F, 0.6 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in August~155 mi · highs 86°F, 1.3 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Joshua Tree in August~159 mi · highs 100°F, 0.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Palm Springs in August~171 mi · highs 108°F, 0.3 in rain · 7°C (12°F) warmer 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.
Red Rock Canyon in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Red Rock Canyon?
It's middling, scoring 65/100. The best months are March – May and October & November, at up to 99. Expect highs of 96°F (36°C) and 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain.
How hot is Red Rock Canyon in August?
Average highs are 96°F (36°C) and average lows 71°F (21°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Red Rock Canyon in August?
Not much: about 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 6.5 in (165 mm).
What should I pack for Red Rock Canyon in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 96°F), 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 71°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Red Rock Canyon
Planning Red Rock Canyon in August?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.