Late summer · Weather & things to do
Zion in August
Zion edges cooler than July, with highs of 86°F (30°C), lows of 60°F (16°C) and about 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain.
August opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 88/100 (6th of 12).
- Avg high
- 86°F (30°C)
- Avg low
- 60°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 1.3 in (32 mm)
- Humidity
- 42%
- Cloud cover
- 30%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 26 min
- Comfort score
- 88/100 · Great
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 86°F (30°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (26°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
About 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's August.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 30%.
Plan around August
August is one of Zion's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: April – June and August – October.
- Comfort improves from 79/100 in July to 88/100.
- Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 86°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 60°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Zion in August
Afternoons run hot (86°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
The Narrows
Wade the Virgin River upstream through a slot canyon from the Riverside Walk.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Jun–Sep.
Pa'rus Trail
Easy paved riverside path from the visitor center with views of the Watchman.
Why now August scores 88/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Oscar's Cafe
Springdale café for big breakfast burritos and Mexican plates on a patio.
Why now Highs near 86°F and 1.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Zion Outfitter
Rents canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks and drysuits for the Narrows, next to the park entrance.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
Zion Brewery's pub right outside the park gate with a riverside patio.
Why now A break from 86°F afternoons.
Nearby in August
- Bryce Canyon in August~50 mi · highs 79°F, 1.3 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Grand Canyon in August~97 mi · highs 96°F, 2.0 in rain · 6°C (10°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Capitol Reef in August~118 mi · highs 89°F, 1.0 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Las Vegas in August~141 mi · highs 104°F, 0.6 in rain · 10°C (18°F) warmer by day, drier
These averages also cover Zion NP.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,087 m to Zion's ~1,782 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.
Zion in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Zion?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 88/100. Expect highs of 86°F (30°C) and 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain. Our Utah Mighty Five route recommends Mar – May, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Zion in August?
Average highs are 86°F (30°C) and average lows 60°F (16°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Zion in August?
Not much: about 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 13.1 in (332 mm).
What should I pack for Zion in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 86°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 60°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Zion 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.