Cuyahoga Valley in August: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 61/100 · #7 of 12 months
August is peak season — the 2nd-busiest month of the year, at Cuyahoga Valley National Park: crowds run 93% of the July peak (342,893 average visits). Weather: highs average 81°F and lows 59°F, with 3.5″ of precipitation and 13.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Cuyahoga Valley in August
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.5″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
- Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
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Cuyahoga Valley in August: what the park service says
August at Cuyahoga Valley averages 79°F by day and 61°F at night with about 4 inches of rain. The park notes that summer conditions such as drought can shift when the fall leaves peak. Cuyahoga River water quality is not always good, so check the park's current water-quality status before any contact with the river. Dickerson Run Trail is closed until further notice, the park says.
Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in August
Cuyahoga Valley averages 342,893 recreation visits in August — 93% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are warm (highs average 81°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 59°F). Average precipitation is 3.5″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 13.9 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station STOW 4 SE, OH US (9 mi from park coordinates, 1,060 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of August.
What to pack for Cuyahoga Valley in August
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Packable rain jacket — 3.5″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Cuyahoga Valley are April and May.
Also at their best in August
Other parks whose computed August verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Guadalupe Mountains in August — 28% of peak crowds, highs 84°F, score 80/100
- Lassen Volcanic in August — 56% of peak crowds, highs 78°F, score 77/100
- Bryce Canyon in August — 81% of peak crowds, highs 78°F, score 68/100
- Redwood in August — 85% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 67/100
Common questions
Is Cuyahoga Valley crowded in August?
Yes — August runs 93% of Cuyahoga Valley's peak, averaging 342,893 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Cuyahoga Valley.
What is the weather like in Cuyahoga Valley in August?
Average highs of 81°F, lows of 59°F, 3.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, STOW 4 SE, OH US station). Compare it with other national parks in August.
What should I pack for Cuyahoga Valley in August?
Packable rain jacket; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in September instead? Cuyahoga Valley in September has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in August · Last verified 2026-09-24