Hot Springs in August: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 58/100 · #10 of 12 months

August is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Hot Springs National Park: crowds run 62% of the June peak (215,900 average visits). Weather: highs average 93°F and lows 71°F, with 3.6″ of precipitation and 13.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Bring for Hot Springs in August

Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacitySee it on AmazonWhy: highs average 93°F.
Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month.
Waterproof bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month.

Affiliate links: VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Prices can change; Amazon shows the current one.

Stone entrance pillars in front of a row of four bathouses — Hot Springs National Park — photo: NPS photo (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in August

Hot Springs averages 215,900 recreation visits in August — 62% of what June, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Average visits (August)

215,900 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

8.8% of annual visitation

vs. peak (June)

62%

Weather & daylight

Expect warm days (highs average 93°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 71°F). Average precipitation is 3.6″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 13.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE, AR US (0 mi from park coordinates, 626 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of August.

What to pack for Hot Springs in August

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity — highs average 93°F
Rain shell + pack cover — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month

As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.

Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Hot Springs are January and September.

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 Hot Springs crowded in August?

Moderately: August runs 62% of the June peak, averaging 215,900 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Hot Springs.

What is the weather like in Hot Springs in August?

Average highs of 93°F, lows of 71°F, 3.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE, AR US station). Compare it with other national parks in August.

What should I pack for Hot Springs in August?

Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity; Rain shell + pack cover; Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in September instead? Hot Springs in September has its own list.

See also: the best national parks to visit in August · Last verified 2026-09-24