Yosemite in August: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 53/100 · #12 of 12 months
August is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Yosemite National Park: crowds run 100% of the August peak (537,020 average visits). Weather: highs average 89°F and lows 57°F, with 0.2″ of precipitation and 13.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Yosemite in August
- A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker)See it on AmazonWhy: a 32°F swing between the average low of 57°F and high of 89°F.
- Sun protection and 2L+ water per personSee it on AmazonWhy: highs average 89°F.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
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Yosemite in August: what the park service says
August is one of the months when all of Yosemite's main roads are open: Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, which close for snow sometime in November, are clear in summer. In 2026 no timed entry reservation was required, and the park service said it would handle busy days with traffic monitoring, parking management and extra staff, encouraging weekday visits and early planning for weekends. Call 209-372-0200 for conditions.
Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in August
August is Yosemite's busiest month — an average of 537,020 recreation visits (2021–2025), the park's crowd peak. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Expect warm days (highs average 89°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 57°F). It is typically dry (0.2″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 13.6 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US (3 mi from park coordinates, 4,018 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of August.
What to pack for Yosemite in August
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker) — a 32°F swing between the average low of 57°F and high of 89°F
- Sun protection and 2L+ water per person — highs average 89°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Yosemite are March and April.
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 Yosemite crowded in August?
Yes — August runs 100% of Yosemite's peak, averaging 537,020 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Yosemite.
What is the weather like in Yosemite in August?
Average highs of 89°F, lows of 57°F, 0.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in August.
What should I pack for Yosemite in August?
A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker); Sun protection and 2L+ water per person; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in September instead? Yosemite in September has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in August · Last verified 2026-09-24