In this article, we will address everything you need to know about visiting Yellowstone National Park during the month of August. We will go over what the weather is like on average, as well as a number of pros and cons that apply to visiting during this time of year. Finally, we will mention some of the most popular activities to do in Yellowstone during the month of August. Let’s get started and talk about this National Park now!
What is the Weather Like in Yellowstone in August?
The weather in Yellowstone in August is pleasant and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit as the low and 70 degrees Fahrenheit as the high. Additionally, there is no snowfall during this month of the year, and only about an inch and a half of rain. Finally, with 14 hours of daylight, there’s no shortage of time for you to spend exploring! As you can no doubt tell by the weather alone, Yellowstone National Park is extraordinarily popular during the month of August. Not only can you view a number of different wildlife species and plant life, you can also expect all of the outdoor recreational activities to be at their best during this month of the year. Let’s talk about some of these additional pros now.
Pros of Visiting Yellowstone in August
Did you know that many roads and hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park are closed during the fall, winter, and spring months? You won’t have to worry about this during the month of August, as all backpacking and hiking trails will be free of snow and ice. This gives you plenty of opportunity to explore the park at your own pace, whether you choose to hike or simply drive through this National Park. Additionally, all campgrounds within the park are open as well if you choose to camp and stay awhile. Keep in mind that with warm weather comes more wildlife as well. While wildlife viewing is a fantastic activity to participate in, know that you are not alone should you choose to camp in Yellowstone National Park! However, August is a great time to see all of the beauty and local residents that Yellowstone has to offer.
Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in August
There are a few different cons to visiting Yellowstone National Park during the month of August. The primary drawback to visiting during this time of year has to be the crowds. Yellowstone National Park is busiest during July and August, accumulating over half of its year-round visitors during these two single months alone. If your ideal National Park trip involves a lot of solitude and quiet, you may want to rethink visiting during the month of August. In addition, reaching Yellowstone National Park during the month of August may be more difficult for you depending on the fire season for the year. Yellowstone National Park is no stranger to wildfires, nor is the majority of the West Coast. However, planning a trip during the month of August can be more difficult than during other months due to this type of natural disaster.
What to Do in Yellowstone in August
Curious to learn more about all of the possible opportunities and adventures found in Yellowstone National Park during the month of August? Here are some of the most popular things for you to consider doing should you be planning a trip.
Wildlife Viewing
There’s so much wildlife in Yellowstone National Park that it can cause traffic jams. Motorists and pedestrians traveling through Yellowstone stop in awe and wonder to look at the local herds of bison, elk, and many other animals during this time of year. While some creatures retreat into the higher elevations during this time of year, there are still a number of different animal species for you to view in Yellowstone National Park during the month of August. Some of the animals you can expect to see during this time of year are:
ElkFoxesBighorn sheepBisonWolvesDeerWeaselsHare
This also means that you should pay special attention when hiking or traversing the park, as you may stumble upon wildlife that you were not expecting to see. Always maintain a safe distance from larger wildlife, such as wolves and bears as well as bison, especially as the park gets more and more crowded!
Hikes and Guided Trips
Since there’s no snow to block your path, you can enjoy over nine hundred miles of hikes and backpacking trails throughout Yellowstone National Park. There’s even more hiking and outdoor trips to discover beyond Yellowstone, but Yellowstone National Park offers a number of guided trips and hiking excursions, depending on how adventurous you are. You can also take a driven guided tour on board a bus or private car.
Fishing and Kayaking
August in Yellowstone National Park means that you should enjoy all of the water recreation that you possibly can. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and other boats for fishing or otherwise exploring this natural wonderland. Just know that the water isn’t very warm and many areas of Yellowstone National Park are protected and unswimmable.
