Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in August
We’ve put together a guide of what it’s like to visit Utah in August. You’ll find many places to visit in Utah in the month of August to add to your bucket list.
This guide includes where to go, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay for a Utah vacation in August.
August weather and temperatures will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The higher elevations will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.
The month of August is hot and not the best time to visit Utah, especially if you want to enjoy the outdoor activities at the National and State Parks around the state.
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks
Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Northern and Southern Utah in August
Utah is divided into two regions: Northern Utah and Southern Utah. Here’s what to expect when you visit each part of the state in August.
Northern Utah in August:
You’ll find terrific shopping, restaurants, and night life at the three large cities in Northern Utah: Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo.
In Northern Utah you’ll find mountains, forests, lakes and reservoirs where you can hike, boat, stargaze or camp. August is a wonderful time to enjoy the mountains with cooler temperatures!
Southern Utah in August:
It’s important to note that most of the way driving from Northern to Southern Utah you’ll be passing through rural areas with small towns, limited services, and spotty cell service.
Check to see where the Utah vacation spots are located around the state because a drive from Salt Lake City to any of the National Parks in the south can take 4 to 5 hours.
All 5 Utah National Parks are located in Central and Southern Utah. August is a HOT and popular time of year to visit. Be prepared for crowds and take note if permits are required to enter or participate in the activities you want to do!
Before heading out to explore any National or Utah State Park, check with the visitor center at each destination for the most current information.
Utah Weather in August
Average August temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 92 / lows 67 degrees F. The average August precipitation in the Northern part of Utah:
- Salt Lake City – 5 days / 0.6 inches
- Logan – 5 days / 0.7 inches
- Provo – 5 days / 0.7 inches
- Alta – 9 days / 2.1 inches
- Park City – 6 days / 1.2 inches
Average August temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 100 / lows 70 degrees F. The average August precipitation in the Southern part of Utah:
- Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) – 6 days / 0.9 inches
- Bryce Canyon – 10 days / 1.9 inches
- Capitol Reef – 8 days / 1.1 inches
- Cedar City – 6 days / 1.3 inches
- Zion – 6 days / 1.6 inches
- St. George – 3 day / 1.1 inches
We’ve written detailed guides about the weather for each National Park in Utah:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
Remember that Utah is a high elevation, high desert location. It’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection for any outdoor activities in August:
- WATER: Drink plenty of water – we use hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in our backpack.
- FOOD: Pack and eat healthy snacks.
- SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, and hydrating lotion, especially if you’re not used to dry heat.
- LAYERS: Pack a fleece jacket and gloves for any location that will still have cold morning and evening temperatures.
Summer Monsoon Season in Utah
Monsoon season in Utah is in full swing during the month of August.
The summer monsoon rain means increased potential for flash floods! When hiking in any of Southern Utah’s streams, washes or canyons – it’s extremely important that you plan around the weather.
We recommend you check with Rangers for any threat of flash floods before hiking in Utah National Parks.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Utah?
Trying to decide the best times to visit Utah? It really depends on the things you want to do!
In August you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, boating, stargazing, off-roading, or camping in the mountains, forests, lakes, reservoirs, red rock canyons, and deserts.
Things to Do in Utah in August
If you’re planning a trip in August, here’s a fun list of things to do and places to visit in Utah.
Utah National Parks in August
All of the Utah National Parks are open year-round, and every single day in August. Be sure to check the NPS website for the most updated information for the Visitor Center hours and services available at each park in August.
Some of the National Parks in Utah now have permits to enter or do certain activities, so be sure to check about reservations required when determining the best time to visit Utah National Parks.
We’ve written specific guides about visiting Utah National Parks in August:
- Arches National Park in August
- Bryce Canyon in August
- Canyonlands National Park in August
- Capitol Reef in August
- Zion National Park in August
Utah State Parks in August
Here’s a list of Utah State Parks where you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, and stargazing in the month of August!
- Antelope Island State Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Great Salt Lake State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Utah Lake State Park
Hiking in Utah in August
Hiking in Utah is one of the best ways to experience this beautiful state. In August you’ll want to limit your hiking to the cooler mornings and evenings and avoid the hot daytime temperatures.
There are plenty of trails that offer a variety of different terrains all around the state at National parks, State parks, National forests, and Wilderness areas.
Check out these fun Utah hiking ideas:
- Best Hikes in Arches National Park
- Best Day Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky Hikes
- Canyonlands Needles Hikes
- Capitol Reef Hikes
- Easy Zion National Park Hikes
- Zion Hikes Without the Shuttle
- Moab Utah Hiking Trails
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
- The Best 8 Hikes Near Salt Lake City, Utah (A Local’s Guide)
- Utah Slot Canyon Hikes
Utah Scenic Drives in August
Utah has more than 400,000 miles of roads to explore. Here’s a list of scenic drives you can enjoy in August!
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway in Moab
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12 between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef
- Logan Canyon Scenic Drive
- Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
Utah Photography in August
Utah’s stunning landscape features deserts, sandstone cliffs, forested mountains, deep canyons, and red rock monoliths. It’s truly a photographer’s dream!
Here’s a list of the best photography spots at Utah National Parks and surrounding areas:
Arches and Moab Photography
- Arches National Park Photography
- Sunrise at Arches National Park
- Sunset at Arches National Park
- Arches National Park Photo Spots
- Guide to Moab Photography
Bryce Canyon Photography
Canyonlands Photography
- Canyonlands National Park Photography at Island in the Sky
- Best Photo Spots at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
- Canyonlands sunrise photo spots at Island in the Sky
- Canyonlands sunrise photo spots at Island in the Sky
- Canyonlands sunset photo spots at Island in the Sky
Capitol Reef Photography
Zion and Kanab Photography
- Zion National Park Photography
- Zion National Park Photo Spots
- Best Photo Spots for Sunrise at Zion National Park
- Guide to Kanab Photography
Check out this Utah National Parks Photography Guides bundle to take jaw-dropping photos at all 5 parks!
Utah Stargazing in August
Stargazing is a must-do activity in Utah. The state has the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks in the world. We definitely recommend you take time to view the Utah night skies during your vacation.
In August you can see and photograph the milky way from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am.
Northern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Antelope Island State Park
- Dinosaur National Monument
- East Canyon State Park
- Jordanelle State Park
- North Fork Park
Southern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
Utah Vacation Ideas
- Utah Bucket List – FREE printable
- Best Time to Visit Utah
- Utah National Parks
- Utah State Parks
- Tours in Utah
Places to Stay in Utah
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Places to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
- Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
