Utah Weather in August
Utah is a great destination for to enjoy the outdoors. But the Utah weather in August will be hot and dry, with temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit!
If you’re looking for places to visit in Utah in the summer, it’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures you may encounter!
It’s important to note that weather and temperatures will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. And the higher elevation temperatures will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in August (wicking clothing, sunscreen, lotion)! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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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!
Tips For Visiting Utah in August
Utah is divided into two regions: Northern Utah and Southern Utah.
Northern Utah: The three large cities are Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo. The area includes 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: All 5 Utah National Parks are located in Central and Southern Utah. August is a HOT and popular time of year to visit.
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. You’ll be passing through rural areas with small towns, limited services, and spotty cell service.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Utah?
The month of August is hot and may not the best time to visit Utah based on weather and temperature.
In August we recommend you limit outdoor activities to the cooler mornings and late afternoons. Enjoy things like hiking, boating, stargazing, off-roading, or camping in the mountains, forests, lakes, reservoirs, red rock canyons, and deserts of Utah in August!
Here’s a list of Utah summer vacation ideas:
- Utah Destinations for Summer
- Utah Summer Vacation Ideas
- Places to Visit in Utah in Summer
- Things to Do in Utah in Summer
- Utah Summer Hikes
- Utah Summer Activities
Clothing and Gear For Utah in August
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:
- UV Clothing: Loose-fitting, light-colored, UV protective wicking clothing is recommended for summer hiking!.
- Sunhat: Sun protection is a must!
- Fleece jackets: A jacket is perfect for that morning layer when the temperatures are cool.
- Darn Tough hiking socks: Do not wear cotton socks. Darn Tough Socks are comfortable, breathe well, and prevent blisters!
- Sturdy hiking shoes: Hiking shoes or boots should be sturdy with good tread and traction.
- Water: Use refillable water bottles or hydration packs. We carry Propel powder packets to add to our water to help replace electrolytes.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin! Due to the dry heat in Utah you’ll also want lip balm and lotion!
- First aid kit: No matter whether your hike is long or short, always pack a hiking first aid kit. Make sure your first aid kit has the essentials like plasters, bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, etc.
- Headlamps: If you’ll be hiking in the morning or late afternoon, carry a headlamp so you’re prepared in case you need to hike in the dark.
- Snacks: Pack salty and easy to digest snacks to replace electrolytes.
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
One tip we have to help with the August heat is to take one of the many Utah Scenic Drives. It’s is a great activity to do during the hottest part of the day. Explore the stunning landscapes along the drives while enjoying the AC in your car!
There are also a few scenic routes that go through higher elevations where the temperatures are a bit cooler as well!
Utah National Parks August Weather
When visiting Utah National Parks in August, be prepared for crowds. We recommend visiting the parks early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat.
Here’s the weather you can expect at each of the 5 parks in the month of August.
Arches National Park weather in August: highs in the 100s and lows in the high 60s degrees Fahrenheit. The sun is usually at its peak intensity between 10am and 4pm, so that’s a great time to explore the scenic drives in your car with the AC running, or enjoy the hotel swimming pool!
Bryce Canyon National Park weather in August: due to the high elevation, temperatures are cooler with highs 76 and and lows 45 degrees Fahrenheit. During the rainy season in August, afternoon thunderstorms can produce heavy rain and frequent lightning. The park has the reminder “when thunder roars go indoors!” because lightning is dangerous at Bryce Canyon!
Canyonlands National Park weather in August: it will be HOT with highs close to 100 and lows 66 degrees Fahrenheit. The morning temperatures are just right for hiking and biking and August is a great month to enjoy the Colorado and Green Rivers running through the park!
Capitol Reef National Park weather in August: it’s hot with highs near 88 and lows near 63 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll be able to pick peaches and pears in the orchards. Be sure stop at the Gifford Homestead and grab some of the locally baked fruit pies and homemade ice cream!
Zion National Park weather in August: highs near 100 and lows near 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s still monsoon season so be familiar with flash floods. Always check the weather before hitting any slot-canyon trail!
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
Utah Bucket List
To help make your trip planning easier, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of must-do activities that belong on every Utah Bucket List: things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free download by clicking the graphic below!
