Death Valley in August: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Harsh season · VisitWhen score 35/100 · #12 of 12 months
August is a harsh-season month at Death Valley National Park: crowds run 47% of the March peak (75,918 average visits), days average 116°F with 13.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in August
Death Valley averages 75,918 recreation visits in August — 47% of what March, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.
Weather & daylight
Daytime heat is the story (highs average 116°F), and even nights stay hot (lows average 89°F). It is typically dry (0.1″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 13.6 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US (1 mi from park coordinates, -194 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of August.
What to pack for Death Valley in August
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity — highs average 116°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Death Valley are January and February.
Common questions
Is Death Valley crowded in August?
Moderately: August runs 47% of the March peak, averaging 75,918 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Death Valley in August?
Average highs of 116°F, lows of 89°F, 0.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US station).
What should I pack for Death Valley in August?
Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in August · Last verified 2026-07-16