Badlands · August
Badlands in August
August is the busiest time to visit Badlands — quieter than July, busier than September.
Expect peak crowds (9/10), highs near 88°F, about 14 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 86% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 16, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical August visits vs. the year
August draws about 19% of Badlands’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
August weather
- Avg high
- 88°F
- Avg low
- 55°F
- Precipitation
- 2.0"
- Sunrise
- 4:54 AM
- Sunset
- 6:52 PM
- Daylight
- 14h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PORCUPINE 11 N, SD US
What's open
Badlands in August: access
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
Notch Trail Closure for Repairs
Notch Trail and all areas within 100’ of the designated trail closed while park staff are repairing the section of the Notch trail ladder that has become a safety hazard for hikers.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Navigation
Do not rely on GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Badlands National Park. Please note that the Visitor Center at 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior SD 57750 is located just off I-90.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Badlands crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in August
FAQ
Badlands in August
How busy is Badlands in August?
August rates 9/10 for crowds (Peak) at Badlands National Park — about 86% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 205,777.
What is the weather like at Badlands in August?
In August, Badlands averages a high of 88°F and a low of 55°F, with about 2.0 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Badlands?
Entrance to Badlands costs $30 (Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days).
When is Badlands least crowded?
Badlands is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Badlands get in August?
In mid-August, Badlands gets about 14 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 4:54 AM and sunset around 6:52 PM.