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Badlands · August

Badlands in August

August is the busiest time to visit Badlands — quieter than July, busier than September.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

9/10
Peak

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 Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical August visits vs. the year

August (typical)205,777
Peak — July238,683
Quietest — January9,812

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

August weather

Avg high
Avg low
Precipitation
2.4"
Sunrise
4:54 AM
Sunset
6:52 PM
Daylight
14h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, WASTA 21.6 SSW, SD US

What's open

Badlands in August: access

The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.

No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJul9AugSepOctNovDec

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 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 2.4 inches of precipitation.