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Carlsbad Caverns · August
August is a busy time to visit Carlsbad Caverns — quieter than July, busier than September.
Expect heavy crowds (7/10), highs near 90°F, about 13.3 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 66% 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
August draws about 8% of Carlsbad Caverns’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CARLSBAD CAVERNS, NM US
This week
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 26 | Overcast | 92°F | 67°F | 8% |
| Thu 27 | Overcast | 89°F | 65°F | 13% |
| Fri 28 | Overcast | 91°F | 68°F | 13% |
| Sat 29 | Clear | 91°F | 73°F | 2% |
| Sun 30 | Overcast | 88°F | 70°F | 3% |
| Mon 31 | Drizzle | 87°F | 68°F | 8% |
| Tue 1 | Light drizzle | 81°F | 64°F | 15% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
What's open
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
Seasonal closures may apply:
Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage. The main park road to the visitor center and cavern is open.
Details on nps.gov →Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
For safety, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended. Flip flops, sandals, and some walking shoes have little or no traction and increase the possibility of slips, trips, and falls. Watch your step and use the handrails when necessary.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased.
Details on nps.gov →A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave.
Details on nps.gov →Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage. The main park road to the visitor center and cavern is open.
Details on nps.gov →Fire restrictions have been lifted at Carlsbad Caverns which means that fires such as charcoal fires in grills and the use of camp stoves or portable grills will be allowed. Igniting and maintaining an open fire must be done with materials that are commonly used for warmth and food preparations such as natural firewood or charcoal briquettes. Other materials such as flammable liquids, garbage, plastic, aerosol canisters, or other artificial substances are not permitted.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Alternatives
FAQ
August rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Carlsbad Caverns National Park — about 66% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 34,724.
In August, Carlsbad Caverns averages a high of 90°F and a low of 66°F, with about 2.0 inches of precipitation.
Entrance to Carlsbad Caverns costs $1 (A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center. Time entry reservations ensure a more enjoyable experience and helps to protect the cave formations.).
A reservation may be required: Timed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern. Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased. Confirm current requirements on nps.gov before you visit.
Carlsbad Caverns is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-August, Carlsbad Caverns gets about 13.3 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:22 AM and sunset around 6:41 PM.