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Yellowstone · August
August is the busiest time to visit Yellowstone — about as busy as July, busier than September.
Expect peak crowds (10/10), highs near 79°F, about 14 hours of daylight, and 3 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 95% 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 11, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
August draws about 21% of Yellowstone’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, Yellowstone (Lake Yellowstone)
This week
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 26 | Overcast | 74°F | 43°F | 4% |
| Thu 27 | Overcast | 73°F | 49°F | 21% |
| Fri 28 | Drizzle | 64°F | 48°F | 56% |
| Sat 29 | Heavy drizzle | 60°F | 44°F | 82% |
| Sun 30 | Rain showers | 61°F | 42°F | 66% |
| Mon 31 | Clear | 69°F | 35°F | 18% |
| Tue 1 | Overcast | 67°F | 42°F | 26% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
What's open
Open 24 hours in season; most roads close to cars early Nov to late Apr
Seasonal closures may apply:
Most park roads are closed to regular vehicles between early November and late April. Check current road status before traveling.
Details on nps.gov →The parking lot, boardwalk, and Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed to all travel until further notice due to the possibility of another event at the site of a hydrothermal explosion that occurred July 23, 2024.
Details on nps.gov →The following rivers and their tributaries will close daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise due to warm water temperatures and low flows: Madison River, Firehole River, and Gibbon River.
Details on nps.gov →Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Most park roads are closed to regular vehicles between early November and late April. Check current road status before traveling.
Details on nps.gov →Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.
Details on nps.gov →Expect a single lane of traffic with up to 15-minute delays, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 through late October 2026. Oversized/overweight vehicles (8'6"+ wide, 75'+ long, 80,000 lbs+ gross vehicle weight) will not be able to cross the bridge during this time.
Details on nps.gov →The parking lot, boardwalk, and Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed to all travel until further notice due to the possibility of another event at the site of a hydrothermal explosion that occurred July 23, 2024.
Details on nps.gov →Expect up to 15-minute delays on Gibbon River Bridge from July 9 through late-July while crews repair the railing.
Details on nps.gov →The following rivers and their tributaries will close daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise due to warm water temperatures and low flows: Madison River, Firehole River, and Gibbon River.
Details on nps.gov →Source: NPS Data API
Context
Alternatives
FAQ
August rates 10/10 for crowds (Peak) at Yellowstone National Park — about 95% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 990,229.
In August, Yellowstone averages a high of 79°F and a low of 45°F, with about 1.4 inches of precipitation.
Entrance to Yellowstone costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
A reservation may be required: Vehicle Entrance Reservation Not Needed. Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival. Confirm current requirements on nps.gov before you visit.
Yellowstone is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-August, Yellowstone gets about 14 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:25 AM and sunset around 7:26 PM.