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Best national parks to visit in August
All 63 US national parks ranked by August camping weather, using NOAA 1991–2020 averages at each park. Top picks: Isle Royale, Channel Islands, Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, Sequoia & Kings Canyon.
#1Isle Royale
Michigan
100 avg 73° / 52°F · 3.0 in
Entry: Not required · $7 per person per day (April 16–October
#2Channel Islands
California
100 avg 74° / 61°F · 0.0 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#3Crater Lake
Oregon
100 avg 69° / 42°F · 0.8 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#4Mount Rainier
Washington
100 avg 76° / 46°F · 1.5 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#5Sequoia & Kings Canyon
California
100 avg 76° / 44°F · 0.1 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#6Voyageurs
Minnesota
100 avg 76° / 49°F · 3.0 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#7Olympic
Washington
100 avg 67° / 55°F · 0.7 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#8Wrangell–St. Elias
Alaska
100 avg 67° / 40°F · 2.6 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#9Bryce Canyon
Utah
100 avg 78° / 50°F · 1.9 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#10Rocky Mountain
Colorado
100 avg 78° / 46°F · 1.7 in
Entry: Timed entry (May 22–Oct 12, 2026) · $35 per vehicle
#11Haleakalā
Hawaii
100 avg 66° / 49°F · 2.2 in
Entry: Sunrise reservation (3–7 am) · $30 per vehicle
#12Lake Clark
Alaska
100 avg 66° / 49°F · 1.7 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#13Great Sand Dunes
Colorado
100 avg 78° / 50°F · 1.9 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#14Lassen Volcanic
California
100 avg 78° / 45°F · 0.3 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#15North Cascades
Washington
100 avg 79° / 54°F · 1.7 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
2026 fee-free day in August: 25 August. All free days
Questions
What are the best national parks to visit in August?
Based on NOAA average weather, the mildest parks in August are Isle Royale, Channel Islands, Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, Sequoia & Kings Canyon.
Which national parks should I avoid in August?
For camping weather, Joshua Tree, Everglades, Biscayne, Death Valley score lowest, because of cold, heat or rain.
Are there free national park days in August?
In 2026, yes: 25 August (US citizens and residents).
The score (0–100) rates weather only: best with average highs of 62–82°F, nights above freezing and under 3 inches of precipitation. It doesn't account for road closures, crowds or snow on high trails; check each park guide. All park guides
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