Salt Lake City in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Salt Lake City

34°C (93°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

36 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - morning temperatures start at 19°C (66°F) before sunrise, ideal for Wasatch Front trails before 10am
Peak farmers market season with Utah peaches, corn, and tomatoes at their absolute best - Saturday Downtown Farmers Market runs 8am-2pm
Longest daylight hours of summer (14+ hours) - sunset not until 8pm, giving maximum time for outdoor adventures
Great Salt Lake's water levels are typically at annual highs, making Antelope Island accessible and wildlife viewing optimal

Considerations

Afternoon temperatures regularly exceed 32°C (90°F) making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable without shade
Air quality can deteriorate due to temperature inversions trapping pollutants - check AirNow.gov daily, especially if sensitive to air quality
Peak tourist season means higher accommodation prices and crowded trails at popular spots like Angels Landing (if permits available)

Best Activities in August

Wasatch Mountains Dawn Hiking

August offers perfect conditions for alpine hiking with snow-free high elevation trails and cool morning starts. The key is beginning before 7am when temperatures are 19°C (66°F) - by noon it's 32°C+ (90°F). Popular routes like Mount Olympus or Ensign Peak offer impressive valley views with comfortable conditions until 11am. Afternoon thunderstorms provide natural air conditioning around 3-4pm.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most trails, but download AllTrails app for real-time conditions. Parking fills by 8am on weekends at popular trailheads. Consider guided hiking groups that start at sunrise - typically cost $45-75 per person and include safety equipment.

Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island Exploration

August is prime time for Great Salt Lake visits - water levels are highest, making the drive to Antelope Island most reliable. The lake's salinity creates a unique floating experience impossible elsewhere in North America. Bison herds are active in early morning and evening when temperatures drop. The 11°C (20°F) temperature swing between day and night creates dramatic sunset photography conditions.

Booking Tip: State park entry fee is $15 per vehicle. Best visited early morning (before 9am) or after 5pm to avoid peak heat. Guided wildlife tours typically run $35-60 and provide transportation in air-conditioned vehicles. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours.

Historic Downtown and Temple Square Cultural Tours

August's extended daylight hours (14+ hours) allow complete exploration of Salt Lake City's founding history. The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail and Temple Square offer air-conditioned visitor centers perfect for midday heat breaks. The city's grid system, designed in 1847, makes walking tours logical and efficient. Free temple tours run every 15 minutes.

Booking Tip: Temple Square tours are always free and run continuously 9am-9pm in August. Private historic walking tours typically cost $25-45 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Book cultural tours through visitor centers for authentic local guides rather than international tour companies.

Park City Mountain Resort Summer Activities

Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Park City sits at 2,100m (6,900 ft) elevation, making August temperatures 8-11°C (15-20°F) cooler than the valley. The alpine slide, mountain coaster, and hiking trails operate in perfect conditions. Former Olympic venues from 2002 Winter Games offer unique summer tours. The scenic chairlift ride provides relief from valley heat.

Booking Tip: Mountain resort activity passes run $45-85 for full day access. Midweek visits offer better pricing and smaller crowds. Resort shuttles from Salt Lake City hotels typically cost $35-50 round trip. Book combo packages 10-14 days ahead for August weekend visits.

Bonneville Salt Flats Photography and Exploration

August provides ideal conditions for visiting this surreal landscape 120 km (75 miles) west of Salt Lake City. The salt crust is hardest after summer heat, creating perfect conditions for walking and photography. Sunrise and sunset temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make golden hour shoots comfortable. The endless white expanse creates unique perspective photography impossible elsewhere.

Booking Tip: No entry fees or permits required. Best experienced as dawn or sunset trips to avoid midday heat exceeding 38°C (100°F). Guided photography tours cost $125-200 and provide transportation plus professional guidance. Rental cars work fine - just clean salt residue afterward.

Local Food and Brewery Scene Exploration

August brings peak harvest season to Utah's agricultural valleys, making farm-to-table dining exceptional. Local breweries offer outdoor patios perfect for evening temperatures dropping to 24°C (75°F). The city's unique liquor laws have relaxed significantly, and craft brewing scene rivals major metropolitan areas. Food trucks and outdoor markets thrive in August's stable weather.

Booking Tip: Brewery and distillery tours typically cost $15-35 including tastings. Food walking tours run $65-95 for 3-4 hour experiences. Many operate outdoors, so book evening tours starting after 5pm when temperatures become comfortable. Reserve weekend food tours 1-2 weeks ahead.

August Events & Festivals

Late August (pre-events)

Utah State Fair

Running typically September 7-17, but pre-fair agricultural competitions and setup begins in late August. Features local livestock, agricultural displays, and Utah-specific cultural exhibits. The fairgrounds showcase Utah's farming heritage with competitions for locally-grown produce peaking in August harvest season.

Every Saturday in August

Salt Lake City Farmers Market Peak Season

August represents peak harvest for Utah's fruit and vegetable crops. Saturday Downtown Farmers Market (8am-2pm) features Palisade peaches, sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, and other local specialties at their seasonal best. Pioneer Park Market (Saturdays) offers similar selections in a more local neighborhood setting.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - Start with t-shirt for 19°C (66°F) mornings, add sun protection for 34°C (93°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 at 1,400m (4,600 ft) elevation, reapply every 90 minutes

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - Essential for Great Salt Lake visits where there's zero shade

Closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip - Rocky mountain trails and salt flat surfaces require traction

Insulated water bottles (1 liter minimum) - Dehydration happens quickly in low 35% humidity

Light rain jacket - Afternoon thunderstorms are brief but intense, usually 15-30 minutes

Sunglasses with UV protection - Critical for salt flats and lake visits where surface reflection intensifies UV

Electrolyte supplements or powder - Sweating in low humidity depletes salts faster than humid climates

Camera lens cleaning kit - Salt dust from Great Salt Lake area requires frequent lens maintenance

Light long-sleeve shirt - For sun protection during extended outdoor activities, choose moisture-wicking fabric

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities by 6:30am - locals call this 'Mormon Standard Time' and you'll have trails mostly to yourself until 8am

Download the Utah Air Quality app - August inversions can create unhealthy air days, especially if you have respiratory sensitivities

Great Salt Lake water temperature reaches 27°C (80°F) in August, but bring water shoes - the rocky shoreline and salt crystals are sharp on bare feet

Many restaurants close Sundays or have limited hours due to local culture - plan dining accordingly and make Saturday reservations early

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating water needs - visitors from humid climates often don't realize how quickly dehydration occurs in 35% humidity at elevation

Planning strenuous outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when temperatures exceed 32°C (90°F) and UV index peaks at 9

Not checking air quality before outdoor plans - August temperature inversions can create hazardous conditions for sensitive individuals