Petrified Forest · month by month

Petrified Forest in August

Verdict: Good — August ranks 10 of 12 here

January: Good February: Excellent March: Good April: Good May: Good June: Tough July: Good August: Good September: Good October: Good November: Excellent December: Good August — this page
Excellent Good Tough Sunburst marks the sweet spot

August is a good month at Petrified Forest — it ranks 10th of the twelve here. Expect about 34% fewer visitors than June, the park's peak — 42,478 visits on average. Days run around 88°F by afternoon and 58°F at night, with 13.5 hours of daylight.

August against the park's best

Month Verdict Avg. visits vs. peak High Low Snow Daylight
August (this page) Good 42,478 −34% 88°F 58°F 0" 13.5 h
February (best) Excellent 21,056 −67% 53°F 25°F 0.1" 10.9 h
June (peak crowds) Tough 63,918 peak 89°F 53°F 0" 14.5 h

Weather figures are for the Painted Desert Visitor Center area — the Painted Desert NP station. Visits are 2021–2025 averages; climate normals cover 1991–2020. Conditions vary across the park; check current status before you go.

Common questions

Is August a good time to visit Petrified Forest?

It is a reasonable month — the park has stronger ones, but the records don't argue against it. August ranks 10 of 12 at Petrified Forest on crowds, weather, daylight, and access together.

How crowded is Petrified Forest in August?

About 42,478 recreation visits on average — 34% below June, the park's peak.

How warm is Petrified Forest in August?

Average highs around 88°F and lows around 58°F at the Painted Desert NP station.

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