Havasupai Falls in August: The Weather, Hike, Campground, & Gear

August is a hot, but enjoyable time to visit Havasupai Falls … as long as you’re prepared for the desert heat.  

With temperatures in the triple digits some days, you’ll have to take extra precautions to keep hydrated and healthy in the heat. Thankfully, Havasu Creek provides the perfect opportunity for cooling off in one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever been to.

The other factor to be aware of is the summer monsoon season. The monsoon is a weather system, which sends storms (severe at times) up into Arizona. It usually lasts from late June into September.

Key Info on Havasupai Falls

• Camping permits are $455, per person (for 3 nights).
• Lodge rooms are $2277, for 4 people (for 3 nights).
• Be prepared to hike 10 miles each way.
• There are no roads, you can’t ride a mule, and the helicopter is inconsistent.
• You can hire a mule to carry your gear.

August Weather Overview

In August, you can expect daily highs in 90s (into the triple digits), with overnight lows in the 60s.

On hot days, the rock walls of the canyon along Havasu Creek seem to absorb heat, and then radiate it at night on the campsites.

• Average High: 98°F
• Average Low: 72°F
• Rainfall: Zero to several inches, depending on the monsoon.

August Weather Warnings

I live in Phoenix, so I’m accustomed to the summer heat. However, I experienced heat exhaustion during a trip to Havasupai Falls in the summer.

By the end of our third day, despite drinking gallons of water, I barely made it to the tent before passing out around sunset. Hours later, I managed to get help to move over to the creek, where I submerged myself for two hours to lower my body temperature. The next morning, I felt slightly better. On our way out, we found out that many other hikers had suffered even worse from the heat and had to be flown out for medical attention.

My story isn’t meant to scare you away from visiting in August, because I’ll still return in the summer months.

I hope you can learn from my experience: drink much more water than you think you’ll need and take breaks to cool down throughout the day while you hike!

Monsoon Awareness

In August of 2024, a major monsoon storm hit the plateau above Supai, and created a devastating flash flood through the canyon. Sadly, it killed a young woman who was hiking beyond the campground, near the Confluence with the Colorado River.

The flood also moved through the town of Supai, damaging several homes, and wrecking part of the campground.  

The trail between the hilltop and the village was also damaged, so campers were unable to hike back out. The Arizona National Guard launched its biggest rescue operation in history, to fly a couple hundred people out of Supai.

I don’t write this to tell you not to visit Havasupai Falls in August. I’d still go if I had the permits for it during monsoon season. It’s just very important to be aware of the potential for storms and flooding.

Daylight Hours

You’ll have more than 13 hours of daylight in August.

• Sunset: : 5:50 AM
• Sunset: 7:40 PM

Longer daylight hours in the summer months make it possible to take the additional hike (if you’re prepared for the heat) from the campground to the Confluence with the Colorado River.

Crowds and Permit Availability

It can be difficult to secure a permit to Havasupai Falls any month of the year, and it’s the same in August.

My advice, which I’ve followed several times myself, is to keep checking the Tribe’s “Transfer” website. It’s the only place to buy permits from other people who no longer want them.

As for crowd size, Havasupai Tribe doesn’t release exact numbers, but public filings online with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other agencies provide some insight.

The tribe grants roughly 100 permits per day. Up to 30,000 people visit Havasupai Falls each year. The campground is almost always buzzing with new people arriving and other groups packing up to leave.

Hiking to Havasupai Falls in August

In the spring months of February, March, April, and even into much of May, the weather is cool enough to start your hike to Havasupai Falls at any time of day.

However, in August, you should begin your hike before dawn from the Hualapai Hilltop. Depending on your pace and how many stops you make to rest, the hike will take approximately 5 hours. While there are some shady spots along the trail, it’s important to avoid hiking in the midday heat. This is especially true if you’re carrying 30 pounds of gear!

While an animal rights group protests the use of mules, many hikers choose to reserve a mule to carry their tents, gear, and bags from the hilltop to the campground. You’ll reserve a mule when you book your reservation.

Also, note that the Havasupai Tribe often enforces a rule requiring all hikers to depart the trailhead by 2:00 PM. As a result, hiking during the evening or at sunset may not be permitted. Therefore, it’s ideal to start your hike before dawn.

Trail Conditions and Challenges

Storms likely won’t impact the trail conditions in August. You should find the route clearly marked and easy to follow. I can only remember one case where a major monsoon storm wiped out part of the trail.  

The tiny springs along the trail will create a couple of small algae-filled ponds, but there’s really no water along the way until you hit Havasu Creek around mile 7.

Be prepared to carry plenty of water to drink until you can refill your filter bottles in the creek!

Camping on Havasu Creek in August

In August, you’ll have warm nights camping along Havasu Creek.   

You’ll find campsites on both sides of a one-mile stretch of the creek, between Havasu and Mooney Falls.

Campground Conditions and Best Spots

In August (and really all summer into September) there’s always a small risk of a flood, triggered by monsoon rainfall up on the plateau above the canyon.

Several times over the years, campers have had to head to higher ground, leaving their campsites behind when the waters rise.  While it’s nothing you can really prepare for, it’s still important to keep it in mind.

Otherwise, my advice for finding the best camping spots in August is the same as it is anytime of year. When you arrive at the campground, keep hiking toward Mooney Falls and find a campsite creekside and away from the vaulted toilets, which can get stinky.

Nighttime Temperatures and Sleeping Tips

Nighttime temperatures will be in the 70s in August, so keep that in mind when you’re choosing your sleeping bag and tent. In the summer months, many people choose to sleep in hammocks rather than tents.  

The next time I go in June or July, I might not even bring a sleeping bag. It might work better if you bring a sheet to use over your sleeping pad rather than a sleeping bag.

As I mentioned earlier, the tall rock canyon walls on either side of Havasu Creek absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night.

Wildlife and Bugs to Watch For

I’ve never experienced issues with bugs, flies, or mosquitoes. I know others have, so I always carry a small bottle of insect repellent just in case the bugs are bad on a hike.

When it comes to squirrels and other scavengers at campsites, their presence can vary. Sometimes you’ll find evidence that a rodent got into someone’s food. We’ve always managed to keep our food secure in airtight bags and containers, but many people choose to bring rat sacks as an extra precaution.

As for wildlife, you’re more likely to encounter frogs and lizards near the creek, as you would expect. Plus, hiking down past Mooney Falls, you’re bound to have an amazing encounter with desert big-horned sheep!

Waterfalls and Swimming in August

Whether it’s snowmelt, spring showers, or a summer monsoon storm, there’s always a chance that the blue creek will turn brown.

August is monsoon season, and it doesn’t take much rainfall on the plateau above the canyon to muddy the creek and falls. Usually, if a storm moves through and muddies the creek, it’ll clear up in two days.

Water Temperature

Here’s a chart of the water temperatures in Havasu Creek over the month of August in 2024. Temperatures vary throughout the day, but the water is usually around 75 degrees. It’s great for swimming and cooling off!

Wrap: Pros and Cons of Visiting Havasupai in August

August is a month where the weather will cause challenges, but the beauty of Havasupai Falls is still worth it!

Advantages of This Time of Year

While temperatures will be hot, the advantage becomes: you don’t need to pack extra layers of clothing to keep warm at night.

The extra hours of daylight allow you to have more flexibility in your days at Havasupai Falls. Plus, if you’re planning to hike all the way to the confluence with the Colorado River, you’ll need the extra daylight to make it back to the campsite by dark!

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The heat can be challenging for anyone, even if you live in Arizona, so it’s important to plan to start your hike to Havasupai before dawn. You definitely want to avoid being on the trail during the hottest parts of the day.

Additionally, August brings the risk of unpredictable monsoon storms. If you secure your permits for that month, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!