White Sands · August · New Mexico
White Sands National Park in August
August is a fair month for White Sands National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 89°F and lows 68°F, with about 0.89 inches of rain.
August is rated fair at White Sands. Consider Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov instead.
What to expect
Honest take: August is not the month for White Sands. Hot, but the gypsum stays cooler underfoot than ordinary sand. Go at sunrise or sunset, and watch for monsoon storms.
Waxed plastic snow saucers work best for sledding. Pick a steep dune face without vegetation at the bottom.
Good to know
- Best months overall: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
- Closest airport: El Paso (ELP), about 1.5 hours.
- Before you go: Missile tests on the neighboring range can close Dunes Drive and US-70 for a few hours; check the park's closure schedule. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is August a good time to visit White Sands National Park?
August is a fair month for White Sands National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 89°F and lows 68°F, with about 0.89 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in White Sands National Park in August?
Highs average 89°F and lows 68°F, with about 0.89 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.
How crowded is White Sands National Park in August?
Crowds are moderate in August.