Things to Do in Boise in August

August Weather in Boise

33°C (91°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer weather perfect for river activities - the Boise River float season hits its stride with water temperatures reaching 18-21°C (64-70°F), warm enough for tubing without a wetsuit. River flows are controlled and predictable, typically 57-85 cubic meters per second (2,000-3,000 cfs), making it safe for families.
Farmers market season at absolute peak - the Capital City Public Market (Saturdays 9:30am-1:30pm) overflows with Treasure Valley produce including famous Idaho peaches, sweet corn, and heirloom tomatoes. August is the ONLY month you'll find all three at once, and prices drop 30-40% compared to July as harvest volume peaks.
Extended daylight hours maximize outdoor time - sunset doesn't occur until 8:45pm in early August, giving you 14+ hours of usable daylight. This means you can finish a full day of work and still have 4-5 hours for hiking, biking, or exploring downtown before dark.
Minimal precipitation means reliable outdoor plans - with only 5 mm (0.2 inches) of rain spread across 2 days all month, you can book outdoor activities weeks in advance with 95% confidence they won't be rained out. This is Boise's driest month, making it ideal for multi-day camping or hiking trips in the nearby Sawtooth Mountains 210 km (130 miles) north.

Considerations

Wildfire smoke can severely impact air quality for 5-10 days - August sits in peak wildfire season for the Pacific Northwest, and prevailing winds frequently push smoke from Oregon and California fires into the Boise Valley. AQI regularly spikes to 150-200 (unhealthy for sensitive groups), occasionally reaching 300+ (hazardous). Check airnow.gov daily and have indoor backup plans. Locals cancel outdoor activities when AQI exceeds 100.
Heat peaks mid-afternoon making 2pm-6pm uncomfortable for outdoor activities - temperatures regularly hit 33-36°C (91-97°F) with full sun exposure, and the high-desert environment offers little natural shade. The Boise Greenbelt along the river becomes crowded as it's one of the few shaded walking areas. Plan hiking for before 10am or after 6pm, or choose higher elevation trails where temperatures drop 3-6°C (5-11°F) per 300 m (1,000 ft) gained.
Peak tourist season means higher accommodation prices and crowded trails - hotel rates jump 40-60% compared to May or September, with downtown properties averaging 180-280 USD per night. Popular hiking destinations like Table Rock 6 km (3.7 miles) east of downtown see 300-500 visitors daily on weekends. Book accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead minimum, and hit trailheads before 8am to secure parking and avoid crowds.

Best Activities in August

Boise River Float

August offers perfect conditions for Boise's signature summer activity - floating the 9.7 km (6 mile) stretch from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. Water temperatures reach 18-21°C (64-70°F), warm enough that most locals skip wetsuits entirely. Flows are controlled and family-friendly. The float takes 2-3 hours depending on current, passing through cottonwood groves that provide shade breaks from the intense sun. Start early (before 11am) to avoid peak crowds and secure tube rentals. This is quintessentially what locals do in August - you'll see everyone from college students to families with young kids. The river is warmest and most pleasant in August compared to the chilly June flows or low September levels.

Booking Tip: Tube and raft rentals available at Barber Park (typically 15-25 USD per tube for the day). Arrive before 10am on weekends or expect 30-45 minute wait times. Free shuttle buses run from Ann Morrison Park back to Barber Park every 30 minutes until 7pm. Bring a waterproof bag for phone/keys - the river has several small rapids that will splash you. Most locals own their own tubes and simply park at Ann Morrison, bike to Barber Park with their tube, then float back to their car.

Sawtooth Mountains Day Trips

August is the ONLY month when all high-elevation trails in the Sawtooths 210 km (130 miles) north are reliably snow-free. Alpine lakes like Alice Lake and Sawtooth Lake reach their warmest temperatures (still bracing at 13-16°C/55-61°F) and wildflower displays peak in meadows above 2,400 m (8,000 ft). The 3-4 hour drive from Boise makes this a long but achievable day trip, or better as an overnight. Temperatures at elevation are 10-15°C (18-27°F) cooler than Boise, providing escape from valley heat. Trails like Alice Lake (8 km/5 miles roundtrip with 400 m/1,300 ft elevation gain) offer stunning granite peaks and crystal lakes. This is Idaho's premier mountain scenery, and August offers the most accessible conditions before September cold snaps arrive.

Booking Tip: No permits required for day hiking, but overnight camping in the Sawtooth Wilderness requires free self-issue permits at trailheads. Trailhead parking fills by 8-9am on weekends - arrive early or choose weekdays. Gas up in Stanley (last services) and bring all food - no facilities at trailheads. Popular trails like Alice Lake see 100-150 hikers daily in August. Consider guided day trips through outdoor recreation companies (typically 150-220 USD per person including transportation, lunch, and guide) - see current tour options in booking section below. Pack layers as weather changes rapidly at elevation.

Downtown Boise Food and Brewery Walking Tours

August evenings (7-9pm) offer perfect temperatures of 24-27°C (75-81°F) for exploring Boise's compact downtown on foot. The city has exploded with craft breweries (15+ within walking distance) and farm-to-table restaurants showcasing peak summer produce. The BoDo (Boise Downtown) district stays lively until 11pm with outdoor patios packed. Walking tours covering 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) typically hit 3-4 breweries or restaurants, explaining Boise's evolution from conservative state capital to foodie destination. August specifically offers seasonal menus featuring local peaches, corn, and tomatoes that disappear by September. The dry weather means outdoor seating is reliably available - crucial as many popular spots have limited indoor space.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is easy with downtown's grid layout, but guided food tours (typically 75-120 USD per person, 2.5-3 hours) provide insider access and historical context locals appreciate. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours. Most tours include 4-5 tastings substantial enough to replace dinner. See current food tour options in booking section below. If going solo, make dinner reservations 3-5 days ahead for popular spots - Boise's restaurant scene has grown faster than capacity. Happy hours run 3-6pm with 2-3 USD off pints.

Bogus Basin Mountain Biking

While Bogus Basin 26 km (16 miles) north of Boise is known for winter skiing, August transforms it into mountain biking terrain with 40+ km (25 miles) of lift-accessed and cross-country trails. Elevation at 1,950 m (6,400 ft) means temperatures are 8-12°C (14-22°F) cooler than the valley - typically 21-24°C (70-75°F) at midday, perfect for physical activity. The chairlift runs weekends only in August (10am-5pm), hauling bikes and riders up 370 m (1,200 ft) for downhill runs through pine forests with views across the Boise Valley. Cross-country trails range from flowy beginner loops to technical singletrack. August conditions are dry and fast - no mud, minimal dust compared to July. Trails are less crowded than valley options like the Ridge to Rivers system.

Booking Tip: Lift tickets typically 35-45 USD for full day, bike rentals 50-75 USD for full-suspension mountain bikes. Arrive by 10:30am on summer weekends to avoid limited parking issues. No reservations needed but rental bikes can sell out by noon on peak days - call ahead if you need a rental. Bring your own bike if possible. The access road is paved and suitable for any vehicle. Pack layers and sunscreen - elevation means intense UV exposure (index of 10-11) but temperatures can drop quickly if clouds roll in. Most riders do 4-6 runs over 3-4 hours.

Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Hiking

Located 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Boise along the Snake River Canyon, this area protects the world's densest concentration of nesting raptors. August is prime viewing season as young birds are flight-testing while adults hunt actively to feed them. You'll spot prairie falcons, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures riding thermal updrafts along the 150 m (500 ft) canyon walls. Trails range from easy 3 km (1.9 mile) loops to strenuous 12 km (7.5 mile) rim hikes. August heat is intense here (often 2-3°C/4-5°F warmer than Boise) with zero shade, but early morning visits (6-9am) offer comfortable temperatures and best raptor activity. The dramatic canyon scenery - high-desert sagebrush contrasting with the green Snake River corridor - is uniquely Idaho.

Booking Tip: Free access, no permits required. Visitor center (open 9am-5pm daily) provides trail maps and current raptor nesting information. Bring 3+ liters of water per person - there are no services once you leave the visitor center. Binoculars essential for raptor watching. The area is 45-60 minutes from downtown Boise via I-84 and Highway 69. Most visitors spend 2-4 hours. Cell service is spotty. Start hikes before 8am in August or wait until after 5pm - midday heat is dangerous. No guided tours typically needed as trails are well-marked, but birding tours occasionally operate (check booking section below for availability).

Idaho Botanical Garden Evening Visits

August showcases the botanical garden's summer perennial displays at peak bloom, with dahlias, rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses thriving in the high-desert climate. More importantly, August brings extended evening hours (open until 9pm Thursdays-Saturdays) when temperatures drop to comfortable 24-27°C (75-81°F) and the setting sun creates golden light perfect for photography. The 20-hectare (50-acre) garden sits along the Old Penitentiary grounds 3 km (1.9 miles) east of downtown, combining botanical displays with historic site exploration. August hosts occasional outdoor concerts and wine tastings in the gardens. The meditation garden and pond areas offer genuine respite from city heat. This is where locals bring out-of-town visitors for a uniquely Boise experience combining horticulture, history, and mountain views.

Booking Tip: Admission typically 12-15 USD for adults, 8-10 USD for seniors/students. Free for children under 5. Purchase tickets online to skip small entry lines during events. Allow 1.5-2 hours to see the full garden at a leisurely pace. The gift shop sells Idaho-specific plants and seeds if you want to take home something beyond photos. Bring water and wear sun protection even for evening visits - UV remains high until 7pm in August. Check their events calendar for Thursday evening concerts (typically 6-8pm, included with admission). Parking is free but limited during events - arrive 30 minutes early or walk/bike from downtown via the Greenbelt.

August Events & Festivals

Mid-to-late August (typically third week, running Friday-Sunday across two weekends)

Western Idaho Fair

Idaho's largest fair runs for nine days in mid-to-late August at Expo Idaho, featuring traditional state fair attractions - livestock competitions, carnival rides, demolition derbies, and big-name country music concerts. This is peak Americana - corn dogs, 4H exhibits, and rodeo events. Evening concerts (included with admission) have featured major country and rock acts. The fair draws 250,000+ visitors annually, mostly locals and families from across southern Idaho. It's genuinely representative of Idaho culture beyond Boise's increasingly urban character. Go for the people-watching and authentic regional experience, not for sophisticated entertainment. Evening visits (after 6pm) offer cooler temperatures and better concert access.

Every Saturday throughout August

Capital City Public Market Peak Season

While the market runs April-December, August represents absolute peak for produce variety and quality. Every Saturday (9:30am-1:30pm) on 8th Street downtown, 150+ vendors sell Idaho peaches, sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, honey, artisan bread, and prepared foods. This is when you'll find ingredients that define Idaho summer - Palisade peaches from Fruitland, sweet corn from Nampa, and grass-fed beef from local ranches. The market is as much social gathering as shopping venue - locals meet for coffee, live music plays, and families make it a Saturday tradition. Arrive by 10am for best selection before popular vendors sell out. Bring cash though most vendors now accept cards. This isn't a tourist attraction per se, but it's the best window into Boise's farm-to-table culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High SPF sunscreen (50+) and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index hits 9-10 daily and Boise's 824 m (2,700 ft) elevation intensifies sun exposure. Locals get burned even with single applications.

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - afternoon winds of 15-25 km/h (9-16 mph) are common in the Boise Valley and will blow off baseball caps. Necessary for any outdoor activity lasting more than 30 minutes.

Refillable water bottle (1 liter/32 oz minimum) - the 35% humidity and heat cause rapid dehydration. Locals carry water everywhere. Boise has excellent tap water and refill stations throughout downtown and on trails.

Lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt in light colors - counterintuitively better than tank tops for all-day sun exposure. Choose moisture-wicking fabric, not cotton. Locals wear these for river floating and hiking.

Quality sunglasses with UV protection - the high-desert sun reflecting off sagebrush and pavement causes eye strain. Polarized lenses help significantly for river activities.

Closed-toe hiking shoes or trail runners - even for casual Greenbelt walks. Rattlesnakes are active in August in foothills areas, and trails are rocky. Sandals are fine for downtown and river floating only.

Light fleece or hoodie for evenings - temperatures drop 10-15°C (18-27°F) after sunset, and outdoor restaurant patios get chilly by 9pm. Also essential if you visit higher elevations where temperatures are significantly cooler.

N95 or KN95 masks for wildfire smoke days - essential protection when air quality index exceeds 100. Locals keep these in their car and day pack during August as smoke can roll in quickly and unexpectedly.