Things to Do in Boise in August

August Weather in Boise

32°C (90°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

7 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for outdoor activities - virtually zero rain with only 2 rainy days and 7 mm (0.3 inches) of precipitation total
Prime festival season with Western Idaho Fair (mid-August) and multiple outdoor concert series taking advantage of the dry weather
Ideal river conditions - Boise River reaches optimal temperature 21°C (70°F) for floating, while low water levels create perfect gentle rapids
Peak farmers market season with local peaches, sweet corn, and huckleberries at their absolute best - Boise Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings with 160+ vendors

Considerations

Extreme heat during midday hours 11am-5pm with temperatures reaching 32°C (90°F) and UV index of 9 - outdoor activities must be planned for early morning or evening
Wildfire smoke from regional fires can create hazy conditions and poor air quality on 3-5 days throughout the month
Peak tourist season means Boise River float rentals book up 2-3 weeks in advance and cost 40% more than shoulder season

Best Activities in August

Boise River Float Tours

August is the absolute best month for floating the Boise River through downtown. Water temperature hits a perfect 21°C (70°F), and the 9.6 km (6-mile) route from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park takes 2-3 hours through gentle Class I rapids. The dry weather means consistent water levels and zero chance of cancellation due to storms.

Booking Tip: Reserve tubes or rafts 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed outfitters. Expect to pay $25-40 for tube rentals including shuttle service. Start early (8-9am) to avoid peak heat and crowds. Look for operators that provide life jackets and shuttle service back to parking.

Foothills Hiking Trails

The extensive Boise Foothills trail system offers 305 km (190 miles) of trails with zero mud and perfect trail conditions in August's dry weather. Popular routes like Camel's Back Park to Table Rock provide panoramic valley views, but must be hiked before 9am or after 6pm due to exposed terrain and intense sun.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free, but consider guided sunrise or sunset tours ($35-60) that include transportation and local wildlife knowledge. Download Boise Parks app for trail maps. Park at trailheads by 7am to avoid full lots and heat.

Downtown Boise Food Tours

August brings outdoor dining season to peak with restaurant patios, food trucks, and the Saturday Farmers Market featuring 160+ vendors. Evening food tours (6-9pm) avoid the heat while showcasing Boise's emerging culinary scene, from Basque cuisine to craft brewery districts.

Booking Tip: Book evening walking food tours 1-2 weeks ahead, typically $65-95 per person including 5-6 tastings. Saturday morning farmers market tours ($40-55) include vendor tastings and local produce education. Look for tours that include indoor air-conditioned stops.

Western Idaho Fair Events

Mid-August brings the Western Idaho Fair, one of the largest events in Idaho with carnival rides, concerts, rodeo competitions, and agricultural exhibits. Evening hours (6-11pm) offer comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, while air-conditioned exhibit halls provide midday relief.

Booking Tip: Fair runs typically August 19-28, 2025. Daily admission $12-15, carnival wristbands $25-35. Purchase tickets online 1 week ahead for small discounts. Concert tickets for headline acts range $35-75 and sell out quickly for popular performers.

Bogus Basin Mountain Biking

August offers perfect mountain biking conditions at Bogus Basin with dry trails, chairlift access to 1,829 m (6,000 ft) elevation, and temperatures 8-10°C (15-18°F) cooler than the valley floor. Over 40 km (25 miles) of trails range from beginner to expert level with stunning views of the Treasure Valley.

Booking Tip: Chairlift and bike rental packages run $45-65 per day. Reserve mountain bike rentals 5-7 days ahead during August peak season. Trails typically open 9am-6pm. Consider guided half-day tours ($85-120) for trail navigation and skill development.

Snake River Birds of Prey Area Tours

August is prime raptor viewing season when young birds are learning to hunt. This 194,000-acre conservation area 48 km (30 miles) south of Boise hosts the world's densest nesting population of raptors. Early morning tours (6-9am) offer the best wildlife viewing in cooler temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided driving tour is free, but guided tours ($55-85) provide spotting scopes and expert knowledge. Book wildlife tours 1-2 weeks ahead. Bring extra water - temperatures reach 35°C (95°F) with minimal shade. Tours typically run 3-4 hours including travel time.

August Events & Festivals

Mid to Late August (typically August 19-28)

Western Idaho Fair

Idaho's largest fair featuring carnival rides, live concerts, rodeo events, agricultural exhibits, and food vendors. Evening concerts feature both local and national acts, while daytime offers family activities in air-conditioned buildings during peak heat.

Early to Mid August

Boise Music Festival

Outdoor concert series in Julia Davis Park featuring regional and national acts. Evening start times (7pm) take advantage of cooling temperatures, with food trucks and beer gardens creating festival atmosphere along the Boise River.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 with intense high-altitude sun reflection

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun protection during midday activities - avoid dark colors that absorb heat

Insulated water bottles holding at least 1 liter (32 oz) - dehydration happens quickly in 35% humidity

Light layers for temperature swings - mornings start at 18°C (64°F) but afternoons hit 32°C (90°F)

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - many attractions involve walking on hot pavement or rocky trails

Portable phone charger - heat can drain batteries faster, especially when using GPS for trail navigation

Cash for farmers markets and fair vendors - many local vendors don't accept cards

Light scarf or bandana - useful for dust protection if wildfire smoke creates hazy conditions

Sunglasses with UV protection - essential for river activities and mountain excursions with snow glare

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities by 8am - locals avoid hiking and biking between 11am-5pm when pavement temperatures exceed 49°C (120°F)

Boise River float trips fill up fast - locals book their tubes in early July for August weekends, with Saturday slots going first

Free parking downtown becomes nearly impossible after 10am during fair week - use the Grove Street garage or take the free downtown circulator bus

Huckleberry season peaks in late August - local ice cream shops and bakeries feature limited-time huckleberry flavors that sell out daily

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating water needs - tourists frequently get dehydrated thinking 'dry heat' means less water required, but 35% humidity actually increases fluid loss

Planning midday outdoor activities - many visitors don't realize that August heat makes hiking between 11am-5pm dangerous, not just uncomfortable

Booking accommodations too late - August is peak season with Western Idaho Fair and multiple festivals driving up prices 30-50% and limiting availability