Burning Man Weather: 2026 Recap, 2027 Outlook
Black Rock City, USA
30 Aug 2026 to 6 Sept 2026
Plan your visit
- Location
- Black Rock City, USA
- Music
- Boutique · Multi-genre · Electronic
- Camping
- Check camping with the organiser
A week on an alkaline playa at 1200 m altitude. Whiteout dust storms are the default; the 2023 rain event is the exception that proved the surface turns to glue when wet.
Why this score
The score combines these four event-window quality factors. Safety guidance and packing advice are shown separately.
- Quality factor
Dust and ground
22 km/h mean wind, 13 dry days, 14 mm event rain
LimitingMain limiterFull confidenceMoisture settles dust, while sustained wind and a long dry spell lift loose surface material.
- Quality factor
Temperature
18°C mean, 8°C low, 30°C peak, 0 consecutive days over 35°C, 39% humidity
HelpingMinor effectFull confidenceDaytime comfort, overnight camping temperatures and cumulative heat shape the whole event experience.
- Quality factor
Atmosphere
Sunshine unavailable, 0 storm days of 8
NeutralSecondary limiterPartial confidenceSunshine changes outdoor comfort, while thunderstorms directly interrupt stages and force shelter.
- Quality factor
Wind
46 km/h peak gust
HelpingMinor effectFull confidencePeak gusts affect camping comfort and the ability of stages and temporary structures to operate.
2nd dustiest in 22 years.
Also the 1st wettest in 21 years. This is historical context for another weather axis. Its available inputs are handled in the matching quality row above.
Also the 2nd coldest in 21 years. This is historical context for another weather axis. Its available inputs are handled in the matching quality row above.
20-year distribution
Last 5 years
This year's figure reflects what actually happened during the event window. The 20-year comparison uses weather records for this location across the event window from 2006 to 2025. Individual experience may differ from location-averaged meteorological data, and the festival itself may not have run in every year shown.
What actually happened
2026-08-30 to 2026-09-06196 candidates looking for work at Burning Man
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Post a jobPack for it
Tuned to the forecast- High-SPF sunscreen and reapply all day
- Electrolyte tabs
- Goggles you'll thank yourself for
- Bandana or shemagh
- Reusable water bottle
- Portable charger
Frequently asked questions
How often is this page updated?
Forecasts refresh every six hours near confirmed festival dates. Stored event weather updates daily. Historical comparisons appear when enough records are available.
What does the conditions score mean for Burning Man?
A single 0-100 rating of how Burning Man's event window is shaping up. Rain or dust and ground, temperature, atmosphere and wind contribute as four equal factor groups. Their multipliers are multiplied into one event-window quality score. The festival's primary risk selects the first group's rain-and-ground or dust-and-ground interpretation and shapes the label and historical comparison. It does not give any group extra weight.
Where does the weather data come from?
Open-Meteo, an open weather API that blends multiple national weather services plus ERA5 archive data going back to 2006. The same data powers many outdoor apps.
Does the historical comparison mean the festival ran every year?
No. Historical comparisons use available weather records for the location and event window, including years when the festival did not run. Coverage varies by festival, and a comparison appears only when enough records are available.
What should I pack for Burning Man 2026?
When a forecast is available, the "Pack for it" section uses expected temperatures, rain and the festival’s main weather risks. Before then, check the organiser’s camping and entry guidance.