Things to Do in Virginia Beach in August

August Weather in Virginia Beach

84°C (183°F) High Temp

71°C (160°F) Low Temp

5.1 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak beach season with water temperatures at 26°C (79°F) - perfect for extended ocean activities without wetsuits
Longest daylight hours of the year (14+ hours) meaning more time for outdoor activities and beach lounging
All seasonal businesses fully operational - boardwalk attractions, water sports rentals, and beach clubs at full capacity
Warmest evening temperatures 21°C (70°F) allow for comfortable outdoor dining and nighttime boardwalk strolls without jackets

Considerations

Peak tourist season means 300% higher accommodation rates and beaches crowded with 50,000+ daily visitors
Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days per month, typically 2-4pm, disrupting beach plans for 1-2 hours
High humidity 70% combined with UV index 8 creates intense sun exposure requiring frequent shade breaks every 30 minutes

Best Activities in August

Dawn Beach Photography and Sunrise Fishing

August offers the most reliable sunrise conditions with 85% clear morning skies. Ocean is glass-calm before 7am, perfect for both photography and surf fishing. Water temperature 26°C (79°F) means comfortable wade-fishing without gear.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but charter fishing boats typically cost $150-300 for 4-hour trips. Book sunrise charters 2-3 weeks ahead as August slots fill quickly. See current fishing charter options in booking section below.

Stand-Up Paddleboard Tours in Back Bay

August's calm wind conditions (average 8 mph) and warm water make Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge ideal for SUP. Wildlife is most active during August breeding season - expect to see osprey, herons, and dolphin pods.

Booking Tip: Guided eco-tours typically cost $45-75 per person for 2-3 hours. Equipment rental alone runs $35-50/day. Book through licensed operators with wildlife permits - see current tour options in booking section below.

Historic Cape Henry Lighthouse Climbing

August's extended daylight hours mean the lighthouse stays open until 6pm (vs 4pm in winter). Clear weather 22 days of the month provides optimal views of Chesapeake Bay Bridge from the top. Temperature inside the lighthouse stays cool even on hot days.

Booking Tip: Admission typically $8-12 per adult. No advance booking needed but arrive before 5pm for last climb. Combine with First Landing State Park beach access for full day - see current area tours in booking section below.

Kayak Dolphin Watching Tours

August is peak dolphin season - pods of 15-30 dolphins feed in shallow waters 0.8 km (0.5 miles) from shore. Warm water means no wetsuit needed, and calm morning conditions provide stable paddling for beginners.

Booking Tip: 2-3 hour guided tours typically cost $65-95 per person including equipment. Morning tours (8-10am) have 90% dolphin sighting success rate vs 60% for afternoon. Book 1-2 weeks ahead - see current options in booking section below.

Boardwalk Cycling and Beach Cruiser Tours

August evenings stay warm enough for comfortable cycling until 9pm. The 4.8 km (3-mile) boardwalk is fully lit and all rental shops operate extended hours. Ocean breeze provides natural cooling even when air temperature hits 32°C (90°F).

Booking Tip: Beach cruiser rentals typically cost $25-40 per day, $15-20 for 4 hours. All boardwalk shops offer similar rates but book morning rentals by 8am to guarantee availability during peak season.

First Landing State Park Trail Hiking

August's lush vegetation creates natural canopy cover, keeping trail temperatures 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than beach areas. The 3.2 km (2-mile) Bald Cypress Trail showcases summer wildflowers and offers wildlife viewing during cooler morning hours.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs $4-7 per vehicle. Trails are self-guided and free. Start hikes before 9am to avoid midday heat - temperatures in forest stay around 24°C (75°F) even when beaches reach 32°C (90°F). See current guided nature tours in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Neptune Festival Sand Sculpting Championship

Professional sand artists create massive sculptures along the beachfront over 3 days. Free viewing with best vantage points at 24th Street. Artists work during cooler morning hours, completed sculptures remain on display for full week.

Mid to Late August

East Coast Surfing Championships

Largest amateur surfing competition on East Coast draws 300+ competitors. Wave conditions in August average 0.6-1.2 m (2-4 feet) - ideal for competition viewing. Free spectating from beach and boardwalk with food vendors throughout event area.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and ocean reflection intensifies exposure by 25%

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - synthetic fabrics trap moisture in 70% humidity conditions

Waterproof phone case - ocean spray and sudden afternoon storms occur 10 days per month

Comfortable walking sandals with arch support - boardwalk stretches 4.8 km (3 miles) and sand gets extremely hot

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon thunderstorms last 1-2 hours but can be intense

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated crucial when temperature feels like 35°C+ (95°F+) with humidity

Wide-brimmed hat - ocean breeze can blow off baseball caps, and extended sun exposure is unavoidable

After-sun moisturizer with aloe - even with sunscreen, ocean salt and sun combination dries skin

Beach umbrella or pop-up shelter - natural shade limited on main beach areas during peak hours 11am-4pm

Waterproof daypack - protects electronics during beach activities and sudden weather changes

Insider Knowledge

Locals hit the beach before 8am and after 5pm to avoid peak crowds and heat - water temperature stays warm 26°C (79°F) for comfortable swimming

Free parking exists at Croatan Beach (20-minute walk to main boardwalk) while metered boardwalk spots cost $2-4 per hour and fill by 10am

Ocean rescue stands close at 6pm but lifeguards patrol until sunset - swimming is technically allowed but not recommended after hours

Many restaurants offer 'locals night' discounts Tuesday-Thursday even in August - ask servers about resident specials to save 15-20%

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach time 11am-4pm when UV is strongest and crowds peak at 50,000+ daily visitors - early morning and evening hours offer better conditions

Booking accommodations less than 8 weeks ahead - August rates increase 300% and oceanfront properties sell out by June

Underestimating afternoon storm intensity - these aren't light showers but full thunderstorms requiring indoor shelter for safety