Things to Do in Virginia Beach in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Virginia Beach
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak beach season with water temperatures around 26°C (79°F) - warm enough for extended swimming without a wetsuit, and the ocean is typically calm enough for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking in the morning hours before afternoon breezes pick up
- Extended daylight until around 8:15 PM means you can actually fit in a full beach day, shower, and still catch sunset at the oceanfront without rushing - locals take advantage of this by doing early morning workouts on the boardwalk around 6:30 AM when it's cooler
- Summer concert series and outdoor events are in full swing - the 24th Street Park hosts free concerts Thursday evenings, and you'll catch food truck festivals most weekends at the ViBe Creative District without the spring break or July 4th chaos
- Sea turtle nesting season overlaps with August, and if you join an early morning beach walk around 6 AM with the Virginia Aquarium program, you might spot nest protection zones and learn about conservation efforts - something you won't experience in shoulder seasons
Considerations
- This is absolutely peak tourism season, which means oceanfront hotel rates run 40-60% higher than September, and popular restaurants like Waterman's Surfside Grille will have 45-60 minute waits after 6 PM on weekends without reservations
- The combination of 70% humidity and temperatures in the mid-30s Celsius (mid-80s Fahrenheit) creates that sticky feeling where you'll want to shower twice a day - afternoon heat index can push to 38°C (100°F), making midday beach time feel oppressive rather than refreshing
- Afternoon thunderstorms pop up on roughly 10 days throughout the month, typically between 2-5 PM, and while they usually pass within 30-45 minutes, they'll clear the beach and can disrupt outdoor dinner plans if you're not flexible
Best Activities in August
First Landing State Park Trail Exploration
August mornings before 10 AM are actually ideal for the 3.2 km (2-mile) Bald Cypress Trail - the canopy provides shade while humidity is still manageable, and you'll spot herons and egrets feeding in the tidal pools. The park sees fewer crowds than the oceanfront, and locals know this is the move when the beach gets packed by 11 AM. Water temperature in the Chesapeake Bay side stays around 27°C (81°F), perfect for a post-hike swim at the calmer bay beaches.
Virginia Aquarium Marine Science Programs
This becomes your ace-in-the-hole for those inevitable rainy afternoons or when the heat index hits uncomfortable levels around 2 PM. August is actually when they run special sea turtle rehabilitation presentations, and the boat tours to see wild dolphins and whales are running daily. The air-conditioned exhibits feel like a gift when you've been in 70% humidity all morning, and the 3-hour boat expeditions typically spot bottlenose dolphins on 85% of trips this time of year.
Chesapeake Bay Sunset Cruises
The extended August daylight means sunset cruises don't depart until 7-7:30 PM, giving you time to enjoy a full beach day first. The bay side is noticeably calmer than the Atlantic, and evening temperatures drop to a comfortable 24°C (75°F) with lower humidity once you're on the water. You'll cruise past the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and dolphins are frequently spotted feeding in the evening hours. This is genuinely one of the better times of year for these trips since winter is too cold and spring can be choppy.
Sandbridge Beach Day Trips
Located about 24 km (15 miles) south of the main oceanfront strip, Sandbridge offers the same ocean and sand but with a fraction of the crowds - even in peak August. The residential beach community has free parking at Little Island Park, and the vibe is much more laid-back than the boardwalk scene. Locals escape here on weekends when the main strip gets overwhelming. Water conditions are nearly identical to the resort area, but you'll actually find a spot to spread out your towel.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Biking
The 9.7 km (6-mile) paved trail through maritime forest and wetlands is significantly more pleasant in early morning August hours before the heat builds. You'll see far more wildlife at dawn - egrets, herons, and if you're lucky, river otters in the freshwater impoundments. This is where locals go when they want nature without fighting oceanfront crowds. The trail is flat and suitable for casual riders, and you can add a beach walk at the end where the trail meets the Atlantic.
ViBe Creative District Evening Exploration
The arts district comes alive after 6 PM when temperatures become tolerable for walking around. August typically sees outdoor art markets on weekend evenings, and the murals throughout the district are genuinely impressive - this isn't tourist kitsch but actual street art. Local breweries and restaurants have outdoor seating that's pleasant once the sun drops, and you'll find a younger, more local crowd here than at the oceanfront. First Friday events in August feature gallery openings and live music.
August Events & Festivals
East Coast Surfing Championships
Typically held in late August, this is one of the largest amateur surfing competitions on the East Coast and has been running since 1963. The oceanfront around 2nd-5th Streets becomes competition central, and you can watch from the beach for free. What makes it worth timing your trip around is the festival atmosphere - live music stages, skate competitions, and vendor villages run for three days. Even if you're not into surfing, the people-watching alone is entertaining, and it gives you a genuine sense of Virginia Beach's surf culture.
Neptune Festival Sand Sculpting Competition
While the main Neptune Festival happens in September, the sand sculpting championship usually kicks off in late August at the oceanfront. Professional sculptors spend days creating massive, intricate sculptures right on the beach between 5th-8th Streets. You can watch the process, which is actually more interesting than just seeing finished sculptures, and it's completely free to observe. The detail level is remarkable - these aren't simple sandcastles but legitimate artistic installations.