Jacksonville in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Jacksonville

89°C (195°F) High Temp

73°C (163°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Beach season at its peak - Atlantic Ocean temperatures reach 29°C (84°F), perfect for swimming and water sports without wetsuits
Summer concert season in full swing at Daily's Place amphitheater and Jacksonville Beach venues with major touring acts avoiding the city during cooler months
Kingsley Plantation and Timucuan Preserve offer extended daylight hours until 8:15 PM for photography and hiking the 46 km (28.6 miles) of trails
Local tomato and peach season creates exceptional farm-to-table dining experiences at riverside restaurants along the St. Johns River

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive predictably between 3-5 PM lasting 30-45 minutes, requiring flexible outdoor scheduling
Heat index frequently exceeds 38°C (100°F) making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable for most visitors
Hurricane season requires monitoring weather systems and potential travel disruptions, though direct hits are statistically rare

Best Activities in August

St. Johns River Kayaking Tours

August's calm morning waters (before 11 AM) provide ideal conditions for paddling past manatees and dolphins. River temperature stays comfortable at 27°C (81°F). Afternoon storms actually enhance wildlife viewing as animals become more active post-rain.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost $45-75 per person. Choose operators offering morning starts (8-9 AM) to avoid afternoon heat. Look for guides certified in manatee viewing protocols. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Amelia Island Beach Activities

Peak beach conditions with 14 hours of daylight and warm ocean temperatures. August's consistent offshore winds create excellent conditions for kitesurfing and parasailing. Sea turtle nesting season adds unique nighttime tour opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book beach equipment rentals 3-5 days ahead, typically $25-45 per day for kayaks, $60-90 for parasailing. Sea turtle tours require 2-week advance booking and cost $35-50 per person. See available island tours in booking widget below.

Jacksonville Food Truck Crawls

August evening food truck gatherings avoid daytime heat while showcasing seasonal ingredients. Riverside Arts Market on Saturdays and Jacksonville Landing events feature 15-20 vendors. Evening timing (6-9 PM) provides comfortable temperatures around 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: Self-guided crawls cost $15-30 per meal. Organized food tours run $65-85 per person and book up 1 week ahead during summer. Look for tours including indoor air-conditioned stops. Current food tour options available in booking section.

Catty Shack Ranch Night Tours

Big cats are most active during August evening hours when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. Night tours (7-9 PM) offer unique feeding demonstrations unavailable during cooler months when cats are less active.

Booking Tip: Night tours cost $18-25 per person and require advance booking as August slots fill quickly. Tours run rain or shine with covered viewing areas. Standard day tours available but animals are less active in August heat.

Downtown Riverwalk Evening Explorations

The 4 km (2.5 mile) Southbank Riverwalk becomes magical after 7 PM when temperatures drop and fountain light shows begin. August's extended daylight means golden hour photography from 7:30-8:15 PM along the river.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free. Guided evening tours cost $20-35 per person. Rent Lime scooters ($8-12 per hour) for covering more distance comfortably. Check for current evening tour schedules in booking widget.

Kingsley Plantation Historical Tours

Early morning tours (9-11 AM) provide comfortable exploration of the 1797 plantation before heat peaks. August's lush vegetation shows the grounds at their most verdant. Educational programs about Zephaniah Kingsley and Anna Jai run throughout summer.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free but guided experiences cost $15-25 per person. Book ranger-led programs 1-2 weeks ahead. Bring water - the 1.6 km (1 mile) walking trail has limited shade. Current tour availability shown in booking section.

August Events & Festivals

Multiple weekends throughout August

Jacksonville Jazz Festival Summer Series

Outdoor evening concerts at Metro Park featuring regional and national jazz artists. August programming includes tribute bands and emerging artists in more intimate settings than the spring festival.

Nightly tours throughout August, weather permitting

Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol Tours

Peak nesting season offers guided nighttime tours to observe loggerhead turtles laying eggs. Educational programs run by Marine Science Education Center provide rare wildlife encounters.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry athletic shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and slow to dry after sweat or rain

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15-20 minutes, even on cloudy days

Lightweight rain poncho - afternoon storms arrive suddenly and umbrellas struggle against wind gusts up to 48 km/h (30 mph)

Insulated water bottle holding 1 liter (32 oz) minimum - dehydration happens quickly in heat index above 38°C (100°F)

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - synthetic materials prevent chafing during long walking days

Portable phone charger - air conditioning and GPS usage drain batteries faster in extreme heat

After-sun aloe gel - even with sunscreen, reflection off water and sand increases burn risk

Light cardigan or shawl - restaurant and venue air conditioning often drops to 18°C (65°F)

Closed-toe water shoes - jellyfish, shells, and hot sand make barefoot beach walking uncomfortable

Small daypack with waterproof compartment - protects electronics during unexpected downpours

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule outdoor activities for 7-10 AM and after 6 PM - following this pattern avoids crowds and heat exhaustion that plague midday tourists

Downtown parking meters are free after 6 PM and all day Sunday, but many visitors overpay by using apps instead of checking posted signs

The Acosta Bridge closes to vehicle traffic first Sunday of each month 8 AM-noon for pedestrians and cyclists - locals call it 'Bridge Day' and it's never crowded with tourists

St. Augustine grass (common in local parks) stays cooler than concrete by 8-11°C (15-20°F) - use it for picnic stops and children's play areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach days for midday hours when sand temperatures reach 60°C (140°F) and can cause burns through thin-soled shoes

Booking outdoor tours without asking about rain policies - many operators don't offer refunds for brief afternoon storms that tourists consider trip-ruining

Underestimating hydration needs - emergency rooms see 40% more heat exhaustion cases in August, mostly tourists who didn't drink water every 30 minutes