Things to Do in Albany in August

August Weather in Albany

27°C (81°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking weather with cool mornings (18°C/64°F) ideal for exploring downtown State Street and Empire State Plaza before crowds arrive at 10am
August is peak farmers market season - 15+ regional markets operating with fresh corn, tomatoes, and Hudson Valley peaches at lowest prices of the year
Saratoga Race Course season (30 minutes north) runs through August with daily thoroughbred racing and $2 grandstand admission on weekdays
Adirondack hiking conditions are optimal - trails are dry, blackflies are gone, and temperatures at 1,200m (4,000ft) peaks stay comfortable at 21°C (70°F)

Considerations

Hotel rates spike 40-60% during Saratoga racing season (late July through early September) with many properties requiring 2-night minimums
Popular hiking destinations like Lake George and Adirondack High Peaks see weekend crowds, with trailhead parking lots full by 8am on Saturdays
Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days per month, typically 2-4pm, which can disrupt outdoor concerts and festivals without covered venues

Best Activities in August

Hudson Valley Wine Trail Tours

August is harvest preparation season in the Hudson Valley, 45 minutes south of Albany. Vineyards offer behind-the-scenes tours of grape testing and early harvest activities you won't see other months. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) make outdoor tastings comfortable, and many wineries extend hours until 7pm in August. Weekday visits avoid weekend wedding crowds.

Booking Tip: Book vineyard tours 7-10 days ahead through certified operators. Full-day tours typically cost $85-120 and include transportation from Albany, 3-4 winery stops, and lunch. Look for operators with climate-controlled vehicles and designated driver services. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Adirondack Park Hiking Expeditions

August offers the best hiking conditions in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. Blackfly season is over, trails are dry from July heat, and temperatures at elevation stay comfortable. The park's 46 High Peaks are accessible with daylight lasting until 8pm. Lake temperatures reach 22°C (72°F) for post-hike swimming. Weekday hiking avoids the weekend rush at popular trailheads.

Booking Tip: Book guided hiking tours 10-14 days ahead, especially for High Peaks. Day tours range $75-150 per person including transportation from Albany (2-hour drive). Multi-day camping tours cost $200-350. Look for guides certified by the Adirondack Mountain Club. Current guided tour options available in booking section below.

Capitol District Brewery Tours

Albany's craft beer scene peaks in August with harvest ales and seasonal brews using local hops and grains. The region has 25+ breweries within 30 minutes of downtown, many offering outdoor beer gardens perfect for August's mild evenings. Walking brewery tours downtown avoid the need for transportation between venues, and many breweries stay open until 11pm on weekends.

Booking Tip: Walking brewery tours book up on weekends - reserve 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost $45-75 including 4-5 brewery stops and tastings. Transportation-based tours to suburban breweries run $60-95. Look for tours that provide water and snacks between stops. See current brewery tour options in booking section below.

Erie Canalway Trail Cycling

The 584km (363-mile) Erie Canalway Trail offers perfect cycling in August with dry, flat terrain and shaded tree cover. The Albany-to-Schenectady section (26km/16 miles) features historic locks, canal-side cafes, and connects to the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path. Morning rides take advantage of cool 18°C (64°F) temperatures and avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Booking Tip: Bike rental and guided tours available year-round but book weekend slots 7-10 days ahead in August. Full-day bike rentals cost $35-50, guided tours run $65-90 including bike rental and historical commentary. Look for tour operators providing helmets, water bottles, and route maps. Current cycling tour options in booking section below.

Saratoga Springs Racing and Cultural Tours

August is the heart of Saratoga's racing season, 30 minutes north of Albany. Beyond the track, August features the Saratoga Performing Arts Center's classical music season, historic district walking tours, and natural mineral springs tastings. The cooler August weather makes the walk from downtown Saratoga to the track (1.6km/1 mile) comfortable for the morning post parade at 9:15am.

Booking Tip: Racing season tours require advance booking - reserve 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend dates. Day trip packages from Albany cost $75-125 including transportation, track admission, and guided tours. Premium packages ($150-250) include grandstand seating and dining reservations. Current Saratoga tour packages available in booking section below.

Mohawk River Valley Photography Tours

August provides optimal lighting and weather for capturing the Mohawk Valley's industrial heritage and natural beauty. Morning mist over the river (common in August) creates dramatic photography conditions from overlooks like Peebles Island State Park. The region's historic mills, bridges, and lock systems offer unique subjects, with comfortable walking conditions and extended daylight until 8pm.

Booking Tip: Photography tour groups are small (6-8 people maximum) and book quickly for weekend dates. Reserve 10-14 days ahead. Half-day tours cost $85-120, full-day workshops run $150-220 including instruction and location scouting. Look for tours that provide equipment recommendations and post-processing tips. Current photography tour options in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Every Thursday in August

Washington Park Lakehouse Summer Concert Series

Free outdoor concerts every Thursday evening in August at the historic Lakehouse amphitheater. Features local and regional artists across genres from folk to classical. Concerts start at 7pm and run until sunset around 8:30pm. Bring blankets and picnic dinners - food trucks available on-site.

Every Saturday in August

Empire State Plaza Farmers Market

The region's largest farmers market operates Saturdays year-round but reaches peak variety in August with 40+ vendors selling Hudson Valley produce, artisanal foods, and local crafts. Open 9am-1pm with live music and prepared food vendors. Best selection arrives early - peak shopping between 9:30-11am.

Mid August (second weekend)

Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival

Annual three-day jazz festival along the Hudson River featuring regional and national artists on multiple outdoor stages. Food vendors showcase Albany's diverse culinary scene. Festival runs rain or shine with covered pavilion areas. General admission tickets typically go on sale in June.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - August thunderstorms are brief (20-30 minutes) but intense, occurring on 10 days throughout the month

Layers for temperature swings - mornings start at 18°C (64°F) but afternoons reach 27°C (81°F), especially important for day trips to higher elevations

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off the Hudson River intensifies exposure during waterfront activities

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - State Street's historic brick sidewalks can be uneven and slippery when wet from afternoon showers

Insect repellent for hiking - while blackfly season is over, mosquitoes remain active in wooded areas and near water through August evenings

Light cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, especially during midday walking tours of downtown

Casual dress clothes for dining - Albany's restaurant scene ranges from farm-to-table casual to upscale establishments requiring business casual attire

Reusable water bottle - August heat and humidity increase dehydration risk during outdoor activities, and many venues offer free water refill stations

Small daypack for hiking - essential for carrying layers, rain gear, and water during Adirondack day trips where weather changes quickly

Camera with extra battery - August's excellent lighting conditions and extended daylight hours provide optimal photography opportunities that drain batteries faster

Insider Knowledge

Local farmers markets accept credit cards but offer 5-10% cash discounts - ATMs are limited at market locations so bring small bills for best deals

Downtown Albany parking is free after 6pm and all day Sunday, but use the Crown Plaza garage ($8/day) for Empire State Plaza events to avoid street closures

The New York State Museum offers free admission to residents but charges $15 for visitors - however, the building's observation deck on the 42nd floor is always free and provides the best city views

Saratoga Race Course allows you to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages - pack a cooler to avoid $15 sandwiches and $8 beers inside the track

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Albany's hills - downtown slopes are steep and walking tours cover 3-5km (2-3 miles), wear proper footwear and allow extra time between appointments

Assuming everything is walkable from hotels - popular attractions like the Historic Cherry Hill mansion and USS Slater destroyer are 3-5km (2-3 miles) from downtown and require transportation

Not checking Empire State Plaza event schedules - large events close surrounding streets and parking, plan alternative routes and arrive 30 minutes early for nearby dinner reservations