Things to Do in Albany in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Albany
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer festival season - The Albany Tulip Festival aftermath means the city's outdoor infrastructure is in top shape, with Riverfront Park hosting weekly evening concerts and the Alive at Five series running every Thursday with free live music from 5-8pm downtown
- Perfect hiking weather in the Adirondacks - That 17°C to 28°C (63°F to 82°F) range is ideal for tackling trails within 90 minutes of Albany, with comfortable mornings for starting climbs and warm afternoons for lake swimming afterward
- Hudson Valley produce season peaks - August brings peak tomato, corn, and berry season at Capital Region farmers markets, with the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on Saturdays becoming basically a local food festival with 80-plus vendors
- Significantly lower hotel rates than July - Post-Independence Day travel drops off sharply, meaning you'll find downtown hotels running 20-30% cheaper than the previous month while weather remains essentially identical
Considerations
- Humidity can feel oppressive midday - That 70% humidity combined with 28°C (82°F) highs creates the kind of sticky conditions where you'll want to plan outdoor activities before 11am or after 5pm, and locals basically abandon downtown streets between noon and 3pm
- State government summer schedule means fewer downtown lunch options - The Empire State Plaza area gets noticeably quieter in August as state workers take vacation time, so some weekday-focused restaurants reduce hours or close entirely
- Unpredictable rain despite low monthly totals - Those 10 rainy days with minimal accumulation translate to brief afternoon thunderstorms that pop up with about 20 minutes warning, which can disrupt outdoor plans even though they rarely last more than 30-45 minutes
Best Activities in August
Hudson River kayaking and paddleboarding
August water temperatures hit their annual peak at around 24°C (75°F), making this genuinely comfortable for swimming rather than just tolerating cold water. The Corning Preserve boat launch provides easy access, and morning paddles before 10am offer glassy water conditions before afternoon winds pick up. The river current through Albany is mild enough for beginners, and you'll see great blue herons fishing along the banks. Afternoon thunderstorms typically build after 3pm, so plan morning or early afternoon sessions.
Saratoga Race Course day trips
The Saratoga thoroughbred racing season runs through early September, and August represents peak social season at America's oldest sporting venue. The 45 km (28 mile) drive north takes about 40 minutes. Morning workouts start at 7am and are free to watch, giving you a behind-the-scenes look before the crowds arrive for afternoon races. The weather is perfect for the outdoor grandstand experience, though bring sunscreen because you'll be exposed for hours. Post time is typically 1pm, and general admission runs 5-10 USD.
Thacher State Park clifftop hiking
Located just 24 km (15 miles) west of Albany, the Indian Ladder Trail along the Helderberg Escarpment offers 120 m (400 ft) limestone cliffs with views stretching 160 km (100 miles) on clear days. August's lower humidity compared to July means better visibility for those panoramic shots across the Mohawk Valley. The trail itself involves some steep sections and can be slippery after those brief afternoon storms, so start morning hikes by 8-9am to finish before midday heat and potential rain. The clifftop stays about 3°C (5°F) cooler than Albany due to elevation and breeze.
Capital Region craft brewery tours
August heat makes this an ideal time to explore Albany's air-conditioned brewery scene, which has exploded over the past five years. The Warehouse District downtown now hosts four breweries within walking distance, and the broader Capital Region counts over 30 craft breweries. Many feature outdoor beer gardens that become pleasant in early evening once temperatures drop below 24°C (75°F). The local beer culture leans heavily toward IPAs and experimental sours, reflecting Northeast brewing trends.
Historic mansion tours in the Hudson Valley
The concentration of Gilded Age estates within 40 km (25 miles) of Albany provides excellent rainy-day alternatives, and August's variable weather means you'll likely need at least one indoor option. The Schuyler Mansion in Albany itself offers insight into Revolutionary War history with Philip Schuyler's restored 1760s home. Ventilation in these historic buildings varies wildly, so some rooms can feel stuffy in August humidity, but most have been retrofitted with climate control in main touring areas.
Lake George beach and water activities
About 80 km (50 miles) north of Albany, Lake George hits peak summer season in August with water temperatures around 22-24°C (72-75°F), the warmest you'll find. The southern end near Lake George Village gets crowded with families, but the eastern shore beaches like Hague and Huletts Landing remain relatively uncrowded on weekdays. The combination of mountain scenery and clean water makes this a genuine escape from city humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll through the mountains quickly, so monitor weather apps closely if you're out on the water.
August Events & Festivals
New York State Fair
Runs late August through early September in Syracuse, about 240 km (150 miles) west of Albany. This is the oldest state fair in America and draws over one million visitors during its 13-day run. The agricultural exhibits, butter sculpture, and frankly absurd fried food options represent classic Americana. Expect crowds, heat, and the smell of livestock, but it's genuinely worth experiencing if you want to understand Upstate New York culture beyond the capital city.
Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
Typically held mid-August at the Corning Preserve along the Hudson River. Free admission with multiple stages featuring regional and occasionally national jazz acts. The outdoor setting takes advantage of August evenings when temperatures drop to comfortable levels around 20°C (68°F). Bring blankets or low chairs for lawn seating. Food vendors represent Albany's diverse restaurant scene, though prices run about 30% higher than eating at the actual restaurants.