August often delivers the best weather of the year. Temperatures are similar to July, the rain is slightly less frequent, and the long evenings are still there — though shortening. Shorts are comfortable for most of the month.
How August compares to July
Average maximums in August are around 22°C — nearly identical to July. The difference is that the second half of August starts to feel different. Days shorten noticeably, mornings become cooler, and the first cool evenings appear. By late August, evenings at 13–15°C are common.
August also tends to have fewer thunderstorms than July, making for longer stable periods of warmth.
Late August: the shift begins
The last week of August is when some people start reconsidering shorts for evening plans. Temperatures drop to 12–14°C after dark. Shorts are still fine for daytime, but a light jacket becomes standard for evenings out.
| Period | Daytime temp | Evening temp | Shorts verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early August | 23–26°C | 16–18°C | All day |
| Mid August | 21–24°C | 15–17°C | All day |
| Late August | 19–22°C | 13–15°C | Daytime, not evening |
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Heatwaves in August
August heatwaves happen — some of the hottest Dutch days on record fall in August. Above 30°C, shorts are the only sensible option for most outdoor activities. The 2019 and 2020 heatwaves both included August peaks above 38°C in some areas.
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