Things to Do in Baltimore in August

August Weather in Baltimore

30°C (86°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer festivals including Artscape (largest free arts festival in America) and countless outdoor concerts in Patterson Park and Federal Hill
Optimal weather for Chesapeake Bay activities - water temperature reaches 26°C (79°F), perfect for swimming, kayaking, and crab picking at waterfront restaurants
Extended daylight until 8pm allows for evening harbor walks and rooftop dining without needing jackets
Tourist crowds are lighter than June-July as families return to school preparations, meaning shorter lines at Fort McHenry and American Visionary Art Museum

Considerations

Heat index regularly exceeds 35°C (95°F) making midday walking tours uncomfortable - most locals avoid outdoor activities 11am-4pm
Afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days, typically 2-4pm, disrupting outdoor plans and making umbrella essential
Hotel rates peak during Artscape weekend (first weekend) with rooms 40-60% more expensive than other August weeks

Best Activities in August

Inner Harbor and National Aquarium Tours

August is ideal for Baltimore's crown jewel - the National Aquarium stays cool while outside temperatures soar. The Inner Harbor's waterfront location provides bay breezes that drop the feel-like temperature by 3-4°C (5-7°F). Evening harbor cruises are spectacular with sunset not until 8pm.

Booking Tip: Book aquarium tickets online 7-10 days ahead to avoid same-day sellouts during peak summer. Combination Inner Harbor + aquarium tours typically cost $45-65. Enter the aquarium during afternoon thunderstorm hours (2-4pm) when crowds thin out. See current tour options in booking section below.

Fort McHenry and Historic District Walking Tours

Early morning (8-10am) or evening (6-8pm) tours are perfect in August heat. Fort McHenry's waterfront position catches bay breezes, and the extended daylight means you can enjoy the flag ceremony at sunset. August is when the Star-Spangled Banner story resonates most with the fort's summer programming.

Booking Tip: Start walking tours by 9am or after 6pm to avoid peak heat. Self-guided audio tours cost $15-25, guided group tours $30-45. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Many tours combine Fort McHenry with Fell's Point cobblestone streets.

Chesapeake Bay Crab and Seafood Experiences

August is peak blue crab season in the Chesapeake Bay - the crabs are at their largest and most flavorful. Water-based crab picking experiences and waterfront dining provide relief from city heat while experiencing Baltimore's signature culinary tradition. Bay water temperature is perfect for crabbing excursions.

Booking Tip: Crab feast experiences range $55-85 per person. Book waterfront restaurants 3-5 days ahead for weekend dinners. Crabbing tours typically run $40-60 and include equipment. Look for experiences that include transportation to avoid parking hassles at popular spots.

Federal Hill and American Visionary Art Museum Circuit

Federal Hill offers the best skyline views of Baltimore, especially dramatic during August's late sunsets. The climb is manageable in early morning or evening, and the American Visionary Art Museum provides quirky indoor relief during hot afternoons. August's clear skies make photography exceptional from the hilltop.

Booking Tip: Museum admission is $15-20, free parking available. Visit Federal Hill for sunrise (6:30am) or sunset (8pm) to avoid crowds and heat. Combined neighborhood tours including Federal Hill, museum, and surrounding Locust Point typically cost $35-50.

Artscape Festival and Arts District Exploration

August means Artscape, America's largest free arts festival, transforming downtown Baltimore into an outdoor gallery. Beyond the main weekend event, August features numerous smaller arts events, gallery walks, and outdoor installations. The festival's late hours (until 10pm) take advantage of extended daylight.

Booking Tip: Artscape itself is free, but parking costs $20-40 during the festival weekend. Book accommodations 4-6 weeks ahead for Artscape weekend. Arts district walking tours cost $25-40 and showcase year-round galleries and street art beyond the festival.

Camden Yards and Sports District Tours

August means Orioles baseball season in full swing at one of America's most beautiful ballparks. Evening games (7pm starts) are comfortable with bay breezes, and the retractable roof areas provide shade relief. The warehouse beyond right field is iconic, and August games often feature fireworks nights.

Booking Tip: Game tickets range $25-75 depending on seating. Stadium tours cost $15-20 and run even on game days. Book weekend games 2-3 weeks ahead. Behind-the-scenes ballpark tours include areas not accessible during games and cost $35-45.

August Events & Festivals

First full weekend of August (typically August 1-3, 2025)

Artscape

America's largest free arts festival transforms downtown Baltimore with 150+ artists, live music on multiple stages, and outdoor installations. Three days of continuous programming featuring local and international artists, food vendors, and interactive art experiences.

Every Thursday and Saturday evening through August

Baltimore Summer Concert Series

Free outdoor concerts throughout August in Patterson Park, Federal Hill, and Inner Harbor amphitheaters. Features everything from jazz to indie rock, with many shows timed for sunset to beat the heat.

Mid-August weekend

Maryland Crab & Beer Festival

Celebrates peak crab season with local breweries and chesapeake bay seafood. Features crab picking contests, local beer tastings, and live music on the waterfront.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - afternoon storms last 20-30 minutes but are intense

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index reaches 8 even on partly cloudy days

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones in Fell's Point become slippery when wet

Portable water bottle - dehydration happens quickly when heat index exceeds 35°C (95°F)

Light cardigan for over-air-conditioned museums and restaurants - temperature差 between outside and inside can be 12°C (20°F)

Moisture-wicking socks - essential for walking tours on hot pavement

Hat with brim - provides crucial shade during midday harbor walks

Portable phone charger - battery drains faster in extreme heat

Cash for tips and small vendors - many crab shacks and festival vendors don't accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat dinner at 5-6pm in August to avoid peak heat, then enjoy evening activities - restaurants are less crowded and often offer early bird specials

The best air conditioning refuges are the Walters Art Museum (free on Fridays) and Barnes & Noble at Inner Harbor - locals use these as midday cooling stations

Park at the Ravens stadium lots ($8 all day) and take the free shuttle to Inner Harbor - saves $15-25 compared to downtown parking during Artscape

Water taxis between Inner Harbor stops cost the same as single rides ($15) but include unlimited hops all day - use them as mobile air conditioning between attractions

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor walking tours between 11am-4pm when heat index peaks - even natives avoid this timing

Not checking afternoon thunderstorm forecasts - storms roll in quickly from the bay and can trap tourists without shelter

Booking hotels during Artscape weekend without realizing it's the most expensive weekend of the year - rates increase 40-60%