What's the weather like in Vancouver in August
Temperature
August is the hottest month in Vancouver. The average temperature is 18°C, but these warmer temperatures only last in the beginning of August. Temperatures will soon sharply drop. Average daytime temperatures are 21°C with nights falling to a mild 14°C.
Rainfall
August rainfall totals are only slightly higher than July, with 50mm of precipitation falling over an average of nine days. The probability of rain only stands at 11% in the beginning of the month and climbs to 17% by the end of August.
Sunshine Hours
The length of days in Vancouver start to decline rapidly in August. At the end of August they're 13 hours 30 minutes, falling from 15 hours 7 minutes in the beginning of August. The chances of an overcast or mostly cloudy sky increase to 30%. This will give you an average of 11 hours of sunshine during the month of August.
Humidity
The relative humidity in Vancouver starts to climb in August, from 62% in the beginning of August to 68% by the end of August. The temperatures are still relatively high with some rain, so at times this may feel mildly humid to you. Otherwise the air is very comfortable.
Wind
Northerly and easterly winds start to settle in by the end of August, but southerly and westerly winds will still dominate. Average wind speeds slowly rise from 2.9 mph to 3.2 mph by the end of August.
Sea Temperature
The Pacific Ocean around Vancouver still maintains a cool average of 14°C, the highest of the year. Shallower areas around beaches may be slightly warmer during periods of sunshine.
Dress Code
August is a mild month to visit Vancouver. It's just warm enough for shorts and skirts, but nights will cool down to where you may think of putting on long pants and a sweater. You should still consider bringing a light raincoat for the periods of rain that happen in August. Check the Vancouver forecast for a two-week outlook on expected weather. Everyone in Vancouver maintains a casual vibe, so don't fret about bringing formal clothing unless you're going to a formal event.
Vancouver Hotels in August
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
The Sutton Place is a five-star elegant hotel right in downtown Vancouver. This towering high-rise provides standard, luxurious rooms with modern furnishings, large flatscreen TVs, and great views. One-bedroom suites are also available, some of which will provide you with furnished balconies, fireplaces, and full kitchens. Guests have access to a heated pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, and same-day laundry. Choose from a number of treatments at The Sutton Place's upscale day spa. The Sutton Place also features a very refined English-style restaurant, serving international cuisine in a warm, sophisticated atmosphere.
Rosedale on Robson
Rosedale on Robson is a large, three-star hotel in Yaletown. All comfortable rooms at Rosedale on Robson are suites equipped with kitchenettes, floor-to-ceiling windows, modern furnishings, and separate living areas. Suites are available with one bedroom, two bedrooms, and some are equipped with pull-out sofa beds. Rosedale on Robson also features a lap pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, and sauna. The perfect location of Rosedale on Robson puts you just a couple of blocks from BC Place Stadium & Rogers Arena, and within walking distance of Chinatown, Gastown, Yaletown, and Granville Island.
Sunset Inn & Suites
Another all-suite hotel in Vancouver is the Sunset Inn & Suites. This three-star hotel is located in West End and only minutes from Sunset Beach Park, Granville Island, and exceptional shops and restaurants. Rooms are available as either studios or one-bedroom suites. All are decorated with modern furnishings, feature hardwood floors, fully-equipped kitchens, and comfortable beds. You also have the option of upgrading to suites with balconies, perfect for the summer nights and taking in amazing views. Sunset Inn & Suites provides guests with a fitness centre and complimentary breakfast.
Granville Island Hotel
The Granville Island Hotel is located right on the east side of Granville Island and provides excellent views of the harbour and downtown Vancouver. This boutique hotel features luxurious rooms with large flatscreen TVs, minifridges, and free Wi-Fi. Suites and penthouse rooms are also available, some of which include kitchens, balconies, whirlpool tubs, and pull-out sofas. The location of the Granville Island Hotel puts you close to the ferry to enjoy downtown Vancouver's restaurants and shops. You should also dine at Granville Island Hotel's elegant restaurant at least once, where you'll find waterfront tables and classic international cuisine. The Granville Island Hotel also provides a fitness centre and business centre for guests.
Vancouver Beaches in August
Spanish Banks Beach Park
The Spanish Banks is a series of beaches near the University of British Columbia. Both the East and West beaches feature concession stands, washrooms, picnic tables, and volleyball courts. Spanish Banks West is more of a family area, prohibiting loud music and giving dogs and enclosed space to run around off-leash. The Spanish Banks Extension is a popular launching spot for kiteboarders. Spanish Banks is unique in that at low tide, the shallow water retreats to over one kilometer offshore.
Vancouver Island
The Tofino area on the west shore of Vancouver Island has a number of great, secluded beaches if you want to take a couple of days to escape the city. Many hotels are available near these beaches. These beaches have a very remote feeling that many people will enjoy, despite being near residential areas. Chesterman Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Tofino area and has excellent tidepools to explore. Cox Bay Beach is popular amongst surfers and kiteboarders. Wickaninnish Beach and Mackenzie Beach are great for just relaxing with the kids or your significant other. Keep an eye out for whales offshore!
Bars and Restaurants
Granville Island Public Market
The biggest attraction on Granville Island is the Granville Island Public Market. This large shopping district, open year-round, features numerous artists, craft beer brewers, and amazing food. Find fresh produce & meats to take back to your suites to cook, or dine here. There are dozens of eateries to choose from. Take in breakfast at Muffin Granny, Petit Ami, Blue Parrot Espresso Bar, or Lee's Donuts. For lunch try one of the burgers at Market Grill or grab a sandwich at Kaisereck Delicatessen. Fantastic dinners are served at Sprig Contemporary Greek Kitchen, Gourmet Wok, Pizza Pzazz, and La Tortilleria. Visit the Granville Island Public Market to see all options, as this isn't nearly inclusive of everything.
Lupo Restaurant
The elegant Lupo Restaurant is a great option for celebrating a special occasion. This is fine Italian dining at its best, located near Yaletown. Lupo manages to create a relaxed, unprentious vibe while maintaining its class. The menu is created using local, seasonal ingredients and all prepared in-house. Lupo serves classic Italian favorites with the chef's personalized twist. Mains include penne Bolognese, lobster with green pea risotto, gnocchi di ricotta with a roasted tomato sauce, roasted rack of lamb with broccolini and risotto, and duck leg confit with sausage. Lupo is open daily from 5PM until 9PM and accepts reservations.
Malone's Social Lounge & Taphouse
If you're near Canada Place and want to relax at a warm pub, head over to Malone's Social Lounge & Taphouse on Pender Street. This casual, fun pub with a warm brick interior has one of the best drink menus in the neighborhood and equally amazing food. Dozens of beers are on tap, including everything from light pilsners, hoppy IPAs, sours, and creamy stouts. Standard pub appetizers include loaded nachos, flavorful wings, and shrimp tacos. All food is prepared in-house. The main menu includes a variety of house-ground burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and fish & chips. Malone's is also open for brunch on the weekends from 10AM until 3PM. Regular hours are from 11:30AM until midnight with slightly longer hours towards the weekend.
Things to do in Vancouver in August
Kayak Camping in the Broken Group Islands
The adventurous types will want to set aside a few days to kayak camp the Broken Group Islands west of Vancouver Island. There are more than 100 islands in this chain, six of which have maintained campsites. This is all part of the greater British Columbia water trail system in Pacific Rim National Park. August's warmer temperatures and mild sea conditions make this a perfect time for paddling. The park allows you to camp for up to four days in one of these camps. Full details to help you plan this amazing experience can be found at the BC Marine Trails website.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
There are a number of iconic bridges in the Vancouver area, one of which is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This bridge is 140 meters long and hangs 70 meters above the Capilano River. The suspension bridge is part of the larger Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, fifteen minutes north of downtown Vancouver. Since construction of the original bridge in the late 19th century, a number of other small bridges have been built in the treetops and give you an amazing perspective of the unique rainforest. A cliffside walk has also been constructed, letting you seemingly float over the canyon. If heights aren't your thing there is also an amazing museum dedicated to the heritage of the First Nations. The park is open daily from 8AM until 8PM.
Stanley Park
The 1,000-acre Stanley Park is Vancouver's most famous outdoor attraction, and has earned the title of World's Best Park in 2014 by TripAdvisor. The park was originally inhabited by the First Nations and later exploited by the gold rush of the late 1800s; some old buildings still remain. A network of hiking trails meanders through the densely-wooded forest that makes up most of the peninsula surrounded by Victoria Harbour and English Bay. There are a number of beaches, manicured gardens, and the Vancouver Aquarium to explore. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available and a perfect way to see the park in August.
Day Trip to Buntzen Lake
One of the Vancouver area's great day trips is out to Buntzen Lake, a beautiful recreation area 45 minutes northeast of downtown Vancouver. The long lake is situated in a valley and surrounded by tall trees, waterfalls, and green ferns. A number of hiking trails with varying distances & difficulties are available to choose from, perfect for people of all abilities. BC Hydro, which uses the reservoir for hydroelectric power, provides numerous picnic tables, boat launches, kayak rentals, and restrooms. Buntzen Lake is also stocked with rainbow trout. Parking lot hours are from 8AM until 8PM.
