Toronto in August: Climate Tips, Packing Essentials, and Top Attractions

Although it may be one of the warmest months of the year in Toronto, August is also one of the busiest for local and international visitors flocking to the city to enjoy the last of the city’s summer events. If you’re planning a trip to Toronto during this warm and bustling month, do so in advance as hotel rooms, flights, tours, and restaurant reservations can fill up quickly.

With warmer temperatures, you may want to turn up the air conditioning in your hotel room. However, don’t let the moderate heat put a damper on your good time. Toronto in August means an exciting array of events and festivals that will help you forget the heat in no time.

Toronto Weather in August

Visitors coming to Toronto should expect hot, humid, and relatively dry weather for most of the month. Nevertheless, some rainy days and sudden cold fronts can help chill the hottest month of summer.

While the average temperature in August is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), highs can sometimes reach into the 90s. The average high for the month is approximately 80°F (28°C). Overnight lows can drop to the upper 50s, but the average low for the month is 62°F (17°C).

Although the weather remains mostly sunny throughout August (25 days on average), visitors can expect some rain. Toronto averages about six days of rainfall during the month. Consequently, humidity can also become quite intense—even on cloudless days—making the heat of the day feel more like the upper 90s.

What to Pack

Since the temperature can fluctuate from a balmy 90 to a cool 58 degrees Fahrenheit at night, it helps to pack clothing you can layer. A light jacket is advisable, and you’ll also need to be prepared for rain, so don’t forget your umbrella and raincoat. However, since most of the month is hot and humid, it’s best to stick with lighter fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk to avoid overheating while you travel.

Consider bringing the following essentials on your trip to Toronto this August:

• Cotton or linen shorts; light T-shirts; light pants; sandals; closed-toe shoes
• Umbrella and a raincoat
• Bug spray, hiking boots, and camping gear if you’re heading out of the city
• Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• A light jacket or shawl

August Events in Toronto

Multicultural celebrations, free concerts, and movie screenings highlight the events calendar for August in Toronto. From wine and food festivals like the Taste of the Danforth to special programs at the Toronto Zoo, there are numerous events to make your summer vacation even more memorable.

• Toronto Caribbean Carnival: This Caribbean cultural festival features a parade, live music, dancing, and plenty of parties.
• Buskerfest: Street performers take over Woodbine Park.
• Taste of the Danforth Festival: This celebration emphasizes Toronto’s multiculturalism, focusing on Greek and Hellenic cuisine and culture.
• Canadian National Exhibition: One of the largest annual fairs in North America featuring food, music, rides, and much more.
• Small World Music Festival: Celebrate the music of the world at this three-day festival at Harbourfront Centre.
• Fan Expo Canada: The largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada and the third largest in North America.
• Canada’s Wonderland: Canada’s largest theme park hosts special events all summer long.

August Travel Tips

• Waterfront activities are particularly popular in August, and there are plenty of festivals to enjoy that are free to attend.
• Summer brings an influx of seasonal visitors, leading to higher travel prices, fuller hotels and restaurants, and potentially longer queues at Toronto’s top tourist attractions.
• Summer is patio season. Therefore, a nice way to beat the heat is to grab a patio seat while enjoying some local cuisine.
• The first Monday of August is Civic Holiday in Ontario (and most Canadian provinces), meaning that banks and most retailers will be closed. You should also expect larger crowds at public parks, pools, and beaches that weekend.
• Make sure to apply sufficient sunscreen and stay hydrated, particularly if you plan on hiking or engaging in other outdoor activities outside the city.