Columbus in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Columbus
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Ohio State Fair runs the entire month - the largest state fair in the US with over 900,000 visitors, offering authentic Midwest culture and food experiences unavailable year-round
- Perfect weather for Scioto Mile activities - evening temperatures of 17°C (62°F) make riverside dining and outdoor concerts comfortable after 7pm
- Peak farmers market season with Ohio's best produce - sweet corn, tomatoes, and peaches at 50+ markets throughout the metro area
- Lower hotel rates than summer peak months - accommodation prices drop 15-20% compared to June-July, with better availability in Short North and downtown
Considerations
- High humidity at 70% makes midday outdoor activities uncomfortable between 11am-4pm, requiring indoor breaks or early morning scheduling
- Afternoon thunderstorms on 10 days create unpredictable weather - outdoor events can be cancelled with little notice
- University students return late August, causing traffic congestion near OSU campus and higher demand for restaurants in campus area
Best Activities in August
German Village Historic Walking Tours
August's warm evenings are perfect for exploring this 233-acre historic district. The brick streets and restored 19th-century homes are best experienced during the cooler evening hours after 6pm when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. The neighborhood's beer gardens and outdoor patios are in full swing during August.
Scioto River Paddle Tours
August water temperatures reach 24°C (75°F) making kayaking and paddleboarding ideal. The Scioto Mile's 175-acre park system offers protected waters perfect for beginners, and the humidity actually feels refreshing on the water. Early morning launches at 8am avoid both crowds and afternoon storms.
Craft Brewery District Tours
Columbus has over 50 craft breweries, with August featuring seasonal harvest ales and outdoor beer gardens in full operation. The Short North Arts District and Brewery District offer walkable brewery clusters perfect for evening exploration when temperatures are manageable.
Franklin Park Conservatory Experiences
The climate-controlled conservatory provides perfect relief from August humidity while showcasing exotic plants and rotating art installations. The outdoor gardens peak in late summer with dahlias and late-season blooms, best visited during morning hours before 11am.
Ohio State Fair Cultural Immersion
Running all of August at the Ohio Expo Center, this authentic Midwest experience features butter cow sculptures, livestock competitions, and regional foods impossible to find elsewhere. The fair operates with extensive air-conditioned buildings perfect for escaping August heat while experiencing genuine Ohio culture.
Short North Arts District Gallery Crawls
August's Gallery Hop (first Saturday monthly) showcases over 50 galleries and studios with extended evening hours perfect for the season. Air-conditioned galleries provide comfortable browsing, while street performances and outdoor art installations come alive during cooler evening temperatures.
August Events & Festivals
Ohio State Fair
The nation's largest state fair featuring authentic Midwest culture, livestock competitions, famous butter cow display, and regional foods like Buckeye candy and Schmidt's cream puffs. Over 900,000 visitors experience genuine Ohio traditions unavailable elsewhere.
Dublin Irish Festival
One of the top 3 Irish festivals in the US, featuring authentic Irish music, dance, food, and cultural demonstrations. The festival transforms Coffman Park into an Irish village with multiple stages and traditional craft demonstrations.
Columbus Food & Wine Festival
Showcase of central Ohio's culinary scene featuring local restaurants, breweries, and wineries. The outdoor event takes advantage of August evenings with extended hours and live music, highlighting the region's growing food reputation.