Last updated: February 24, 2025
In August, Traverse City offers a delightful summer experience characterized by a maximum temperature reaching 31°C (88°F) and a pleasant average of 21°C (70°F). However, temperatures can dip as low as 8°C (48°F) during the cooler nights. Visitors should be prepared for a bit of rain, with 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 11 days, contributing to the region's lush beauty. The humidity levels hover around 76%, adding a tropical feel to the warm summer days. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant local scene or indulging in outdoor activities, Traverse City’s August weather provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer getaway.
In August, Traverse City basks in the warmth of summer, with temperatures reflecting a pleasant peak in the year’s cycle. The minimum temperature of 8°C (48°F) ensures that nights remain comfortably cool, while the average temperature climbs to a delightful 21°C (70°F), perfect for outdoor activities and soaking up the sun. Daytime highs reach a balmy 31°C (88°F), creating ideal conditions for enjoying the stunning lakes and vibrant local festivals. As August gives way to fall, the gradual shift in temperatures signals the end of summer, inviting both residents and visitors to savor the last remains of the season's warmth. Overall, this month showcases the idyllic nature of Traverse City, blending warmth and cool breezes in a harmonious summer farewell.
In August, Traverse City experiences a moderate level of precipitation, with 89 mm (3.5 in) recorded over 11 days. This marks a slight decrease compared to the wetter months of June and July, which both saw over 106 mm of rain. As summer approaches its conclusion, the mix of sun-soaked days and occasional showers creates a dynamic weather pattern; this provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities while also nurturing the lush landscapes. Interestingly, the trend reveals that August is generally less rainy than the months leading up to it, as well as the wetter autumn ahead, setting the stage for a transition into the fall season.
In Traverse City, August marks a subtle shift in humidity levels, with an average of 76% compared to the peak of 91% seen in January and February. This gradual decline from the highs of summer months is evident, as July boasts a slightly lower 75% humidity, making August feel a bit more comfortable. However, as the season transitions into September and October, humidity begins to rise again, reaching 79% and 83%, respectively. Overall, the August weather reflects a balanced blend, where lingering summer warmth meets the gentle kiss of early autumn, creating a refreshing ambiance for residents and visitors alike.
In August, Traverse City experiences a very high UV Index of 8, indicating a significant potential for skin damage with prolonged sun exposure. As summer peaks, residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant, with a burn time of just 15 minutes under direct sunlight. This continues the trend from the previous months, where June and July also saw very high UV levels. The gradual rise from a low UV Index in January to this peak serves as a reminder of the importance of sun protection as the season progresses. With fall on the horizon, the UV Index will decrease, but for now, enjoying the beautiful summer days means being sun-smart. For more detailed information, check out the Traverse City UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Traverse City, August shines brightly with 336 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. As summer reaches its peak, sunshine hours dip slightly from July's impressive 362 hours, yet remain robust, offering plenty of golden days for outdoor adventures. The trend of increasing sunlight from January’s mere 83 hours to the summer months showcases the region's captivating transformation, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the warmth and beauty of late summer. As the sun starts to wane in September, dropping to 279 hours, August serves as a vibrant reminder of the season’s lasting allure before the cooler months set in.
In Traverse City, August stands out with a 51% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the more favorable months for enjoying the outdoors. This percentage reflects a noteworthy trend as the summer progresses, with sunny likelihood peaking in July at 52% and then slightly tapering off in August. Compared to the earlier months of the year, where the chance of sunshine hovers below 50%, August offers a delightful reprieve from the gloom of winter, highlighted by a consistent pattern of increasing sunshine from March through July. As summer approaches its end, the weather still invites residents and visitors to bask in the warm sunshine, truly solidifying August as a prime month for outdoor activities and relaxation in this charming locale.
As summer reaches its peak in Traverse City, August shines with an average daylight duration of 13 hours, mirroring the sun-drenched days of June and July. This slight decline from the higher summer months hints at the transition towards autumn, where daylight gradually wanes. Following the vibrant energy of July, August still offers plenty of sunshine, allowing residents and visitors to savor the last warm days of the season. As the month unfolds, the gradual decrease in daylight serves as a gentle reminder of the changing seasons, paving the way for the crisp, colorful charm of fall that awaits just around the corner.
In Traverse City, August brings a gentle lull in the winds, with an average speed of 2.9 m/s (7 mph), marking it as one of the calmest months of the year. This slight dip continues the trend seen since June, where wind speeds also hovered around 3.1 m/s (7 mph). As the summer peaks with warmth and outdoor activities, the softer breezes offer a refreshing respite, perfect for evenings by the water. In contrast, as autumn approaches in September, the winds pick up once again, averaging 3.7 m/s (8 mph), signaling the transition into a brisker season. This rhythmic ebb and flow of wind throughout the year not only shapes the local climate but also enhances the charming atmosphere of this lakeside community.
The weather in Traverse City changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of August's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Traverse City and find detailed weather information for every month.
August and January offer a striking contrast in weather. In August, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (48°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). This summer month experiences about 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days and a humidity level of 76%, contributing to a warm and sometimes humid atmosphere. In contrast, January is characterized by much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -24°C (-10°F) and a maximum of 10°C (50°F), averaging -4°C (24°F). While January sees less precipitation at 58 mm (2.3 in) across 13 days, the humidity is higher at 91%, making it feel even chillier. For more details on January weather, you can check Traverse City weather in January.
August and February present striking contrasts in weather. While August offers a warm range with minimum temperatures around 8°C (48°F) and maximums reaching up to 31°C (88°F), February is marked by much colder conditions, where the mercury can drop to as low as -21°C (-5°F). August experiences an average temperature of 21°C (70°F) alongside relatively high humidity at 76%, resulting in a warm and often muggy atmosphere. In contrast, February’s average temperature plummets to -5°C (23°F), accompanied by even higher humidity levels of 91%, which can lead to a biting chill. Despite February having slightly less precipitation than August, with 60 mm (2.4 in) over 12 days, the winter's snow can make the season feel more intense. For those curious about February conditions in Traverse City, additional details can be found here: Traverse City weather in February.
August and March present strikingly different weather conditions. In August, temperatures range from a mild 8°C (48°F) at night to a warm 31°C (88°F) during the day, accompanied by average humidity of 76% and 89 mm (3.5 inches) of rain over 11 days. In contrast, March experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F), alongside higher humidity at 87% and 60 mm (2.4 inches) of precipitation over the same number of days. For more detailed insights into March's weather, visit Traverse City weather in March.
In comparing the weather between August and April, a notable contrast emerges. August boasts milder temperatures with a minimum of 8°C (48°F), averaging around 21°C (70°F), and peaking at a warm 31°C (88°F). This month experiences 89 mm (3.5 inches) of rain over approximately 11 days, accompanied by a relative humidity of 76%. In stark contrast, April features much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (10°F) and an average of only 5°C (41°F), while still reaching a maximum of 26°C (79°F). This transitional month sees slightly higher precipitation of 98 mm (3.9 inches) across 13 days, with humidity levels reaching 87%. For a deeper dive into the specific conditions in April, you can explore Traverse City weather in April.
August and May present contrasting weather patterns. In August, temperatures range from a cool 8°C (48°F) at night to a warm average of 21°C (70°F) during the day, peaking at a maximum of 31°C (88°F). The month sees about 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain over 11 days, with a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, May experiences a broader range of temperatures, from a chilly -1°C (30°F) at its minimum to a comfortable average of 12°C (53°F), and a high of 32°C (89°F). This month receives more precipitation at 116 mm (4.5 in) over 12 days, with slightly higher humidity at 82%. For more specific insights on what to expect in May, you can visit Traverse City weather in May.
In comparing the weather between June and August, both months feature a maximum temperature of around 31°C (89°F), but August generally boasts a warmer average temperature of 21°C (70°F) compared to June's 18°C (64°F). Rainfall is slightly lower in August with 89 mm (3.5 in) compared to June's 107 mm (4.2 in), though both months experience precipitation on approximately 11 days. Humidity levels are also quite similar, with August at 76% and June slightly higher at 79%. For more details on June weather, you can check out Traverse City weather in June.
When comparing the weather in August and July, it's clear that both months offer warm temperatures, but there are notable differences. August experiences a lower minimum temperature of 8°C (48°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), while July sees a higher minimum of 12°C (54°F) and peaks at 35°C (95°F). The average temperature remains fairly consistent between the two months, with both hovering around 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is slightly less in August at 89 mm (3.5 in) over 11 days, compared to July's 106 mm (4.2 in) over 9 days. Humidity levels are comparable, with August at 76% and July at 75%. For more detailed insights on July weather, check out Traverse City weather in July.
August and September temperatures show a noticeable transition as summer gives way to early autumn. In August, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (48°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F) and a relative humidity of 76%. In contrast, September brings cooler nights with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average temperature of 17°C (63°F), while the maximum can still reach a warm 34°C (93°F). Both months experience substantial precipitation, with August totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over 11 days, and September slightly less at 80 mm (3.1 in) across 12 days, accompanied by a slight increase in humidity to 79%. For more detailed information about September weather patterns, visit Traverse City weather in September.
August and October showcase a stark contrast in weather conditions. In August, temperatures typically range from a mild 8°C (48°F) at night to a warm 31°C (88°F) during the day, with an average of 21°C (70°F). This month is characterized by relatively high humidity at 76% and moderate rainfall of 89 mm (3.5 in), occurring over 11 days. In contrast, October sees a significant drop in average temperatures, with minimums dipping to -1°C (30°F) and an average of just 10°C (51°F). Although the maximum temperature reaches a pleasant 25°C (78°F), the month also experiences more precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over 18 days, alongside an increase in humidity to 83%. For more detailed information, check out Traverse City weather in October.
August and November present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In August, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (48°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F) and a relatively low precipitation total of 89 mm (3.5 in) over 11 days. The humidity is quite high at 76%, contributing to a warm and often muggy atmosphere. In comparison, November sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (12°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), resulting in an average temperature of just 3°C (38°F). Despite slightly lower precipitation at 79 mm (3.1 in) over 15 days, the humidity rises to 86%, creating a damp chill in the air. For more details on the specific weather conditions in November, you can visit Traverse City weather in November.
August and December present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In August, temperatures range from a mild 8°C (48°F) at night to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) across 11 days, and maintains a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, December features much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -15°C (5°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F), peaking at 15°C (58°F). While precipitation decreases slightly to 76 mm (3.0 in), it occurs over more days—15 in total—contributing to a higher humidity level of 87%. For more specifics on December weather, you can explore Traverse City weather in December.
August in Traverse City brings a delightful blend of warmth and humidity, significantly distinguishing it from the preceding months. With maximum temperatures soaring to 31°C (88°F), it’s a time when the area basks in the summer sun, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities. However, frequent precipitation—averaging 11 days of rain—adds a refreshing contrast to the heat, maintaining the lush landscapes. The air is often humid, making the evenings pleasantly cool, a welcome respite from the day's warmth. For those interested in understanding the broader climate patterns, explore Traverse City Climate to see how August fits into the annual weather spectrum.