Things to do in Tacoma in August

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Overview

August is a great time to visit Tacoma. The weather is usually pleasantly warm, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 55—77°F (13—25°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Tacoma during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Tacoma waterfront and Ruston Way, hike the trails at Mount Rainier National Park, visit the Museum of Glass, and more!

Tacoma has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your August trip to Tacoma. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to August. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Tacoma in August. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout August, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Tacoma in August

Top experiences in August
Explore the Tacoma waterfront and Ruston Way
August is the perfect time to stroll along the Tacoma waterfront and Ruston Way, where you can enjoy stunning views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the city skyline. The area is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir. You can also take a leisurely bike ride or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sunshine. It's a picturesque and relaxing way to experience the beauty of Tacoma in the summer.
Hike the trails at Mount Rainier National Park
August is prime hiking season at Mount Rainier National Park, located just a short drive from Tacoma. The park offers a network of scenic trails that wind through old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and around the iconic Mount Rainier. You can choose from easy strolls to challenging treks, all of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Visit the Museum of Glass
August is a great time to visit the Museum of Glass, where you can explore stunning glass art installations, watch live glassblowing demonstrations, and learn about the history and techniques of this unique art form. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and events that highlight the work of contemporary glass artists. It's a fascinating and visually captivating experience that's perfect for art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
Explore the Tacoma Art Museum
August is a great time to visit the Tacoma Art Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of art from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The museum features works by renowned artists as well as emerging talents, and hosts special exhibitions that highlight different aspects of the art world. From paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media, there's something for every art lover to appreciate at the Tacoma Art Museum.
Explore Point Defiance Park
August is the perfect time to visit Point Defiance Park, one of Tacoma's most beautiful outdoor spaces. The park boasts lush gardens, scenic walking trails, and stunning views of Puget Sound. You can also visit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, which is home to a diverse array of animals from around the world. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Point Defiance Park is a must-see in August.
Take a sunset cruise on Puget Sound
In August, the weather in Tacoma is perfect for a sunset cruise on Puget Sound. You can book a tour with a local boat company and enjoy breathtaking views of the water, the city skyline, and the surrounding mountains as the sun dips below the horizon. It's a romantic and unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
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Holidays in Tacoma in August
August

There are no holidays in Tacoma in August

Other notable holidays

Weather in Tacoma in August

Temperatures on an average day in Tacoma in August

The average temperature in Tacoma in August for a typical day ranges from a high of 77°F (25°C) to a low of 55°F (13°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Tacoma, August, has days with highs of 77°F (25°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 34°F (1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Tacoma in August based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in August
77°F
highs
55°F
lows

General weather summary

Pleasantly warm, humid but cool
Feels like
11%
Chance of rain
0.042 in
Amount
7.3 mph
Wind speed
70%
Humidity
14.2 hrs
Daylight length
6:05 AM
Sunrise
8:20 PM
Sunset
62%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in August
With an average high of 77°F (25°C) and a low of 55°F (13°C), it generally feels pleasantly warm, humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Tacoma in August

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Tacoma has to offer for travelers in August, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Tacoma that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Tacoma for August.
Museum of Glass
1. Museum of Glass
4.5
(3675)
Art museum
Museums
Diverse indoor & outdoor glass-art exhibits plus a cone-shaped studio with working artists.
Point Defiance Park
2. Point Defiance Park
4.7
(15430)
Park
Zoos & Aquariums
Large park with the Point Defiance zoo & aquarium, hikes in an old-growth forest, gardens & beaches.
LeMay - America’s Car Museum
3. LeMay - America’s Car Museum
4.7
(3788)
Museum
Automobile storage facility
4-story museum on an 8-acre campus displays cars, trucks & motorcycles in historic & tech exhibits.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
4. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
4.5
(13836)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Zoo & aquarium with nearly 300 species, including tigers, meerkats & a landmark red wolf habitat.
Chihuly Bridge of Glass
5. Chihuly Bridge of Glass
4.6
(414)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Pedestrian bridge decorated with colorful glass installations by prominent artist Dale Chihuly.
Tacoma Art Museum
6. Tacoma Art Museum
4.6
(1298)
Art museum
Museums
Exhibits feature Dale Chihuly glass works, European Impressionism, Japanese prints & American art.
Washington State History Museum
7. Washington State History Museum
4.6
(1327)
History museum
Museums
Museum exploring Washington state's history through high-tech exhibits such as a big model railroad.
Point Defiance Park
8. Point Defiance Park
4.7
(15430)
Park
Zoos & Aquariums
Large park with the Point Defiance zoo & aquarium, hikes in an old-growth forest, gardens & beaches.
Tacoma Dome
9. Tacoma Dome
4.1
(6676)
Event venue
Sights & Landmarks
LeMay Collections at Marymount
10. LeMay Collections at Marymount
4.8
(686)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Cheney Stadium
11. Cheney Stadium
4.6
(3376)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Minor-league baseball stadium, home to the Tacoma Rainiers, with a Mt. Rainier view & luxury suites.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge
12. Tacoma Narrows Bridge
4.4
(869)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Two suspension bridges over Puget Sound serving as a link between Tacoma & the Kitsap Peninsula.
U.S. District Court
13. U.S. District Court
3.8
(18)
Federal courthouse
Sights & Landmarks
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
14. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
4.6
(930)
History museum
Sights & Landmarks
Re-creation of the first Puget Sound European settlement, with a fort & costumed interpreters.
Wright Park
15. Wright Park
4.6
(3720)
Park
Nature & Parks
Greenspace with a vast collection of trees, plus a trail, playgrounds, sport courts & picnic areas.
Children's Museum of Tacoma
16. Children's Museum of Tacoma
4.6
(1798)
Children's museum
Museums
Museum with 5 playscapes offering hands-on exploration designed to entertain & educate children.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Tacoma?

Get inspired for your trip to Tacoma with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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