Gdansk in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Gdansk

23°C (73°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

71 mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer warmth with Baltic Sea temperatures reaching 18-20°C (64-68°F) - perfect for beach activities and swimming without crowds of July
Long daylight hours with sunset around 8:30 PM, giving you 15+ hours of daylight to explore the Old Town's amber architecture
St. Dominic's Fair festival runs the entire month - Europe's largest outdoor market with 1,000+ vendors and medieval entertainment
Outdoor café season at its finest with terrace dining along Długa Street and waterfront venues operating at full capacity

Considerations

Hotel prices peak 40-60% higher than shoulder seasons, with Old Town accommodations booking solid by June
Tourist crowds at Malbork Castle and Westerplatte reach daily capacity by 11 AM, requiring early morning visits
Afternoon thunderstorms on 10 days throughout August can disrupt planned walking tours of the historic quarter

Best Activities in August

Baltic Sea Beach Activities

August offers the warmest sea temperatures of the year at 18-20°C (64-68°F) making Sopot Beach and Brzeźno ideal for swimming. Morning beach walks avoid afternoon crowds while evening sessions around 6-7 PM offer golden hour photography opportunities along the 511m (1,677 ft) Sopot Pier.

Booking Tip: Beach equipment rentals typically cost 30-50 PLN per day. Book pier restaurant tables 2-3 days ahead for sunset dining. See current beach tour options in the booking section below.

Old Town Walking Tours

Early morning tours (8-10 AM) beat both crowds and afternoon heat while capturing the best light on St. Mary's Basilica's brick Gothic facade. August's extended daylight allows for complete 3-4 hour explorations including Artus Court and the medieval crane without feeling rushed.

Booking Tip: Group tours range 80-120 PLN per person. Book 5-7 days ahead during August peak season. Private guides typically cost 300-500 PLN for half-day tours. See current walking tour options in the booking section below.

Vistula River and Harbor Cruises

Warm August evenings make sunset cruises from 7-9 PM particularly spectacular, offering unique perspectives of the medieval port cranes and Westerplatte monument. River temperatures create pleasant breezes that counter the day's humidity.

Booking Tip: 90-minute cruises typically cost 60-90 PLN per adult. Evening cruises book fastest - reserve 3-5 days ahead. Look for boats with covered sections for sudden afternoon showers. See current cruise options in the booking section below.

Malbork Castle Day Trips

August's long daylight hours allow for complete castle exploration without rushing through Europe's largest castle complex. Early departure (8 AM) avoids tour bus crowds that arrive after 11 AM and returns before afternoon thunderstorms typically hit around 3-4 PM.

Booking Tip: Day trips including transport cost 180-250 PLN per person. Book minimum 1 week ahead in August. Independent visits cost 33 PLN entrance plus 80-100 PLN return train tickets. See current castle tour options in the booking section below.

St. Dominic's Fair Market Experience

Running the entire month of August, this 750-year-old fair transforms the city with over 1,000 vendor stalls, traditional amber workshops, and medieval reenactments. Evening hours (6-10 PM) offer the liveliest atmosphere with folk performances and traditional pierogi stands.

Booking Tip: Entry is free but amber jewelry ranges 50-500+ PLN depending on quality. Traditional crafts cost 20-150 PLN. Allow 3-4 hours for complete exploration. No advance booking needed but carry cash. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Tri-City Area Exploration

August weather makes train connections between Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia particularly pleasant with frequent SKM services every 10-15 minutes. Cool sea breezes in Gdynia's modern district provide relief from inland humidity while Sopot's resort atmosphere peaks in August.

Booking Tip: Day passes for all three cities cost 24 PLN for regional trains. Full-day guided tours typically cost 200-300 PLN per person including transport. Plan 8-10 hours for complete tri-city exploration. See current regional tour options in the booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Early August to Late August

St. Dominic's Fair (Jarmark św. Dominika)

Europe's largest outdoor market running for 3 weeks in August with over 1,000 vendors selling amber jewelry, traditional crafts, regional foods, and handmade goods. Features daily medieval reenactments, folk music performances, and traditional Polish workshops.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light rain jacket or packable umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days with downpours lasting 15-45 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during walking tours

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during peak afternoon hours, especially dangerous with reflections off Baltic waters

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones in Old Town become slippery when wet from frequent showers

Light sweater or cardigan - evening temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F) for outdoor dining and harbor cruises

Waterproof phone case - essential for harbor activities and sudden weather changes

Cash in Polish Złoty - many St. Dominic's Fair vendors and traditional restaurants don't accept cards

Lightweight scarf - Baltic sea breezes can be cool during evening activities despite warm daytime temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Visit Westerplatte and European Solidarity Centre before 10 AM - tour buses arrive later and afternoon heat makes outdoor monuments uncomfortable

Book dinner reservations for 5-6 PM rather than typical 8 PM - locals dine early to enjoy extended summer evenings walking along Motława River

Use the SKM regional train system rather than taxis between Tri-City areas - runs every 10-15 minutes and costs fraction of taxi fares while avoiding traffic

Stay in Sopot or Gdynia if you want quieter evenings - Old Town Gdansk parties until 2 AM during August tourism peak with street musicians and late-night bars

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation after May - August prices increase 40-60% and prime Old Town locations sell out completely by early summer

Planning outdoor sightseeing for 2-5 PM - this is when afternoon thunderstorms typically hit and tour groups crowd major attractions

Underestimating St. Dominic's Fair crowds - weekends see 100,000+ daily visitors making restaurants and attractions extremely busy without reservations