Things to Do in Austria in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Austria
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak hiking weather in the Alps - clear morning views before afternoon clouds roll in, with comfortable temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) at mid-elevations
- Festival season reaches its climax with Salzburg Festival, Bregenzer Festspiele, and dozens of local Volksfests celebrating the harvest
- Mountain huts (Almhütten) are fully operational with fresh Alpine dairy products, and cable cars run extended summer schedules until late August
- Swimming lakes reach their warmest temperatures of 22-24°C (72-75°F), making Wolfgangsee and Hallstättersee perfect for afternoon dips
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days, typically between 2-5pm, forcing indoor activities or early morning starts
- Peak tourist season means Hallstatt sees 8,000+ daily visitors, Salzburg's Old Town is packed, and accommodation prices are 40-60% higher than shoulder season
- Mountain weather changes rapidly - morning sunshine can turn to fog and rain by noon, requiring flexible planning and proper gear
Best Activities in August
Hallstatt Lake Region Exploration
August offers the warmest lake temperatures for swimming and perfect morning light for photography before tourist buses arrive at 9am. The Salzkammergut lakes are at their most beautiful, with wildflowers in full bloom around the shorelines. Morning boat trips across Hallstättersee provide stunning reflections of the Dachstein peaks.
Salzburg Old Town and Sound of Music Tours
August is festival season in Salzburg, with the world-famous Salzburg Festival running until late August. The city buzzes with classical music, and evening concerts in baroque courtyards are magical. Morning walking tours beat the afternoon heat and crowds, while evening river cruises on the Salzach offer cooler temperatures and golden light on the historic buildings.
Dachstein Glacier and Ice Cave Adventures
August provides the most reliable weather for reaching the Dachstein Glacier at 2,700m (8,858 ft). The contrast between warm valley temperatures and the eternal ice creates a unique experience. Ice caves maintain constant 0°C (32°F) temperatures, offering perfect relief from summer heat. Clear August mornings provide spectacular Alpine panoramas from the viewing platforms.
Wachau Valley Wine Tours and Danube Cycling
Late August marks the beginning of wine harvest season in the Wachau Valley. Vineyard tours include grape picking experiences, and the Danube cycle path offers 36km (22.4 miles) of stunning river scenery between Melk and Krems. August weather is perfect for outdoor wine tastings on terraced vineyards overlooking the river.
Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna Imperial Tours
August evenings in Vienna feature outdoor classical concerts in palace courtyards and gardens. The extensive palace grounds provide shaded walks during hot afternoons, while the Gloriette offers panoramic city views. Summer Palace concerts and the famous Schönbrunn Zoo (world's oldest) are at their most active in warm August weather.
Innsbruck Alpine Sports and Mountain Railways
August offers perfect conditions for Alpine sports with Nordkette cable car providing access to hiking trails at 2,256m (7,402 ft). The contrast between historic Old Town and dramatic Alpine peaks is most striking in clear August weather. Mountain biking trails are dry and accessible, while paragliding conditions are optimal in stable summer thermals.
August Events & Festivals
Salzburg Festival
The world's most prestigious classical music and opera festival transforms Salzburg into Europe's cultural capital. Performances in historic venues like the Felsenreitschule and Haus für Mozart feature world-class orchestras and soloists. Even without tickets, the city buzzes with free outdoor concerts and street performances.
Bregenzer Festspiele
Opera performances on a floating stage on Lake Constance create one of the world's most spectacular theatrical experiences. The dramatic Alpine backdrop and lake setting make this uniquely Austrian. Book well ahead as performances often sell out.
Long Night of Museums
Vienna's museums stay open until 1am for one special night, with a single €15 ticket providing access to over 700 museums and cultural institutions. Special exhibitions and events occur throughout the night, connected by free shuttle buses.