How Many Days Until August?
August 2025 begins on Friday, August 1, 2025.
About August
August is the eighth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and is the fifth of seven months to have 31 days. It signifies the transition from mid-summer to late summer in the Northern Hemisphere, often characterized by hot weather, the beginning of the harvest season, and preparations for the upcoming autumn.
August: Late Summer & Harvest Time
Origin of the Month
August was originally named Sextilis ("sixth month") in the Roman calendar. It was renamed in 8 BCE in honor of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman Emperor, who chose this month because several of his significant victories occurred during it.
"Dog Days" Continue
The "dog days" of summer, the hottest period, often extend into early August in the Northern Hemisphere. The name relates to the star Sirius (the Dog Star) being prominent in the sky during this time.
Harvest Season Begins
August marks the start of the main harvest season for many crops in temperate regions, including grains, corn, tomatoes, and various fruits. It's a crucial time for agriculture.
Transition Time
For many, August signals the end of summer vacations and the beginning of preparations for the new school year. It's a month of transition between the peak of summer leisure and the return to routine.
August Symbols
Birthstone
Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Peridot (lime green) is associated with strength, Spinel comes in various colors symbolizing energy, and Sardonyx (banded) represents courage.
Astrological Signs
Leo (July 23 - August 22) and Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Flowers
Gladiolus and Poppy. The tall Gladiolus symbolizes strength of character and remembrance, while the Poppy represents imagination and consolation.
Typical August Weather
August weather varies globally but generally features:
- Northern Hemisphere: Often the hottest month or continues the peak heat from July. High humidity is common in many areas. Days begin to shorten noticeably towards the end of the month. Thunderstorm activity can be frequent.
- Southern Hemisphere: Marks the end of winter. Temperatures start to rise, and daylight hours increase. Spring blossoms may begin to appear in some regions.
- Tropics: Often falls within the wet or monsoon season, characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. Hurricane/typhoon season is active in relevant ocean basins.
It's a month where summer's intensity persists but hints of the coming seasonal change start to emerge.
August Holidays & Observances
Civic Holiday (Canada)
Public holiday in many Canadian provinces and territories, known by various local names (e.g., Simcoe Day, Heritage Day).
National Day (Singapore)
Commemorates Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965.
Assumption of Mary
Christian feast day commemorating the bodily taking up of Mary, mother of Jesus, into Heaven. Public holiday in many countries.
World Humanitarian Day
International day dedicated to recognizing humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.
Women's Equality Day (US)
Commemorates the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, granting women the right to vote.
Raksha Bandhan
Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, date varies based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
August Month-Long Observances
National Immunization Awareness Month
Highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.
National Golf Month
Encourages people to play golf and celebrates the sport.
National Peach Month
Celebrates the peak season for peaches, a popular summer fruit.
Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
Raises awareness about protecting children's vision and eye safety.
August Activities & Ideas
Last Summer Trips
- Take a final summer vacation or weekend getaway
- Visit beaches, lakes, or mountains
- Go camping or RVing
- Plan a staycation exploring local attractions
- Enjoy outdoor water activities like swimming or boating
Back-to-School Prep
- Shop for school supplies and clothes
- Organize study spaces at home
- Adjust sleep schedules for the school routine
- Plan easy weeknight meals
- Attend school orientations or meet-the-teacher events
Harvest & Preserve
- Harvest ripe vegetables and fruits from the garden
- Visit farmers' markets for peak-season produce
- Can, freeze, or dehydrate excess harvest
- Make jams, jellies, or pickles
- Try recipes featuring fresh corn, tomatoes, zucchini, etc.
Enjoy Late Summer Evenings
- Watch for the Perseid meteor shower (mid-August)
- Host backyard barbecues or bonfires
- Attend outdoor concerts or festivals
- Go stargazing away from city lights
- Enjoy cooler evenings as the month progresses
Interesting August Facts
August in the Northern Hemisphere is seasonally equivalent to February in the Southern Hemisphere.
No other month of the year begins on the same day of the week as August in common years. In leap years, August begins on the same day as February.
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most popular annual meteor showers, peaks around mid-August.
Historically, August was a time for emperors and rulers to take vacations or engage in military campaigns after the main spring planting and before the fall harvest.