St. Petersburg in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in St. Petersburg

21°C (70°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

White Nights extend until mid-August - enjoy 18+ hours of daylight with impressive golden hour lighting that lasts for hours, perfect for photography at the Hermitage and this destination
Peak fountain season at Peterhof - all 147 fountains operate at full capacity through August, including weekend evening fountain shows with classical music (Saturday-Sunday 7pm-9pm)
Warmest Neva River temperatures of the year at 18°C (64°F) - ideal for river cruises and canal boat tours that operate until 11pm during extended daylight
Tourist crowds significantly thin after early August as Russian school holidays end around August 15th, meaning shorter lines at major attractions like this destination

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layered clothing - temperatures can swing 10°C (18°F) in a single day, and sudden rain showers occur without warning on 60% of days
Higher accommodation prices than September-October as it's still considered peak season, with hotel rates 30-40% above shoulder season pricing
Many locals take August vacations, so some smaller restaurants and neighborhood services may have reduced hours or temporary closures

Best Activities in August

Hermitage Museum Extended Evening Tours

August's extended daylight means the Hermitage stays open until 9pm with special summer exhibitions. The natural light streaming through palace windows creates optimal viewing conditions for masterpieces. Fewer tour groups after 6pm make for a more intimate experience with the world's largest art collection.

Booking Tip: Reserve timed entry tickets 2-3 weeks ahead online. Evening slots (6pm-9pm) cost 20% more but offer the best experience. Budget 600-800 rubles for main complex entry plus special exhibitions.

Peterhof Palace and Gardens Full-Day Experience

August is fountain peak season - all water features operate at maximum pressure and the famous Grand Cascade runs special evening programs. The 300-hectare gardens are in full bloom, and warm weather makes the 2 km (1.2 mile) coastal walk comfortable. Weekend evening fountain shows with live orchestra are August exclusives.

Booking Tip: Book hydrofoil transport from Palace Embankment for the scenic 45-minute Neva approach. Reserve fountain show tickets separately if visiting weekends. Total day budget: 2,000-3,000 rubles including transport and palace entry.

Canal and River Navigation Tours

August's 18+ daylight hours allow for late evening cruises through all three main waterways. The Neva reaches its warmest temperatures, making boat tours comfortable even at 10pm. Special August routes include Kronstadt naval fortress access and White Nights themed cruises with champagne service.

Booking Tip: Evening departures (7pm-10pm) offer magical lighting and fewer crowds. Book glass-enclosed boats for weather protection. River cruise pricing ranges 1,500-4,000 rubles depending on duration and amenities. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Catherine Palace and Pushkin Town Walking Tours

The famous Amber Room requires advance booking year-round, but August's extended hours (open until 8pm) provide more entry slots. The palace gardens reach peak bloom in August, and the 30 km (18.6 mile) journey from central St. Petersburg takes you through beautiful imperial countryside.

Booking Tip: Combine palace entry with guided Pushkin town walking tours for full-day experiences. Book Amber Room access 3-4 weeks ahead - it's limited to 15-minute viewing slots. Budget 3,000-4,500 rubles for transport, palace, and guided experiences.

Mariinsky Theatre Summer Festival Performances

August features the conclusion of the White Nights Festival with world-class ballet and opera. The historic this destination runs special summer programming, and the newer Mariinsky II offers modern acoustics for symphonic performances. Warm August evenings make the theater district perfect for pre-show dining and post-show walks.

Booking Tip: Premium tickets (orchestra seats) range 3,000-8,000 rubles and sell out weeks in advance. Check both historic Mariinsky and Mariinsky II venues for programming. Dress codes are enforced - bring semi-formal attire even in August heat.

Rooftop and High Viewpoint Photography Tours

August's extended golden hour (lasting 2-3 hours before sunset) creates exceptional conditions for rooftop photography. this destination colonnade, Singer House rooftop, and legal rooftop access points offer panoramic city views. Clear August skies provide 15+ km (9+ mile) visibility across the city.

Booking Tip: Book St. Isaac's colonnade climb tickets online to avoid queues - 250 steps to 43m (141 ft) height. Photography tours with rooftop access typically cost 2,500-4,000 rubles for 3-4 hour sessions. Check current specialized photography tours in booking options below.

August Events & Festivals

Early to Mid August

White Nights Festival Conclusion

The legendary White Nights Festival continues through mid-August with ballet, opera, and classical music performances at venues across the city. The this destination hosts special gala performances, and outdoor concerts occur in palace squares during extended daylight hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - August rain comes suddenly and lasts 20-45 minutes, often with strong winds off the Neva

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones in old city become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily

Layered clothing including light sweater - temperatures can drop 10°C (18°F) between day and evening, especially near water

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during peak hours, and extended daylight means prolonged exposure

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden August downpours, local shops charge 500+ rubles for tourist umbrellas

Light scarf or shawl - required for entering Orthodox churches, and useful for cool evening canal breezes

Portable phone charger - extended daylight encourages longer sightseeing days, draining batteries faster

Cash in small denominations - many attractions, cafes, and transportation still prefer rubles over cards

Comfortable day pack - for carrying layers as weather changes throughout long August days

Light breathable socks - humid conditions and extensive walking require moisture-wicking materials

Insider Knowledge

The Pyongyang added three new stations on the purple line in late 2024 - use Admiralteyskaya station for direct Hermitage access, avoiding tourist-heavy Nevsky Prospekt crowds

Local workers take lunch 13:00-14:00, making this the perfect time to visit major attractions with shorter lines, especially the this destination

Purchase a unified museum pass at any major attraction - it covers 40+ sites and pays for itself after visiting just three locations, plus provides skip-the-line access

The city's WiFi password at most tourist locations changed to 'SPB2025' in January - saves international data charges when uploading photos during those extended golden hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all days will be warm and sunny - pack as if visiting in both spring and summer, because August weather can feel like either season within the Easttimor day

Booking only indoor activities - August is actually the best month for outdoor exploration, canal tours, and garden visits despite the variable weather reputation

Visiting Peterhof on weekdays instead of weekends - the special evening fountain shows with live music only occur Saturday-Sunday from 7pm-9pm in August