Growing up outside of Boston, Cape Cod was a popular summertime destination. With its beautiful beaches, fun restaurants, and access to the islands, it’s a great place for couples, bachelorette parties and families. For many, August is considered one of the best times to go to Cape Cod, since the weather is great and many
If you are looking to add Cape Cod to your summertime plans, check out our guide!
Weather in Cape Cod in August
The weather is warmest in the last two months of summer, with temperatures ranging between 61°F and 78°F on average in the final stretch. August is also generally pretty sunny, offering good beach weather.
How Busy is the Cape in August?
Cape Cod will also be at peak season during July and August, so it will be most crowded during these two months. However, the weather will also best for swimming, so it’s popular for good reason. If you want to avoid the crowds, we have some considerations in our list below. However, since many locals do long weekends down the Cape, you can also consider coming down on a weekday.
What to Do in Late August down Cape Cod
Below are some things to do in Cape Cod while here in the summertime:
Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail spans 25.2 miles (almost a marathon!) and is a popular destination for walking, biking, or running. It passes through several iconic Cape Cod towns, including Orleans, Brewster and Yartmouth.
I’ve run here in the summer months while marathon training and it’s a great spot for that. Several stretches of the trail are shaded by trees, making it cooler than other surrounding areas. Cars are also not allowed on the path, making it a safer choice than running or biking on the road.
Run the Falmouth Road Race
My first half marathon was actually down the Cape and I have been running ever since. The Falmouth Road Race takes place every August and stretches for seven miles alongside the ocean.
Go Minigolfing at Pirate’s Cove
Pirate’s Cove was always a highlight for my family and me in the summertime. You get to pick between two different pirates, which leads to two different courses.
There are 18 holes on each course and both are decorated with ships and waterfalls. This mini golf course has also won numerous awards from Boston Magazine and Cape Cod Guide.
Check out the Cape Cod Truck and Craft Beer Festival
This yearly event hosts 50+ local and regional brewers. This is a perfect opportunity for you to sample different kinds of beer while exploring different food vendors. It takes place in East Falmouth on the Cape Cod Fair Grounds.
Explore Mayflower Beach
Mayflower Beach is one of our favorite places on the Cape. The sand seems to stretch forever, resulting in some breathtaking views.
The added benefit of coming here is that parking is limited, so this beach is never particularly crowded. However, you will either need to rent a house within walking distance or come here very early to get a spot.
Mayflower Beach
Sunset in Mayflower Beach
Rent a Home with Access to a Private Beach
Several homes in Cape Cod have private beach access. If you are looking to beat the crowds, consider renting one of these homes on Airbnb or VRBO.
Private beach via a home we rented down the Cape
Visit Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard
Most of the sites and boutique shops close shortly after Labor Day in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Both islands are still fun to visit in the off-season, but they are more subject to seasonality than the mainland is.
August is a perfect time to go and explore (though we recommend going on the weekday if possible. It gets very crowded in the summertime).
Attend the Provincetown Carnival
The annual carnival takes place at the end of August each year in P-Town. Founded in 1978, you can see a parade and costume contests, while partying.
Take a Boat Tour
On a bachelorette trip, my friends and I went on a boat tour from Hyannis. The views were beautiful and it was the perfect was to relax.
Views from the harbor in Hyannis
And to be honest– there isn’t much that is better than a cocktail and a sunset boat cruise on a summer night. There are several companies that offer these with convenient starting points, including in Provincetown, Hyannis, and Falmouth.
Grab Ice Cream at Cape Cod Creamery
With locations in Dennis, Hyannis, and South Yarmouth, this local ice cream shop is a local favorite. Their flavors are also named after famous places in Cape Cod, such as Chatham Chocolate and Bourne Butter Pecan.
Discover the Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail
The Yartmouth Sand Sculpture Trail is open from late May through Columbus Day, featuring 30+ sand sculptures. It’s a yearly tradition from the town. Plus – It’s free, making it an ideal day to spend with the family.
Check out the Hyannis Nightlife
Hyannis has cool bars and restaurants near Main Street that are worth exploring. Many have outdoor sections, so you can enjoy the warm summer air while sipping on a glass of wine.
Catch a Free Show at the Chatham Orpheum
In the summertime, Chatham Orpheum Theater has free kids matinee shows, which is perfect for a rainy day. These tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 9am, with the show beginning at 9:30am. For more information, click here.
Final Thoughts
Do you have a favotire spot or thing to do in late August in Cape Cod? Leave it in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Cod in August
Is August a good time to go to Cape Cod?
August is a great time to go to Cape Cod, especially if you love the beach. The weather is typically beautiful and there is a lot to do at the end of the summer.
Which is nicer, Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Cod?
Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod are both really nice. Cape Cod will have more attractions and typically be cheaper. However, if you are craving some of those island vibes, Martha’s Vineyard is probably the right choice.
It’s really easy to do both locations in one trip though. The ferry leaves from either Falmouth or Hyannis, making it convenient to do a day trip or a few days at the islands before heading back.
Can you see whales in Cape Cod in August?
If you want to see whales, August is a great time to go! You can take whale watching tours directly from P-Town. You can see whales from June through September in Cape Cod.
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