United States, North America

Nashville in August

The quietest summer month and cheaper, but the heat is heavy. Plan indoor afternoons.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 89F (32C)

Nashville skyline, United States — NashvillePhoto: Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Nashville. The quietest summer month and cheaper, but the heat is heavy. Plan indoor afternoons.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 89F (32C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What August is like in Nashville

August stays hot and humid, with highs near 89F (32C) and thick air most afternoons. It is the quietest summer month, with smaller crowds and cheaper rooms than June or July. Everything is open, but the heat shapes the day, so plan indoor time in the middle of the afternoon.

This month suits travelers chasing a summer deal who are fine with heat. Families should pace days around the museums and pools. If you want comfortable outdoor time, wait a few weeks for late September.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Nashville this month.

Summer deals

Rates dip compared to June and July, and midweek downtown rooms can be a good value.

The Adventure Science Center

A strong indoor stop for kids when it is too hot to be outside.

Late-night music

Evenings cool off a little, and the honky-tonks run until about 2am, so music lovers can shift the day later.

What to pack for August

Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
Sunscreen and sunglasses
A poncho for sudden storms
Comfortable sandals or breathable sneakers

Our timing tip

Book a hotel with a pool, and plan museum visits for 1pm to 5pm when the heat peaks.

Book Nashville for August.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Nashville
Opens a hotel search for Nashville in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Nashville
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Nashville
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Nashville for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Nashville

Full guide

Ryman Auditorium

The Mother Church of Country Music. Daytime tours plus evening shows; seeing a concert here is the best way in.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Go at opening to beat the crowds. Add the RCA Studio B tour.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Grand Ole Opry

The long-running live radio show at the Opry House, with some winter shows at the Ryman. Book ahead on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Broadway honky-tonks

Go on a weekday afternoon for the music without the weekend crush.

Tickets and tours →

The Parthenon in Centennial Park

A full-scale Parthenon replica with a giant Athena statue inside. An easy, quirky stop.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The Hermitage

Andrew Jackson's home and plantation, with frank interpretation of slavery there.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Sunday through Thursday. Weekend hotel rates can be twice midweek rates, and Broadway is far calmer.
Do Broadway in the afternoon. The bands are just as good and you can get a seat.
Book writers' rounds at the Bluebird Cafe as soon as reservations open; seats go fast.
Stay in East Nashville, Germantown, or near Music Row for quieter nights and better food.

Know before you go

Almost everything runs year-round. The Opry moves some winter shows to the Ryman, so check the venue on your ticket.
Spring brings severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Watch weather alerts in March through May.
Winter ice storms, while rare, can close roads and businesses for a day or more.