Dhaka in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Dhaka

32°C (90°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

315 mm (12.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Rivers and waterways are cleanest in August - monsoon rains flush out pollution making boat tours along the Buriganga and Turag rivers more pleasant with 30-40% better water clarity
Indoor cultural attractions are less crowded with 40% fewer tour groups, making places like Lalbagh Fort and National Museum ideal for photography without crowds
Monsoon mangoes peak in August - local varieties like Langra and Himsagar are at their sweetest and cheapest, available for ৳50-80 per kg at neighborhood markets
Evening outdoor activities are comfortable after 6pm when temperatures drop to 28°C (82°F) and humidity decreases, perfect for exploring Old Dhaka's narrow lanes and rooftop dining

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms between 2-5pm last 45-90 minutes and can flood streets in Old Dhaka by 15-30 cm (6-12 inches), disrupting transportation
Humidity makes it feel 6-8°C (11-14°F) hotter than actual temperature, causing fatigue more quickly during outdoor walking tours
Some river ferry services to nearby areas like Sonargaon operate reduced schedules with 30-50% fewer departures due to choppy monsoon waters

Best Activities in August

Indoor Cultural Heritage Tours

August's frequent rain makes it ideal for exploring Dhaka's exceptional museums and historic buildings. The National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Lalbagh Fort are climate-controlled and significantly less crowded. The monsoon atmosphere adds drama to the Mughal architecture, and you'll have galleries almost to yourself for photography.

Booking Tip: Museum entry fees range ৳10-50 for locals, ৳100-300 for foreigners. Purchase tickets at entrance - no advance booking needed. Plan museum visits during afternoon storm hours (2-5pm) when outdoor activities are impossible. Allow 2-3 hours per major site.

Traditional Rickshaw Photography Tours

August rains create incredible reflections on wet streets, making it the best month for capturing Dhaka's iconic rickshaw art. The washed streets and dramatic monsoon lighting provide perfect conditions for photography. Early morning (7-9am) offers the clearest air after overnight rains.

Booking Tip: Rickshaw rides cost ৳30-50 per km within Old Dhaka. For photography tours, negotiate ৳500-800 for 3-4 hours including waiting time. Best photo opportunities are in Shakhari Bazaar and around Dhakeshwari Temple. Bring waterproof camera protection.

Monsoon Food Market Exploration

August brings seasonal monsoon delicacies like hilsa fish (ilish) at peak quality and availability. Local markets like Kawran Bazaar and Kolkata showcase the best of Bengali monsoon cuisine. The cooler, washed air after rains makes market walking more comfortable, and vendors are eager to explain seasonal specialties.

Booking Tip: Market tours through local guides cost ৳1,500-2,500 for half-day experiences including tastings. Visit early morning (6-9am) or after evening rains (6-8pm) for best weather. Bring hand sanitizer and bottled water. Current food tour options available in booking section below.

River Cruise and Boat Architecture Tours

Paradoxically, August's river levels are perfect for boat tours despite rain concerns. Higher water levels allow access to smaller tributaries and better views of riverside architecture. The cooler air temperature near water makes afternoon boat rides comfortable, and dramatic monsoon skies create exceptional photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: River cruises range ৳800-1,500 per person for 2-3 hours. Book morning departures (9am-12pm) to avoid afternoon storms. Licensed boat operators required for safety - verify life jackets and weather monitoring equipment. See current boat tour options in booking widget below.

Monsoon Rooftop Dining Experiences

August evenings after 6pm offer perfect conditions for rooftop dining when temperatures drop and humidity decreases. The city looks spectacular washed clean by afternoon rains, and the chance of evening storms is only 20%. Traditional Bengali monsoon dishes like khichuri and bharta are at their seasonal best.

Booking Tip: Rooftop restaurants in Gulshan and Dhanmondi charge ৳1,200-2,500 for dinner. Make reservations for sunset timing (6:30-7pm) as these spots fill quickly after storms pass. Many offer covered sections for unexpected late rain. Book Easttimor-day after checking weather.

Traditional Craft Workshop Tours

August's indoor weather drives visitors to discover Dhaka's incredible craft heritage. Workshops in Shankhari Bazaar (conch shell carving), Tanti Bazaar (weaving), and metal crafts areas are perfect during monsoon season. Artisans have more time to demonstrate techniques when outdoor work decreases, and you'll find better prices on handmade goods.

Booking Tip: Workshop visits cost ৳200-500 per location with demonstrations. Allow 1-2 hours per craft area. Best visited during afternoon rain hours when outdoor tourism stops. Many artisans speak basic English or arrange translators for ৳300-500 additional.

August Events & Festivals

August 15th

Independence Day Celebrations

August 15th marks a significant national observance with flag ceremonies, cultural programs, and traditional music performances throughout the city. Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan host major public celebrations with free entry, showcasing Bengali culture through monsoon-season festivities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket (not umbrella) - August storms bring 50+ km/h winds that destroy umbrellas, but jacket allows mobility through narrow Old Dhaka lanes

Quick-dry cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity and feels like plastic against skin after 30 minutes outdoors

Waterproof phone case - essential for rickshaw photography tours and sudden downpours that arrive with 5-10 minute warning

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - Dhaka streets flood 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) deep during storms, making sandals impractical and dangerous

High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15-20 minutes even through monsoon clouds

Electrolyte tablets or ORS packets - humidity causes rapid dehydration, and local oral rehydration salts cost only ৳5 per packet at pharmacies

Anti-bacterial hand gel - essential for market tours and street food sampling when handwashing facilities may be limited

Light cotton scarf - useful for temple visits, sun protection, and sudden temperature drops in over-air-conditioned museums and malls

Waterproof day pack - protects electronics and documents during unexpected afternoon storms that can last 90 minutes

Mosquito repellent with DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity, especially near river areas and markets

Insider Knowledge

Never schedule outdoor activities between 2-5pm in August - 85% of daily rainfall occurs during these hours, and even locals avoid street travel during this window

Use the monsoon timing to your advantage for indoor attractions - Lalbagh Fort and museums are practically empty during afternoon storm hours when most tourists shelter in hotels

Local weather apps are more accurate than international ones - download 'BD Weather' which provides neighborhood-level storm tracking essential for Old Dhaka exploration

Monsoon season means hilsa fish (Bangladesh's national fish) is at peak quality and half the price of dry season - August is the only time to experience this delicacy at its finest

Avoid These Mistakes

Bringing umbrellas instead of rain jackets - Dhaka's narrow lanes and sudden wind gusts make umbrellas useless and dangerous in monsoon storms

Scheduling boat tours for afternoons - 70% of water transportation cancellations happen between 2-6pm due to thunderstorms and choppy conditions

Wearing light colors - Dhaka's monsoon streets create unavoidable splashing, and light clothing shows every mud spot within the first hour of exploration