Historical & Cultural Significance
August was named after Emperor Augustus Caesar of Rome, who considered it his lucky month.
August (Month) - Facts for Kids
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Facts About August (Month) For Kids
August was once called “Sextilis” in the Roman calendar because it was the sixth month of their year.
August always starts on the same day of the week as February, whether it’s a common year or a leap year!
A long time ago, in Anglo-Saxon England, August was called “Weed Month” — or Wēodmōnaþ — because weeds grew everywhere during that time of year!
In Japan, August kicks off festival season in a dazzling way — many towns light up with colorful lanterns, from giant float parades to peaceful toro nagashi ceremonies!
August is when ancient Romans celebrated Vulcanalia, a festival honoring Vulcan, the god of fire and metalworking.
Vikings did most of their big sea trips in the summer months, and August was right in the middle of the best window for smooth sailing. The weather was calm, the seas were safer, and it was easier to travel long distances!
The Egyptian New Year began in mid-July, when Sirius rose and the Nile River flooded. The flooding lasted into August, bringing rich soil for farming.
Natural World & Weather
August is typically the last full month of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
August brings the Perseid meteor shower, with up to 100 shooting stars per hour on peak nights.
August often features the warmest ocean temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere.
August is when monarch butterflies begin their remarkable migration to Mexico.
August sees many bird species beginning to prepare for their autumn migration.
August is when many species of sunflowers reach their full height and bloom.
August brings the start of apple harvesting season in many temperate regions.
August is when bears enter hyperphagia, eating up to 20,000 calories per day to prepare for winter.
August signals the return of evening sounds from crickets and katydids in many regions.
Modern Celebrations & Observances
August hosts International Youth Day on the 12th, celebrating young people worldwide.
August includes World Humanitarian Day on the 19th, honoring aid workers globally.
August features National Dog Day on the 26th in many countries.
August celebrates International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9th.
August includes World Photography Day on August 19th.
August celebrates World Elephant Day on August 12th.
August includes International Cat Day on August 8th.
August features World Lion Day on August 10th.
August hosts International Left-Handers Day on August 13th.
Astronomical & Calendar Features
The Sun enters the constellation of Leo around August 10.
August days grow shorter in the Northern Hemisphere by about 2 minutes each day.
August features the Dog Days of Summer, named after the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star.
August’s full moon is traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon in North America.
August nights often provide excellent viewing conditions for the Milky Way.
August marks the halfway point between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox — around August 7 each year!
August brings darker evening skies earlier, perfect for stargazing.
August’s zodiac signs are Leo (until August 22) and Virgo (from August 23).
Traditions & Symbols
August’s traditional birthstone is the peridot, known for its olive-green color.
August’s birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy.
August symbolizes abundance and harvest in many cultures.
August’s traditional colors include deep orange and bright yellow, reflecting late summer.
August traditions often include harvest festivals and county fairs.
August is a favorite month for weddings — warm weather, school holidays, and the lucky number 8 make it extra special in many places!
August’s symbolic animal is the lion — bold and powerful, just like the Leo zodiac sign.
August is linked to good fortune in Chinese culture, especially on August 8th, because the number 8 sounds like the word for “prosper.”
Global Perspectives
August is the last full month of winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
August brings spring flowers in Australia and South Africa.
August is monsoon season in many parts of Southeast Asia.
August is the hottest month in many Mediterranean countries.
In the Arctic, August marks the final month of the midnight sun for many regions.
