Weather Hacks for Beach Days In August

August at the beach sounds perfect until you're frying like bacon on hot sand. Here's how to work with the weather instead of against it.

The Breeze Is Your Best Friend

Forget the temperature you hear on the news—coastal winds determine whether you'll enjoy the beach or endure it. The magic happens with onshore breezes, which blow from ocean to land. They kick in around 11 AM as the land heats up faster than water, pulling cool ocean air inland.

Position matters. Set up where dunes or buildings don't block the breeze. That spot right behind the beach bar might have shade, but it's also a dead zone for airflow. Better to be 50 feet closer to the water where the wind actually reaches you.

Offshore winds—blowing from land to sea—are the worst. They bring hot inland air and make the beach feel like a parking lot. Check wind direction before you go. Arrow pointing from water to land? You're golden. Arrow pointing out to sea? Maybe hit the pool instead.