Dow Jones Industrial Average in August: seasonality and history
Since 1897, the Dow has risen in August in 64% of years (83 of 129), with an average return of +1.07% and a median of +1.32%. That makes August its #5 month of 12.
Average+1.07%
Years up64%
Best year1932 · +34.83%
Worst year1998 · −15.13%
The seasonal path through August
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through August, all years since 1897.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 3 | +0.21% | 57% |
| Aug 13 | +0.19% | 62% |
| Aug 17 | +0.17% | 59% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 4 | −0.16% | 48% |
| Aug 19 | −0.15% | 46% |
| Aug 5 | −0.14% | 40% |
Seasonal trend windows touching August
- ▲ Bullish Jun 28 – Aug 3 · 36 days · seasonal Σ +2.74%
- ▲ Bullish Aug 6 – Aug 17 · 12 days · seasonal Σ +0.95%
August in recent years
| Year | Dow in August |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +1.34% |
| 2025 | +3.20% |
| 2024 | +1.76% |
| 2023 | −2.36% |
| 2022 | −4.06% |
| 2021 | +1.22% |
| 2020 | +7.57% |
| 2019 | −1.72% |
| 2018 | +2.16% |
| 2017 | +0.26% |
Questions
Is August a good month for the Dow?
On average, yes: +1.07% since 1897, rising in 64% of years. But the range is wide, from −15.13% in 1998 to +34.83% in 1932, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in August?
Aug 3 (+0.21%, up 57% of years), Aug 13 (+0.19%, up 62% of years), Aug 17 (+0.17%, up 59% of years).