S&P 500 in August: seasonality and history
Since 1957, the S&P 500 has risen in August in 59% of years (41 of 70), with an average return of +0.20% and a median of +1.17%. That makes August its #9 month of 12.
Average+0.20%
Years up59%
Best year1982 · +11.60%
Worst year1998 · −14.58%
The seasonal path through August
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through August, all years since 1957.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 20 | +0.23% | 58% |
| Aug 7 | +0.21% | 60% |
| Aug 17 | +0.17% | 71% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 19 | −0.20% | 45% |
| Aug 5 | −0.19% | 41% |
| Aug 4 | −0.17% | 50% |
August in recent years
| Year | S&P 500 in August |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +2.62% |
| 2025 | +1.91% |
| 2024 | +2.28% |
| 2023 | −1.77% |
| 2022 | −4.24% |
| 2021 | +2.90% |
| 2020 | +7.01% |
| 2019 | −1.81% |
| 2018 | +3.03% |
| 2017 | +0.05% |
Questions
Is August a good month for the S&P 500?
On average, yes: +0.20% since 1957, rising in 59% of years. But the range is wide, from −14.58% in 1998 to +11.60% in 1982, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in August?
Aug 20 (+0.23%, up 58% of years), Aug 7 (+0.21%, up 60% of years), Aug 17 (+0.17%, up 71% of years).