Gold in August: Every August Since 1971
Gold has risen in 33 of 56 Augusts since 1971 (59%, against 55% for all months), with an average change of +1.0% and a median of +0.6%. Its best August was 1982 (+20.0%) and its worst 1973 (−10.5%). August ranks 5 of 12 by average change.
Gold in every August, 1971–2026
% change in the monthWhat happens in September after August
How often September rose after gold ended August higher or lower, compared with all months (55% rose).
After a higher August
InconclusiveAfter gold ends August higher, September has risen 58% of the time since 1971 (19 of 33), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +2.3% and a median of +2.4%: no meaningful pattern.
After a lower August
InconclusiveAfter gold ends August lower, September has risen 55% of the time since 1971 (12 of 22), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +0.6% and a median of +0.5%: no meaningful pattern.
"Momentum" or "rebound" only when the share differs from all months by at least 5 percentage points, with at least 20 cases, and by more than chance would explain (95% confidence); otherwise "inconclusive". With one month a year, most single-month differences are within chance. The same figures for every month together: gold seasonality.
Gold in August, Year by Year
Month-end close and the change in August, with September next to it.
| Year | Close, end of August | August | September after |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $4,482 | +9.1% | −6.6% |
| 2025 | $3,516 | +6.8% | +10.2% |
| 2024 | $2,528 | +4.2% | +5.2% |
| 2023 | $1,966 | −0.2% | −5.1% |
| 2022 | $1,726 | −2.1% | −3.1% |
| 2021 | $1,818 | +0.3% | −3.4% |
| 2020 | $1,979 | +0.8% | −4.2% |
| 2019 | $1,519 | +6.5% | −3.5% |
| 2018 | $1,200 | −1.9% | −0.7% |
| 2017 | $1,321 | +4.1% | −3.0% |
| 2016 | $1,309 | −3.6% | +0.5% |
| 2015 | $1,133 | +3.4% | −1.6% |
| 2014 | $1,287 | +0.4% | −5.9% |
| 2013 | $1,395 | +6.1% | −4.8% |
| 2012 | $1,649 | +1.6% | +7.7% |
| 2011 | $1,814 | +11.4% | −10.7% |
| 2010 | $1,246 | +6.6% | +4.9% |
| 2009 | $952 | +1.4% | +4.6% |
| 2008 | $833 | −9.3% | +6.2% |
| 2007 | $672 | +1.0% | +10.6% |
| 2006 | $624 | −1.4% | −3.9% |
| 2005 | $433 | +1.0% | +9.2% |
| 2004 | $407 | +4.0% | +2.1% |
| 2003 | $376 | +5.9% | +3.3% |
| 2002 | $313 | +2.7% | +3.5% |
| 2001 | $273 | +2.7% | +7.4% |
| 2000 | $277 | +0.1% | −1.2% |
| 1999 | $255 | −0.3% | +17.3% |
| 1998 | $273 | −5.3% | +7.5% |
| 1997 | $325 | −0.3% | +2.1% |
| 1996 | $386 | +0.3% | −1.9% |
| 1995 | $382 | −0.3% | +0.4% |
| 1994 | $386 | +0.5% | +2.4% |
| 1993 | $372 | −7.5% | −4.3% |
| 1992 | $340 | −5.0% | +2.6% |
| 1991 | $347 | −4.3% | +2.2% |
| 1990 | $388 | +4.1% | +5.3% |
| 1989 | $360 | −2.3% | +1.9% |
| 1988 | $428 | −2.1% | −7.3% |
| 1987 | $453 | −2.0% | +1.3% |
| 1986 | $385 | +7.6% | +10.0% |
| 1985 | $333 | +1.8% | −2.3% |
| 1984 | $348 | +1.7% | −1.3% |
| 1983 | $414 | −1.8% | −2.2% |
| 1982 | $412 | +20.0% | −3.5% |
| 1981 | $425 | +4.7% | +0.9% |
| 1980 | $631 | +2.8% | +5.6% |
| 1979 | $315 | +6.3% | +26.1% |
| 1978 | $209 | +4.2% | +4.0% |
| 1977 | $146 | +1.3% | +5.5% |
| 1976 | $104 | −7.6% | +11.5% |
| 1975 | $160 | −4.1% | −11.6% |
| 1974 | $156 | 0.0% | −3.0% |
| 1973 | $104 | −10.5% | −3.4% |
| 1972 | $66.88 | −2.1% | −4.0% |
| 1971 | $40.65 | −4.1% | +4.8% |
In the calendar in August
- The Fed's Jackson Hole symposium in late August.
Events that fall in the month; they do not explain any single year's move.
Gold by Month
Gold in August: FAQ
Is August a good month for gold?
Gold has risen in 59% of Augusts since 1971 (33 of 56), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +1.0%. August ranks 5 of 12 months by average change. In the last 10 years it rose 7 times. Seasonal patterns are not a reliable guide to any single year.
What was gold's best August?
1982, when gold rose 20.0%. The worst was 1973 (−10.5%).
What happens to gold in September after a higher August?
After gold ends August higher, September has risen 58% of the time since 1971 (19 of 33), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +2.3% and a median of +2.4%: no meaningful pattern.
What happens to gold in September after a lower August?
After gold ends August lower, September has risen 55% of the time since 1971 (12 of 22), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +0.6% and a median of +0.5%: no meaningful pattern.
History, not advice: past monthly patterns do not predict any single month. Data to 26 October 2026.
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For essays, articles and research. Prices on this page update daily, so the citations include today's date as the date you accessed it.
@misc{corgano2026goldinaugustevery, author = {{Corgano}}, title = {Gold in August: every August since 1971}, howpublished = {\url{https://goldprice.corgano.com/gold-in-august}}, year = {2026}, note = {Corgano Gold Price, accessed 2026-10-27}}