Renew Your AWS Lambda Runtimes (Python 3.8 EoS)

What’s Going On

AWS has announced that the Python 3.8 runtime for Lambda reached its end of support on October 14, 2024. After this date, AWS no longer provides security patches or updates for Python 3.8 functions. Your code may still run, but it becomes a security and compliance risk.

Note: Unsupported runtimes can still execute temporarily, but AWS may restrict new updates or deployments later.

Why It Matters

• 🔒 Security: No patches mean vulnerabilities remain unaddressed.
• 📉 Reliability: Deprecated runtimes may cause instability or deployment errors.
• 🚀 Performance: Newer versions (like Python 3.11) offer better cold-start performance.
• ⚙️ Tooling Support: Older runtimes may disappear from AWS Console or CLI creation options.

Action Plan

1. Identify which functions use python3.8.
2. Update dependencies and test compatibility with Python 3.11 or newer.
3. Deploy updated versions and monitor logs for errors.
4. Document the upgrade and set reminders for future runtime deprecations.

AWS CLI Tip:
aws lambda list-functions --query "Functions[?Runtime=='python3.8'].[FunctionName,Runtime]" --output table

Key Takeaways

• End-of-support date: October 14, 2024
• Update to Python 3.11+ for long-term stability.
• Unsupported runtimes can lead to compliance issues and potential outages.

Conclusion

If you’re still using Python 3.8 on AWS Lambda, migrate as soon as possible. Staying updated ensures better security, faster cold starts, and smooth operations for your workloads.

Keep your cloud stack healthy — renew your Lambda runtime today!