Best destinations to visit in August in Europe
Best destinations to visit in August in Europe
August is when much of Europe truly slows down, even as it remains one of the busiest and hottest months for travelers.
France in particular empties out in a very literal sense, as many Parisians leave the city for their own summer holidays, leaving some shops and restaurants closed for weeks. Southern Europe holds onto its hottest weather of the year, popular for beach travel despite the heat. The Mediterranean coast stays at peak capacity for most of the month, with resort towns fully booked well in advance. Northern Europe remains milder and greener, a comfortable alternative for travelers who want summer without the more intense heat further south. Temperatures begin to ease slightly in the final week or two, hinting at the autumn weather still a few weeks away.
The destinations on our list for Europe reflect that same range, from peak Mediterranean summer to cooler, quieter alternatives further north.
Lists by region
Region in Germany
Bavaria
Alps, castles, beer gardens and old towns
Stretching from the Alps to rolling farmland, this southern German state has lakes, castles and beer gardens. August days reach about 25 degrees Celsius, which suits swimming in alpine lakes and hiking near Neuschwanstein Castle. Beer gardens serve pretzels and roast pork under chestnut trees until late evening.
Island in Spain
Canary Islands
Spain's volcanic paradise year-round
A group of eight volcanic islands off the coast of Morocco, this Spanish archipelago has beaches, volcanoes and warm seas. August is dry and sunny with highs near 28 degrees Celsius and sea breezes keep the heat comfortable. Mount Teide on Tenerife rises 3,715 metres and Lanzarote has black lava fields at Timanfaya.
Island in Italy
Sicily
Sun, Sea and Ancient Secrets
Ferragosto on 15 August is a national holiday when Sicilian families picnic on the beach and towns hold processions. Seas reach about 26 degrees Celsius around the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna offers cooler hiking above 2,000 metres. The Greek temples at Agrigento and Selinunte are about 2,500 years old.
City in Denmark
Copenhagen
Scandi-cool vibes and world-class food
In early August the sun sets after 9 p.m. so evenings stay long and bright for cycling. Locals swim in clean harbour water at free harbour baths such as Islands Brygge and Kalvebod Waves. Tivoli Gardens, open since 1843, has old rides, concerts and fireworks on summer nights.
Country
Ireland
Emerald Isle of timeless charm
Celts, Vikings and Normans all left marks on this green island, from stone forts to walled towns. August days reach about 19 degrees Celsius with light until after 9 p.m., which suits road trips. The Cliffs of Moher rise up to 214 metres above the Atlantic and music sessions fill pubs in Doolin.
City in Belgium
Brussels
Europe's cozy capital of culture
Quirky, polite and a little surreal, this capital loves comics, beer and chocolate. Every second August a carpet of about 500,000 begonias covers the Grand Place for a few days. Comic strip murals cover building walls and stands sell waffles and fries on many corners of the centre.
City in Germany
Munich
Bavarian capital of beer gardens and museums
Cheerful and well organised, this Bavarian city mixes royal palaces with giant beer gardens and a surfing river. The English Garden has a beer garden by the Chinese Tower with room for about 7,000 guests. August days reach about 24 degrees Celsius which suits cycling to lakes around the city.
City in Austria
Vienna
A Symphony of Culture and Elegance
Once the capital of the Habsburg empire, this city of about two million people has grand palaces and coffee houses. August highs reach about 26 degrees Celsius and locals swim at Danube Island. The Film Festival at Rathausplatz shows opera and concert films on a giant screen each summer evening for free.
City in Sweden
Stockholm
Where islands, history and modernity meet
First mentioned in 1252, this island city still has a medieval core called Gamla Stan. August days reach about 21 degrees Celsius with daylight until about 9 p.m. early in the month. Ferries link the city with archipelago islands and the Vasa warship, which sank in 1628, sits in its own museum.
Country
Slovenia
Alpine beauty meets Adriatic charm
Small enough to cross in a few hours, this country still has Alps, lakes, caves and a short coast. Lake Bled has a small island church and the water reaches about 24 degrees Celsius in August. Postojna Cave stays near 10 degrees Celsius inside and a small train carries visitors underground.
City in United Kingdom
Edinburgh
History, Culture and Festival Fever
Compared with its quiet winter self, this hilly Scottish capital fills with performers and crowds each August. The Fringe stages thousands of shows in pubs, theatres and tents across the city. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo fills the castle esplanade with pipers and fireworks on August nights.
City in Spain
San Sebastián
Basque charm with beach vibes
Mid August brings Semana Grande, a week of concerts, street shows and a fireworks contest over the bay. La Concha beach curves around the bay with calm water and highs near 25 degrees Celsius. Pintxos, small snacks on bread, fill the bars of the old town every evening.
City in Estonia
Tallinn
Medieval charm meets modern innovation
Compact and full of fairy tale towers, this Baltic capital has a medieval old town. Town walls from the 1300s still have about 20 towers and Toompea hill looks over red roofs. August days reach about 21 degrees Celsius and long evenings suit outdoor cafes in Town Hall Square.
City in Spain
Bilbao
Basque culture meets bold design
Once a grey steel and shipbuilding city, this Basque port reinvented itself after the Guggenheim Museum opened in 1997. August highs are near 26 degrees Celsius which is far cooler than southern Spain. Aste Nagusia, the Big Week festival, fills the streets with concerts and fireworks around mid August.
City in Latvia
Riga
Art Nouveau, Old Town, Baltic Soul
The largest city in the Baltic states, this capital has about 600,000 people and a World Heritage old town. Hundreds of Art Nouveau buildings line streets such as Alberta Street. August highs reach about 22 degrees Celsius and the Central Market, held in old Zeppelin hangars, sells fresh berries.
City in Croatia
Split
Roman Ruins, Adriatic Vibes, Beaches
Built inside a Roman emperor's palace on the Adriatic, this port city has islands just offshore. August highs reach about 30 degrees Celsius and the sea is warm at about 25 degrees. Ferries reach the islands of Brac, Hvar and Vis and Bacvice beach is a short walk from the old centre.
City in Spain
Córdoba
A timeless blend of cultures
Locals shift life to the night in August when highs pass 36 degrees Celsius. The Mezquita, begun as a mosque in 785, has an evening light show in summer. Cool tiled patios fill after sunset and the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River glows at night.
National Park in Lithuania
Curonian Spit National Park
Dunes, Forests and Baltic Magic
August is the warmest month on this narrow sand strip, with Baltic water near 20 degrees Celsius. Sand dunes rise up to 60 metres and pine forest covers much of the strip. The strip is a World Heritage Site shared with Russia and Nida is a small fishing village with smoked fish.
Island in Spain
Formentera
Turquoise Waters and Bohemian Calm
Lying just south of Ibiza and reached by a short ferry, this flat island has long white beaches. Ses Illetes and Llevant beaches have shallow turquoise water that is often calm in August. August highs reach about 30 degrees Celsius and rental bikes reach the lighthouse at Cap de Barbaria.
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