Where Is Hot in August? Best Summer Holiday Destinations for Families and Couples
Where is hot in August: Mediterranean hotspots, cooler Atlantic alternatives, long-haul picks and winter sun for Australians, with temperatures and peak-season booking tips.
Key takeaways
- August is the hottest and busiest month in most of the Mediterranean; sea temperatures peak at 25–28°C.
- For milder heat, choose the Canaries, Portugal, northern Spain, Madeira or the UK coast.
- Many Southeast Asian destinations are in their wet season, but Bali and Indonesia are dry.
- Last-minute deals are rare in August; book family stays early.
In this guide
August is the classic summer holiday month in the UK and Europe, with schools out and the whole continent on the move. The Mediterranean is at its hottest and the sea at its warmest. Here is where to find the sun, and how to avoid the worst of the crowds and heat.
Temperatures are approximate average daytime highs. Heatwaves can push them higher.
August sun at a glance
| Destination | Avg high (°C / °F) | Sea temp (°C) | Good from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek islands | 30–32 / 86–90 | 25–26 | UK, US, AU |
| Cyprus | 33–34 / 91–93 | 27–28 | UK |
| Southern Turkey | 34 / 93 | 27–28 | UK |
| Mallorca | 31 / 88 | 26 | UK |
| Costa del Sol | 30–31 / 86–88 | 23–24 | UK |
| Southern Italy and Sicily | 31 / 88 | 26 | UK, US |
| Croatia | 30 / 86 | 25 | UK, US |
| Algarve | 28–29 / 82–84 | 21 | UK |
| Canary Islands | 27–29 / 81–84 | 22–23 | UK |
| Madeira | 26 / 79 | 23 | UK |
| Bali | 30 / 86 | 27 | AU |
| Fiji | 27 / 81 | 25 | AU |
| Cairns | 27 / 81 | 24 | AU |
Best for warm sea swimming
The eastern Mediterranean, around Cyprus, southern Turkey, Rhodes and Crete, has the warmest water. Mallorca, Sicily and the Croatian coast are also excellent. These are ideal for families who spend all day in the sea.
Best for avoiding extreme heat
- Canary Islands: trade winds keep temperatures comfortable.
- Madeira and the Azores: mild, green and scenic.
- Algarve: hot days with Atlantic breezes; the sea is cooler.
- Northern Spain and Brittany: pleasant summer weather, excellent food.
- UK, Ireland and Scandinavia: long days, mild warmth, fewer heat worries.
Long-haul options
- Bali and Lombok: dry season, but peak demand from Australian and European travellers. See where to stay in Bali.
- Koh Samui: drier than Thailand's west coast in August.
- Mauritius and the Seychelles: winter there, so warm rather than hot, with calm seas in some areas.
- Canada and New England: pleasant summer.
- Caribbean: hot, but the heart of hurricane season begins; consider travel insurance and flexible bookings.
For Australian travellers
August is late winter in Australia, ideal for:
- Queensland's Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Far North. See where to stay on the Gold Coast.
- The Northern Territory's Top End.
- Bali, Fiji and Vanuatu.
- Europe's late summer, though crowded.
Peak-season hotel tips
- Book early. Family rooms, connecting rooms and sea views sell out. See family hotel tips.
- Expect minimum stays in some resorts.
- Check air conditioning and shade.
- Look for hotels away from nightlife if travelling with kids.
- Use refundable rates and track prices. See how to rebook when prices drop.
- Consider the last week of August when some European schools return and crowds start to thin.
Local August holidays to know
In Italy, Ferragosto on 15 August is a major holiday, and many Italians take the whole month off. Coastal resorts are packed while some city shops and restaurants close. France sees similar patterns, with beaches busy and Paris quieter.
Which August destination is right for you?
| If you want... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Warmest sea for families | Cyprus, Rhodes, Crete, southern Turkey |
| Comfortable warmth | Canary Islands, Madeira, Algarve |
| City culture with fewer locals | Paris, Rome (many locals on holiday) |
| Long-haul dry season | Bali, Lombok |
| Australian winter sun | Queensland, Top End, Fiji |
| Cooler adventure | Scotland, Norway, Iceland, Canada |
Sample August trips
| Trip | Plan |
|---|---|
| Family sea and sand | 10 nights in Rhodes or Crete |
| Comfortable sun | 7 nights in Lanzarote or Fuerteventura |
| City + coast | 3 nights Lisbon + 4 nights Algarve |
| Australia winter escape | 7 nights Whitsundays or Darwin + Kakadu |
| Long-haul | 12 nights Bali and the Gili Islands |
Avoiding August crowds
- Stay on quieter islands or smaller resorts.
- Visit famous sights at opening time or in the evening.
- Choose hotels a short walk from the main beach.
- Travel midweek to save on flights.
The bottom line
August is hot and busy across the Mediterranean, perfect for warm-sea swimming but expensive. For comfort, choose the Canaries, Madeira, the Algarve or northern Europe. Australians should head to Queensland, the Top End, Bali or Fiji. Book early and choose hotels with good air conditioning. Next: where is hot in September.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the warmest sea in Europe in August?
The eastern Mediterranean, around Cyprus, southern Turkey and the Greek islands, along with southern Italy and the Balearics, has some of the warmest water, often 26–28°C.
Where can I go in August that is not too hot?
The Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores, Portugal's Atlantic coast, northern Spain, Brittany, Ireland, Scotland and Scandinavia offer warm but more moderate temperatures.
Is August a good time to visit Asia?
It depends on the region. Bali and much of Indonesia are dry and sunny. Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines are in their wet seasons, though there are regional exceptions such as Koh Samui.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
