Where is hot in August?

1. Costa del Sol, Spain

Weather

It’s safe to say that summer has well and truly arrived by the time August comes around in the Costa del Sol. With its combination of 29°C heat and 11 hours of sunshine, it’s a great time to hit this sunny coast. There’s no better time to laze on its Blue Flag beaches with rainfall non-existent and sea waters at their highest temperatures.

It’s also a great time to take advantage of the region’s alfresco dining spots, with evenings rarely dropping below 15°C, which means you can sit outdoors without reaching for your jacket.

Why go?

With more golf courses than anywhere else in Europe and the birthplace of world-famous painter Pablo Picasso, Spain’s Costa del Sol has a lot to show for itself. When you’re not wandering its whitewashed old towns, you’re bound to be hitting its 150-kilometre coastline, which comes decorated with Blue Flag beaches.

It’s resorts are so diverse too, whether you choose to explore one of the world’s oldest cities with a trip to Malaga, party hard in the beach clubs of Marbella or admire the incredible natural beauty of Ronda, whose gorge is the city’s starring attraction. It’s also celebrated for its overload of family attractions ranging from waterparks to zoo containing all kinds of wildlife.

Best beaches

Playa Puerto Banus

Playa de Maro

Playa Torreblanca 

Playa El Bajondillo

Benalmadena Marina Beach

La Malagueta

Best things to do?

Nerja Caves

Picasso Museum

El Tajo Gorge

Marbella beach clubs

Crocodile Park

Aqualand Waterpark

Sun fact: The Costa del Sol has one of the best climates in mainland Spain with at least 300 days of sunshine every year and its winters are the mildest in Europe.

Flight time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Best for? Beaches, nightlife and families

Best hotels

Marconfort Griego Hotel: In the heart of Torremolinos, this compact hotel has everything you need in one place with a good-sized pool, a buffet restaurant and fully equipped rooms with a private balcony. There’s also free Wi-Fi when you want to stay connected on your travels.

Estival Torrequebrada: In the family hotspot of Benalmadena has a flashy seafront position with a choice of swanky poolsides gazing on the Mediterranean. There’s something to suit all ages, from its attached splash park perfect for water-loving little ones and an onsite casino when adults fancy a flutter. 

2. Majorca

Weather

Qawra doesn’t tend to suffer from extreme weather changes, but with temperatures reaching their peak in August you could be soaking up 30°C heat during the day without worrying about the threat of rain with just 6mm falling over one day expected.

There’s no need to pack a jacket either with evening temperatures falling no lower than 22°C! With snorkelling adventures at your fingertips, you’ll be able to enjoy lengthy underwater experiences thanks to the month’s toasty 27°C waters.

Why go?

This thriving seaside resort in the north of Malta has everything you could possibly need for a beach holiday with its promenade lined with eating spots, towering hotels positioned close to the shore and a helping of watersports when you fancy some fast-paced fun. It’s also celebrated for its lidos, a great option if you fancy a change from the coast.

You’re also in a prime spot for exploring with well-known spots such as Bugibba, St Paul’s Bay and Salina on your doorstep. The after-dark scene in Qawra is worth staying up for, but neighbouring Bugibba is much livelier with a main square teeming with bars.

Best beaches

Qawra Point Beach

Buġibba Perched Beach

Ix-Xtajta tal-Qawra

Mellieha Bay

Best things to do?

Qawra Watch Tower

Malta National Aquarium

Classic Car Museum

Bugibba

St Paul’s Island

Sun fact: The highest recorded temperature in Qawra during August is a sweltering 44°C.

Flight time: 3 hours and 10 minutes

Best for: Beaches, Snorkelling and day trips

Best hotels

Seashells Resort at Suncrest: This All Inclusive property is celebrated for its position in St Paul’s Bay. There’s two pool when you fancy a dip alongside kid’s options perfect for little paddlers. On the dining front, you have five restaurants to choose from with a gastropub, a sea view option serving pasta and pizza as well as buffet packed with international stations.

Soreda Hotel: Sandwiched between Bugibba and the  village of St. Paul’s Bay, this 4 star hotel has a sought-after location. Rooms have a traditional yet elegant feel, while its duo of pools will help cool you down on Malta’s hottest days. The rooftop number is a must-visit when you want to combine sunbathing with impressive views.

3. Majorca

Weather

August in Majorca was made for one thing – sunbathing. As the island’s hottest month with maximum temperatures reaching 30°C, save those hiking and cycling expeditions for the spring. It’s also extremely humid with levels rising to 70%, so make sure you consume plenty of water.

If you’re looking to cool off, Majorca’s six waterparks are the perfect day trip option, while the coast is just as favourable with welcoming breezes coming from the sea. You can also take advantage of lengthy days with 10 hours worth of sunbathing.

Why go?

Best known for its abundance of Blue flag shores, from idyllic coves concealed by greenery to lengthy sands with a string of amenities and family-friendly waters – Majorca caters to every kind of beach-goer. 

It’s also recognised for its striking good looks with scenic hiking trails dotted across its landscape, not to mention its framed by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage status. There’s a slice of action for everyone here, whether you choose to hit the neon-lit strip in Magaluf, get lost among the Gothic architecture of its capital Palma or dine in marina side restaurants in the upmarket Portals Nous.

Best beaches

Playa de Alcudia

Cala Gran

Cala Formentor

Palma Nova Beach

Cala Millor

Es Trenc

Best things to do?

Alcudia’s Old Town

Monastery of Valldemossa

Palma Cathedral

Cuevas del Drac & Cuevas dels Hams

Katmandu Park

Magaluf Strip

Sun fact: Majorca boasts a year-round average temperature of 21°C along its coast

Flight time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Best for: Short haul, beaches, nightlife and families

Best hotels

Intertur Hotel Hawaii Mallorca & Suites: Designed with families and couples in mind, this hotel in Palma Nova is a great choice if you’re looking to relax with its tranquil bay views, which can be seen from its main building. You can also take advantage of private sea access, an international buffet and an outdoor gym.

Bellevue Club: In the well-known resort of Alcudia, sits this well-rounded hotel. Everyone is catered for from its pool areas to its mini golf and spacious room options. There’s also a choice of dining spots onsite, alongside a buffet you’ll find a pizzeria and a la carte specialising in Mediterranean fare.

4. Turkey

Weather

August is extremely hot in Turkey, which is perfect if you’re coming to relax along its Turquoise Coast. You can expect daily maximums of 33°C, which can increase further if you country is experiencing a heat wave. If you’re planning on sightseeing during the summer, we suggest doing so on a morning when the temperatures haven’t reached their peak.

Beach days are a given at this time of year with the coasts 28°C waters cooling you down during that intense midday heat. Plus, rain clouds are extremely rare with just 10mm of participation across the month. You don’t have to worry about squeezing everything in either, with 11 hours of sunshine guaranteed daily, there’s plenty of time to explore this beguiling country.

Why go?

Turkey manages to enchant everyone who visits, whether you come here to dive into its fascinating culture, make a trip to its spice markets or discover its ancient civilisations. It has an impressive set of sand spots too, from one of the most photographed shores in Mediterranean alongside the aptly named ‘Turtle Beach’ which is famed for its rare Loggerhead sightings.

Marmaris takes the crown for its nightlife offerings, while Bodrum shows off the country’s classy side. It’s also packed with historical treasures including Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. And its terrain couldn’t get much more diverse, one minute you could be admiring the fairytale-like scenes of Cappadocia, and the next you could be standing between the magnificent structures of Istanbul.

Best beaches

Blue Lagoon

Cleopatra’s Beach 

İztuzu Beach

Cirali Beach

Patara Beach

Kaputas Beach

Best things to do?

Ephesus

Cappadocia

Bodrum Castle

Atlantis Marmaris Waterpark

Blue Mosque

Izmir Wildlife Park

Sun fact: There are some distinct differences in Turkey’s climate from region to region. Its coastal spots enjoy milder climates, while its inland areas experience drier weather. Istanbul, on the other hand, has a moderate climate with warm summers and winters which can drop below zero.

Flight time: 4 hours

Best for: Beaches, short haul, shopping and  All Inclusive 

Best hotels

Labranda Mares Marmaris: When you’re not admiring you’re pine forest meets sea surroundings, you could be retiring to your deluxe room, which comes fitted with stylish furnishings and a balcony or terrace. Kids will love the outdoor swimming pool featuring waterslides while older guests will appreciate the wellness centre where you can enjoy treatments such as a bubble massage.

Delphin Imperial: This mammoth hotel in the sought-after Lara Beach area is a family favourite, and it’s easy to see why when you rock up to find an impressive onsite waterpark, a sprawling pool scene and an All Inclusive plus programme which comes with a list of restaurants. Not to mention, it comes with a premium seafront locati

5. Hersonissos, Crete

Weather

As the hottest month of the year, you can expect temperatures to climb during August with average highs of 28°C in Hersonissos. And there’s plenty of time to enjoy the sun-filled climate with 13 hours of sunshine each day.

You’re also in the island’s dry period, so your chances of showers are extremely slim, so you don’t have to worry about being rained off the beach. The humidity levels also start to rise as you near the end of the month, this is when you will see more and more people hitting the coast. Waters are also at their warmest during August, but they’re still make for refreshing dips when you want to escape the midday heat.

Why go?

Found on Greece’s biggest island, Hersonissos is one of Crete’s most popular resorts. Big on nights out, everyone is catered for with beach clubs promising daytime partying, child-friendly bars welcoming the whole family and sophisticated drinking spots dotted along the waterfront. 

There’s a choice of shores too, but Star Beach is the main attraction with its extensive collection of watersports and waterslides. When you’re not soaking up its modern lures, you’ve got a wealth of ancient attractions within driving distance such as the classical charms of Rethymnon and the Minoan palace Knossos.

Best Beaches

Star Beach 

Anissaras Beach

Chersonissos Beach

Aghia Marina Beach

Best things to do?

Acqua Plus Waterpark

Port of Hersonissos

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre

The Crete Golf Club

Lychnostatis Open Air Museum

Sun fact: The hottest temperature recorded in Hersonissos during this month is 37°C, so make sure you pack plenty of high factor sun cream just incase.

Flight time: 3 hours and 55 minutes

Best for: Beaches, nightlife, watersports and day trips

Best hotels

Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa: Living up to its 5 star status this hotel is big on choice with six restaurants, five bars and two pools. You’ve also got access to a private patch of sand offering the ultimate exclusive sunbathing experience. Rooms have a royal feel with gold touches and statement furnishings, while there’s a spa on hand to make sure you’re looking and feeling great. 

City Green Hotel: This modern looking property is just inches away from the sand and comes with an adults only status. Its pool is its main feature artificial grass surroundings and scattering of sunloungers. As for dining, there’s a buffet restaurant covering all of your main meals with some snack options in between.

6. Croatia

Weather

Sweltering temperatures are guaranteed in Croatia if you’re looking to travel during August. Days can reach the mid 30s, with some spots peaking at 40°C. What’s more, you have 14 plus sunlight hours to play with as the sun doesn’t set until after 8pm, so there’s plenty of opportunity to hop from island to island.

One of the best things about August is the rare rainfall with a 25% chance of showers throughout the month. Evening temperatures can drop considerably, but they shouldn’t fall any lower than 17°C.

Why go?

Croatia is a fantastic alternative to Europe hotspots like Spain and Italy with over 1,000 islands to call its own and striking natural beauty with nature parks housing majestic lakes and spectacular waterfalls. But its biggest draw has to be the Old Town of Dubrovnik, whose Medieval walls loop the city, offering unbeatable panoramas of the surrounding Adriatic Sea.

You’ll also find ancient must-sees in Split and Pula, from a Roman amphitheatre to a palace dating back to the 4th century AD. It’s also known for its idyllic beaches, which are celebrated for their white pebbles hidden rocks and olive tree backdrops. Its stunning terrain has gained popularity from its starring role in Game of Thrones and Mamma Mia.

Best beaches

Zlatni Rat

Uvala Dubovica

Banje

Nugal Beach

Stiniva Beach

Best things to do?

Dubrovnik Old Town Walls

Krka National Park

Pula Coliseum

Diocletian Palace

Elafiti Islands

Plitvice Lakes

Sun fact:  Croatia is often divided into three climatic regions, winters can get cold in the north, while its central spots have an alpine climate thanks to its towering forests and the Adriatic coast has typical Mediterranean climate which consists of mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

Flight time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Best for: Beaches, sightseeing and kayaking

Best hotels

Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel: Within easy reach to the medieval charms of Dubrovnik, you can’t go far wrong with stays at this hotel. What’s more, you have a beach on hand when you fancy a dip as well as views of the Elaphiti Islands. Everything about this property screams contemporary, from its high-quality furnishings to its Finnish sauna and alfresco dining spots. But the glossy pool takes centre stage with its serene scenic surroundings and chic loungers.

Admiral Grand Hotel: This hotel is a great pick if you want to be set among Croatia’s scenic surroundings with a position in the laid-back village of Slano, but close enough to Dubrovnik’s busy streets when you fancy a change of pace. There’s a pool overlooking the sea and dominating mountains as well as a beach eatery, pastry shop and buffet. Spend your days on your multi-sports court, before hitting the lobby bar for incredible sunset vistas.