August is peak summer in many places and a super popular time to go on holiday. The sun’s out, the temperature’s soaring and Europe in particular is practically glowing. It’s also the perfect time for families to travel as everyone’s settled into the school holidays.
Destination-wise, we’re looking at Spain, Italy, France and Malta in Europe. This continent is where it’s at for short-haul travel and some sun ASAP. But if you fancy going bigger, Dubai is seriously hot right now – you asked for it… Plus, you’re in for a treat with our plot twist this month if you’re willing to think outside the box. Either way, you can rely on solid temperatures in the high-20s, minimum. That’s what summer’s all about.
So, here’s your guide to the best places that are hot in August. If you’ve already spied your pick, then don’t wait for us… check out our deals page.
Spain
Hottest pick – Costa del Sol
Of course, it had to be Spain. The UK’s fave holiday destination is an absolute classic for summer, and the Costa del Sol runs along its south coast to claim the sunniest spot. This destination is hot all over at this time, but temperatures average a toasty 31°C down here and the beaches are a real hit with families. Come for the long sandy stretches, cobbled old towns and fresh seafood. Malaga’s the foodie hotspot in these parts and is giving both beach and city break. Torremolinos and Benalmadena keep you close to waterpark fun, and Estepona’s a sleepy town full of pretty white buildings and blooming flowers.
August is also the warmest you’ll get in Spain’s Basque Country. Places like San Sebastian and Bilbao are hitting 26°C, so this is the time to go. There’s great surf, unreal cheesecake – trust us on this one – and stunning architecture. What’s not to love?
Italy
Hottest pick – the Italian lakes
Italy is another Euro summer winner and where better to bask in the sun and cool off with dip than the Italian lakes? You fly to Milan, which is already averaging 30°C this month. Take a night to explore the city or head straight to your waterside town of choice. Lake Garda is hitting 29°C, or Menaggio on Lake Como is slightly cooler at 27°C. These two names are often pitted against each other but generally, Lake Como is considered a luxury pick, while Garda is the biggest and can be a bit busier, with a theme park and watersports on offer.
Lake Levico is a bit of a curve ball – it’s super small and much less well known than many of the others. But it’s one of the warmest and clearest in Italy. Temperatures get to around 30°C over here and the mineral-rich water flows down from the mountains, so bear this place in mind, too.
France
Hottest pick – the French Riviera
Picture a glass of pale rosé in the sun – sold. The south of France hovers around 28°C in August and doesn’t the A-list crowd know it… Places like Cannes, St Tropez and Nice are prime celebrity holiday destinations, flaunting luxury yachts and royal palaces. Soak up the summer rays on an offshore boat party or pop some corks at a boujie bar along the port. Monaco’s another hotspot, hosting probably the most anticipated Formula One race of the season and famous for being the former home of Grace Kelly. Hollywood just loves the Cote d’Azur.
Malta
Malta takes you even further south than Sicily but definitely doesn’t attract the same crowds at this time of year. This island backs an average temperature of 32°C in August but it’s still a bit up-and-coming as a summer destination of choice. Valletta’s Europe’s smallest capital city but it’s got its Grand Harbour, Grandmaster’s Palace and open-air market that deliver on city break sites big time. Malta’s not known for many sandy beaches but Mellieha Bay in the north is a Blue Flag spot to catch those rays. Or, along St Paul’s Bay there’s a string of platforms to sunbathe on, where you won’t bring half the beach home with you.
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Dubai, UAE
If these picks are just feeling like a medium heat for you so far, Dubai is extra hot. This desert metropolis is a whopping 42°C around August, so the factor 50 is out in full force and everyone’s headed for the city’s boujie beach clubs. Luckily, unlike the UK, Dubai is literally built to handle extreme heat. The air-con hits different here and blasts in the shopping centres, hotels, restaurants and bars to keep you cool. Outside, the swimming pools and shady cabanas of Nikki Beach are where it’s at. If you’re a die-hard sun lover, head here – there aren’t as many of you as you might think, so crowds actually thin out over summer in the UAE.
Plot twist…
Mexico’s Caribbean Coast
So, August is actually rainy season on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, but you still get around eight hours of sunshine a day and all this talk about wet weather scares away the big crowds – shhh. Any showers tend to be heavy but short, so as long as you can shelter in a bar or restaurant until it passes, it’s actually not a big problem. The temperature is around 28°C, so sunbathing is still on the cards, and you’ll spend less on travel and accommodation thanks to it being outside peak season.
Check out Cancun and anywhere along the Riviera Maya to tick off Mexico for less this month. Even Mexico City is a similar story – just cooler in the evenings – if you’re looking to combine trips.
Ready to turn it up for August? Check out our holidays to narrow down your perfect pick.
Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.
Author: Lily Owen
Last updated: 28/06/2024
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