Best Beach Destinations in August 2026: Sun, Sea and Fewer Crowds

Everyone wants to get away in August, but we all picture something slightly different. Looking for the right spot? We’re happy to help — whether you dream of sun-drenched beaches with azure sea or dramatic mountain panoramas, in August you can do pretty much anything you can think of. That’s exactly why we’ve rounded up the best beach destinations in August — 10 tips on where to head this month.

10 Best Beach Destinations in August

If you’re planning your holiday for August, we’ve put together 10 tips on where to go — including recommendations for great, well-rated places to stay in each destination.

Where is it warmest in August: sea temperature table

Most holiday articles work with numbers straight out of tour operator brochures. We did it differently. We calculated air temperatures, the number of rainy days and the length of sunshine from the ERA5 climate reanalysis over ten years (2015 to 2024), and sea temperatures from an ocean model for 2019 to 2024. These are real averages you can verify for yourself.

The table is sorted from the warmest sea, so the top rows are a sure thing and the bottom third is more of a lottery. In August the lead goes to Dubai 34.5 °C, Ha Long (Vietnam) 31.9 °C, Marsa Alam 31.1 °C.

If the sea isn’t really your thing and you’d rather be on your feet, this second table shows where the temperature this month is ideal for cities, hikes and sightseeing.

💡 Tip: In August the sea is the warmest it gets all year, but you pay for it in crowds and prices. Browse the current accommodation offers well in advance — in August the best hotels sell out months ahead.

A quick summary if you don’t have time to read the whole thing

• Greece: Crystal-clear sea, white-washed villages, temperatures 30–35 °C, ideal for families and couples, superb food
• Cape Verde: An exotic mix of African and Portuguese influences, steady sunny weather, temperatures around 28 °C, a paradise for surfers
• Croatia: Easy to reach by car, crystal-clear sea, historic towns, national parks, temperatures around 30 °C
• Turkey: Top-notch all-inclusive at friendly prices, sandy beaches, temperatures up to 35 °C, rich history
• Maldives: Luxury islands with white beaches, turquoise water, abundant marine life, temperatures around 30 °C
• Italy: Variety from beaches to lakes, superb cuisine, historic cities, temperatures 30+ °C, easy to reach
• Northern Thailand: Authentic culture, temples, mountain villages, night markets, temperatures 30–32 °C with occasional showers
• Sri Lanka: A combination of beaches, safaris, historic towns and nature, temperatures around 30 °C, rich culture
• Iceland: Ideal for nature lovers — waterfalls, geysers, thermal springs, a pleasant 14 °C and long days
• Montenegro: Beautiful beaches, dramatic mountains, historic towns, friendly prices, temperatures around 28 °C
• For families with kids we recommend Croatia or Italy, for an active holiday Iceland or northern Thailand, and the cheapest are Montenegro, Bulgaria and Turkey.

💡TIP: If you’re looking for a nice package deal through a tour operator, take a look at booking platforms like Booking.com.

Greece

Greece is a summer-holiday classic, and no wonder. The combination of crystal-clear sea, idyllic white villages, rich history and superb food makes it a destination with something for every type of traveller. August is peak season in Greece, so you can count on high temperatures, minimal rainfall and perfect swimming conditions.

Whether you choose mainland Greece or one of the islands like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Skiathos or magical Santorini, you’ll be met with warm local hospitality, wonderful food and unforgettable experiences.

Temperatures in August hover around 30–35 °C and the sea is warmed to a pleasant 26 °C. If you fancy mixing relaxation with a bit of sightseeing, don’t miss one of the ancient sites or a traditional Greek village tucked away in the hills.

Where to stay: Try the Skiathos Holiday Resort or Arina Beach Resort

Cape Verde

The Cape Verde islands are an ideal destination if you want a taste of the exotic in August. While summer tends to be dominated by European seaside spots, Cape Verde is a refreshing change. These islands off the coast of West Africa are a year-round paradise thanks to stable sunny weather and a warm ocean.

Each island has its own distinct character — from the sandy beaches of Sal, through the mountain scenery of Santo Antão, to the lively cultural scene of Santiago. Cape Verde is also known for its blend of African and Portuguese influences, reflected in the music, food and architecture.

August temperatures here sit around a pleasant 28 °C, while the ocean reaches 25 °C. Thanks to the steady wind, Cape Verde is also a paradise for surfers and windsurfing fans.

Where to stay: Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa

Croatia

Croatia is a fixture among favourite summer destinations, and in August it delivers the very best: crystal-clear sea, pebble beaches with turquoise water, historic towns and national parks.

Croatia’s big advantage is how easy it is to reach — you can comfortably drive here, which is ideal for families with kids or anyone who wants to stay flexible during the trip. Whether you pick Istria, Dalmatia or one of the gorgeous islands like Hvar, Brač or Korčula, you’ll get a mix of nature, history and excellent food.

August temperatures in Croatia hover around 30 °C, with the sea at a pleasant 25 °C. If you’re after a more active holiday, you can combine beach time with trips to national parks like Plitvice Lakes, Kamenjak or Krka.

Where to stay: Try Locus Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik), Lakeside Hotel Plitvice (Plitvice Lakes) or Residence Kamenjak Premantura (Kamenjak).

Turkey

The Turkish Riviera is one of the most popular summer-holiday destinations. Turkey offers a combination of gorgeous beaches, rich history and luxurious all-inclusive hotels — all at very friendly prices.

Areas like Antalya, Alanya, Belek and Bodrum are known for their sandy beaches and crystal-clear sea. Turkish hotels pride themselves on top-quality service, excellent all-inclusive concepts and a wide range of activities for kids and adults alike.

In August you can look forward to temperatures around 35 °C and a sea warmed to a pleasant 27 °C. Beyond relaxing on the beach, it’s worth heading out on one of the organised excursions — whether to historic sites, natural wonders or traditional Turkish markets.

Where to stay: In Antalya we recommend Mediterra Art Hotel Antalya and in Alanya Oba Star Hotel.

Maldives

The Maldives are a byword for luxury and the perfect exotic getaway. Although they’re often associated with honeymoons, this archipelago in the Indian Ocean has unforgettable experiences to offer every traveller. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water and incredible marine life make the Maldives a true paradise on earth.

August in the Maldives is the southwest monsoon season, which means occasional showers — but also fewer tourists and better prices. Temperatures hover around 30 °C, the same as the sea, which means ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Every resort in the Maldives sits on its own island and offers a unique experience — from overwater bungalows and top-class spa services to fine dining. For lovers of marine life, there’s an incredible variety of corals, tropical fish, turtles, rays and other sea creatures to see.

Where to stay: Kandima Maldives

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in August

6 places to stay — wellness hotels, resorts and more

⭐ TOP PICK 🌲 Resort

Skiathos Holiday Resort

A resort on the Greek island of Skiathos, ideal for a holiday in Greece with beautiful sea and a relaxed atmosphere.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏖️ Beach

Arina Beach Resort

A beach resort in Greece offering quality accommodation with sea views and direct beach access.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa

A luxury resort in Cape Verde with beach access and spa services, ideal for relaxing by the ocean.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Locus Dubrovnik

Accommodation in historic Dubrovnik, an ideal base for exploring this beautiful Croatian city.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Lakeside Hotel Plitvice

A hotel by the Plitvice Lakes, perfect for visitors to this national park with its beautiful waterfalls and lakes.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏡 Guesthouse/B&B

Residence Kamenjak Premantura

A residence near the Kamenjak nature park, with a beautiful coastline and clear sea.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability

Italy

Italy in August is the embodiment of a Mediterranean summer, with everything that comes with it. Gorgeous beaches along the coast, historic cities steeped in culture, superb cuisine and that “dolce vita” way of life.

Italy offers incredible variety: from the sandy beaches of Sardinia and Sicily, through the picturesque towns of the Amalfi Coast, to the northern lakes like Lake Garda, where you can swim, head into the mountains or visit the Gardaland theme park. Another plus is how easy it is to reach by car, which families with kids especially appreciate.

August temperatures in Italy reach 30 °C and above, with the sea pleasantly warm at 28 °C. Keep in mind that August is when many Italians take their holidays (especially around the Ferragosto public holiday on 15 August), so some local businesses may be closed and tourist spots more crowded.

Where to stay: Try the Palace Hotel by Lake Garda or Hotel La Ninfa on the Amalfi Coast.

Northern Thailand

While southern Thailand with popular beach spots like Phuket or Koh Samui hits the rainy season in August, the north of the country offers a more pleasant climate and unique cultural experiences. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the former capital of the Lanna kingdom are ideal places to discover authentic Thai culture.

Northern Thailand will charm you with ancient temples, traditional hill-tribe villages, rice terraces and stunning nature. In August you can expect temperatures around 30–32 °C with occasional afternoon showers.

Don’t miss the night markets in Chiang Mai, where you can sample Thai specialities at very friendly prices. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to trek to the Karen or Hmong hill tribes, or to visit an elephant sanctuary.

Where to stay: Riva Vista Riverfront Resort Chiang Rai or Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island of contrasts that packs an incredible variety of experiences into a relatively small area. August is the ideal time to visit the southern and western parts of the island, where you can combine relaxing on gorgeous beaches with discovering nature and a rich cultural history.

In Sri Lanka you can pack a lot into a single trip — a safari in Yala National Park, where you’ll spot elephants, leopards and other wildlife in the open; a climb up sacred Adam’s Peak; exploring the ancient city of Kandy; or simply sunbathing on the sandy beaches of the south coast.

August temperatures in Sri Lanka hover around 30 °C, with the sea at a pleasant 28 °C. Humidity is higher, but along the coast it’s tempered by a pleasant sea breeze.

Where to stay: Ravana Garden

Iceland

If high summer temperatures aren’t for you and you long for an active holiday in nature, Iceland is the perfect choice in August. This Nordic island offers views you won’t find anywhere else in the world — from mighty waterfalls, through geysers and thermal springs, to glaciers and black-sand volcanic beaches.

August is one of the best months to visit Iceland — the days are long, temperatures are pleasant (around 14 °C) and most roads and trails are open. That means you can explore the country to the fullest, whether you drive the famous Ring Road or set off on treks into the interior.

Don’t miss iconic waterfalls like Skógafoss or Gullfoss, relaxing in the thermal waters of the Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon, and whale watching off the north coast. Anyone hungry for endless adventure will love hiking in national parks like Þórsmörk or Landmannalaugar.

Where to stay: Hótel Vellir

Montenegro

Montenegro is a small country with huge potential for an unforgettable holiday. It offers the perfect combination of beautiful Adriatic beaches, mountains and rich history. The August weather here is ideal for both swimming and hiking.

Montenegro’s coast is dotted with beautiful beaches and historic towns, such as Budva with its Old Town or the Bay of Kotor, the southernmost fjord in Europe. Head inland and you’ll find the Durmitor mountains with their national park, the Tara River canyon and plenty of other natural wonders.

In August, temperatures along the Montenegrin coast hover around 28 °C, with the sea at a pleasant 25 °C. Another plus is the friendly price level compared with other European destinations.

Where to stay: Casa Mia (Budva)

More August beach destinations we didn’t want to leave out

August has the warmest sea of the whole year right across Europe and its surroundings, so if you’re dreaming of long swims without your teeth chattering, your odds are excellent. Travellers agree that in many places the water feels more like a thermal spa, which is ideal for families with young children and anyone who loves warm waves.

The main difference between destinations therefore comes down mostly to whether you’ll be queuing for a free sun lounger and squeezing in at the snack bar. This is when high season peaks across every country, so choosing your spot cleverly is absolutely key to actually enjoying your time off in peace.

Cyprus

The island of love draws visitors with rock-solid sunny weather that in summer stays practically cloudless — and the data backs it up. In the popular resort of Ayia Napa daytime temperatures climb to 32.2 °C and the sea hits an incredible 29.8 °C, while historic Paphos offers a slightly more bearable 30.7 °C during the day with water at 28.8 °C. Local averages show just 0.3 to 0.7 rainy days for the entire month, so you can enjoy almost thirteen hours of pure sunshine a day.

More experienced travellers do warn about the fairly extreme heat, though — in popular Larnaca, for example, August temperatures routinely top 33 °C. If you’re planning to explore ancient sites or set off on hikes into the interior, do all your excursions early in the morning to avoid the scorching midday sun. After lunch it’s far better to rest in the shade with a cold drink — or read our detailed tips for a holiday in Cyprus, packed with plenty more practical information.

💡 Where to stay: Nissiblu Beach Resort in Ayia Napa.

Malta

This tiny island nation in the Mediterranean is famous for its historic towns full of honey-coloured stone houses and narrow lanes that positively radiate heat in summer. During August you’ll get average daytime temperatures around 30.3 °C, and the nights stay very balmy at around 25.3 °C, so all you’ll need for evening strolls is a light dress. Tourists also rave about the water, because the sea warms to a gorgeous 27.8 °C and offers superb conditions for snorkelling or exploring hidden caves along the rugged coastline.

Although the odd cloud reportedly shows up now and then, with an average of 1.4 rainy days a month, the sun shines a generous 12.5 hours a day and guarantees a lovely bronze tan. Locals often recommend heading over to the neighbouring islands of Gozo and Comino for a swim, home to the iconic Blue Lagoon, even if it does get pretty busy there in high season. To plan the whole trip perfectly, you’ll definitely appreciate our comprehensive guide to a holiday in Malta, which will help you discover the lesser-known beaches away from the biggest crowds.

💡 Where to stay: The Embassy Valletta Hotel in Valletta.

Albania: the cheapest warm sea

This Balkan beauty has been landing on the radar of many adventurers in recent years, gradually becoming a huge hit for everyone looking for a more affordable alternative to the traditional southern European resorts. The south of the country offers gorgeous daytime temperatures reaching 31.9 °C in the Ksamil and Saranda areas, while the night-time air drops to a more comfortable 22.1 °C, so you’ll sleep beautifully. The Ionian Sea here sits at a friendly 26.9 °C and its crystal-clear colour reportedly rivals the Caribbean, making it an ideal spot for family fun in the waves.

Rainfall here is absolutely minimal in August, with statistics showing just 3.2 rainy days a month, and you can instead enjoy nearly 13 hours of bright sunshine every day. According to many reviews, it’s worth renting a car and exploring the more remote coves along the coast, where you’ll find a calmer atmosphere and fantastic little taverns with excellent vegetarian food. If this cheaper summer-getaway option has caught your eye, definitely read up on how to snag cheap flights to Albania, because booking early will save you a good chunk of the family budget.

Bulgaria

The Black Sea coast still holds its status as a hugely popular destination, drawing thousands of tourists with wide sandy beaches and exceptionally friendly prices for services and dining. The famous Sunny Beach, for example, boasts average daytime temperatures of 29.3 °C in August, which is a slightly kinder climate than the sweltering south of Europe, and a sea warmed to 26.1 °C invites endless splashing about. With night-time values around 20.4 °C, the nights are pleasantly cool, so you’ll recover after a full day in the sun without even switching on the air conditioning.

Although the odd summer shower may fall here, averaging around 4.5 rainy days, the sun shines a lovely 12.7 hours a day and more than makes up for it. For those of you looking for complete, worry-free comfort with no cooking, it’s definitely worth exploring the options for all-inclusive Bulgaria, because the local hotels offer great value for money. It’s also good to know in advance how prices in Bulgaria stack up, so you can calmly plan your budget for souvenirs and trips to the surrounding historic towns.

💡 Where to stay: Wave Resort in Pomorie.

Sardinia and Corsica

These two neighbouring islands are an absolute paradise for lovers of turquoise water and jagged sea cliffs that create stunning scenery for photography. On Italy’s Sardinia, August temperatures climb to 31.7 °C and the sea hits a great 27 °C, while France’s Corsica is a touch cooler with daytime highs of 30.2 °C and water at 26.3 °C. Both islands offer plenty of sunshine, averaging 12.6 hours a day, and only minimal rainfall, which makes them a perfect choice for beach loungers and active travellers alike.

I do have to warn you firmly, though: August is exactly when the national Italian and French holidays fall on both islands, so an incredible number of locals descend here. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to book ferries and all accommodation many months in advance, because capacity tends to be hopelessly sold out and prices soar to astronomical heights. If you do decide to go anyway, our detailed road-trip guide to Sardinia by car or the handy tips for mountainous Corsica will be a big help, with plenty of advice for handling the summer crowds.

Spain and Portugal

The Iberian Peninsula hides an endless number of gorgeous spots, each offering a slightly different type of summer adventure. Spain’s Costa Blanca, centred on Alicante, boasts daytime temperatures of a flat 30 °C and an exceptionally warm Mediterranean that, at 28.5 °C, feels like a giant heated pool. Portugal’s Algarve coast, by contrast, is washed by the wilder Atlantic, so while it’s a gorgeous 29.2 °C on land with minimal rain, the water is just 21.5 °C and provides a very refreshing contrast to the baking sand.

Both regions enjoy plenty of sunshine, usually around twelve and a half hours a day, and buzz with life in the form of evening markets, excellent tapas bars and street performers. According to many travellers, the Portuguese south is absolutely magical thanks to its breathtaking cliffs, best admired by setting off on a road trip along the Algarve. But if you prefer calmer swimming in warm waves without a wetsuit, the far better choice for you will be Alicante and the Costa Blanca, where you can warm up to your heart’s content.

Where to escape the crowds and heat in August

Summers in Central Europe have become so gruelling in recent years that the thought of sweating on yet another packed beach can frighten a lot of people rather than tempt them to relax. Extreme heat and the ever-present crowds of tourists in southern destinations simply aren’t for everyone.

Luckily, August can be tackled in two very elegant ways that will reliably clear your head. Either you pack warmer jumpers and head off in search of peace and quiet toward the cooler north, or you lace up your hiking boots and aim somewhere high in the mountains, where the air is beautifully fresh even at high noon.

Norway and Lofoten

The Nordic landscape of majestic fjords and deep valleys is a balm for the soul of anyone longing for total communion with wild nature and silence. Around Bergen, daytime temperatures hover at a pleasant 17.2 °C and drop to 10.8 °C at night, so you definitely won’t manage without decent clothing and a reliable rain jacket. The sea here reaches roughly 15.7 °C, which is more inviting for ferry cruises than for swimming, and you’ll also have to reckon with an average of 20.5 rainy days that give the landscape its iconic deep-green colour.

Although the sun peeks out only about 8.6 hours a day, the jagged mountain peaks rising straight out of the ocean have incredible charm even in the mist. Local travellers recommend carefully considering when to visit Lofoten so you can enjoy the best hiking trails without snowdrifts, because late summer offers absolutely ideal conditions for walking trips. What’s more, you have a huge chance of amazing wildlife watching in these waters — read more in our article on how to find whales in Norway.

Sweden, Finland and the Baltics

The land of deep Scandinavian forests and thousands of crystal-clear lakes works as the perfect hideaway from civilisation, where you can camp in total privacy for days on end. In the north, daytime temperatures stay at very manageable levels that invite berry picking, mushroom foraging or endless canoe trips across vast bodies of water. Tourists love that toward the end of August, genuinely dark nights finally return to these parts, ending the season of the midnight sun and restoring the landscape’s normal rhythm.

With those darker evenings, the sky slowly opens up the season for watching the magical northern lights, which paint their unmistakable greenish patterns overhead. If you’re thinking of discovering Nordic culture and typical wooden towns, take a look at our guide on when to visit Sweden, because the turn of summer into autumn offers a beautifully coloured landscape. Lovers of flatter terrain and well-preserved medieval castles will find it worthwhile to study when to visit Estonia and the neighbouring Baltic republics, where you’ll be pleasantly surprised by great services and few tourists.

Canada and Alaska

The North American continent offers incredible contrasts, so while in Canada’s Toronto you’ll enjoy a pleasant summery 25.5 °C and 11.5 hours of sunshine, the wilder areas lie much further north. Anchorage in Alaska, for example, reports average daytime temperatures of just 18.6 °C in August and a chilly 11.3 °C at night, with the sea temperature staying at a mere 14.5 °C. Rain is fairly frequent in these parts — Anchorage sees roughly 15.6 rainy days a month and Toronto around ten — but that is simply an inseparable part of the local rugged nature.

Despite the occasional shower, late summer is reportedly the best time to visit the national parks, because bears actively hunt salmon and the mountains slowly begin to don their autumn colours. For detailed planning of such a distant trip, definitely read up on when to go to Alaska, so you have a sense of the local quirks and unpredictable weather. If you prefer the Canadian Rockies, you’ll surely be delighted by the sight of the legendary Icefields Parkway, which winds right between turquoise glacial lakes.

The Alps and the Dolomites

Italy’s jagged peaks and Austria’s green pastures are becoming a huge hit for all mountain lovers seeking shelter from the scorching city sun. In the famous Cortina d’Ampezzo temperatures hover at a pleasant 21.1 °C during the day, and in Austria’s Zell am See even around 24.2 °C, so you can rest comfortably in just a T-shirt. Night-time temperatures fall to 11.4 °C and 14 °C respectively, and it rains roughly 15 to 21 days a month, though the sun still manages to shine over ten hours a day.

Travellers point out that at two thousand metres above sea level it’s wonderfully pleasant even in August, making it the very best escape from the ever-present heat down in the lowlands. You do have to watch out carefully for the regular afternoon thunderstorms that form very quickly in the mountains, so it pays to set off on a hike at daybreak every time. You’ll find plenty of useful advice for moving safely on via ferrata routes in our piece on the Dolomites with kids, or you can find inspiration for gentle lakeside walks around the Austrian lakes.

The High Tatras and Slovenia

If you don’t want to travel too far, the mountain ranges of Central and Southeastern Europe offer fantastic possibilities for hiking of all kinds. At Štrbské Pleso in the High Tatras it’s a fresh 18.1 °C in August with chilly nights around 10.7 °C, while Slovenia’s Bled, lying a bit lower, warms to a nice 25.2 °C during the day and 16.1 °C at night. Both mountain areas offer just over eleven hours of sunshine on average, although rain shows up fairly regularly at around 12 to 17 days a month.

Fans of high-mountain ascents especially appreciate the excellent access to cable cars and the dense network of mountain huts, where they serve delicious dumplings or hearty vegetarian soups ☺️. For more adventurous souls who like sleeping out on the ridges, the detailed traverse of the Tatras will be a great inspiration, though it does demand good physical fitness. And if you’re more drawn to cycle paths and swimming in clean lakes, definitely study our tips for trips around emerald Bled and Bohinj.

Where to go in August closer to home

Sometimes you just don’t feel like packing your bags for the airport and spending hours on a plane or behind the wheel on jammed motorways heading south. A holiday closer to home has the huge advantage that everything is easy and familiar, and you can set off for just a long weekend if you like.

Czechia offers countless beautiful corners, but even here it’s true that in August the main tourist hubs are bursting at the seams. That’s why it pays to plan a little smarter and choose the spots that the tour buses from all over Europe haven’t discovered yet.

Czechia: where it’s not crowded

The heart of Europe enjoys lovely warm weather in the summer months, when temperatures in Prague climb to 25.9 °C and in sunny South Moravia even to 26.7 °C. The nights in both places are very pleasant, at around 15.6 to 16.8 °C, creating absolutely ideal conditions for evening gatherings in restaurant gardens or wine cellars. The sun usually treats us to just under eleven hours a day and rainfall runs at around nine to ten days a month, mostly in the form of short summer storms.

Given the enormous influx of tourists in the capital and at the well-known castles, it’s warmly recommended to head instead to the lesser-known regions of the country. Day-trippers rave about the quiet forests of the pensive Vysočina region, or the deserted trails along babbling streams in the area around Bruntál and the Jeseníky mountains. On hot days the best choices are naturally the various natural reservoirs, shady mountain valleys or huge water worlds, which our overview of the best water parks in the Czech Republic maps out, where the whole family can cool off.

Where to next: more travel tips

If you’re still undecided about the dates or the destination, take a look at these articles too.

• Where to go on holiday in July
• Where to go on holiday in September
• How to find cheap flights
• Travel insurance: how to choose

Frequently asked questions