Any time August is on the horizon, we’re tempted to take one final summer getaway.
Europe is more than willing to milk the last of the sun’s rays (and the season’s crowds). Italy, Spain, Portugal — they’ve all got a city or two that make great last-minute vacation destinations. Here are a few of the best European places to visit in August to make the most of summer’s final days.
Image Credit: Getty Images, ViliamM. Image Location: Piran, Slovenia
Where to go on vacation in Europe in August
With your socials already full of people partying in Ibiza and licking gelato in Rome, you can garner envy with a departure from the normal summer tourist track at these great European spots to visit in August.
Slovenia & Croatia
Best for cycling
Alpine mountains and Adriatic coasts: cycling in Slovenia and Croatia is a dream. These two countries also have fewer tourists compared to places like Switzerland and France. Try the 80 mile Parenzana Trail and you can add Italy to your visit.
Faroe Islands
Best for island hopping
It’s not our place to deter you from a summer Greek island adventure — but if you’ve already been-there/done-that on a formal cruise, head north instead. The Faroe Islands will make you forget all about the summer heat with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Go see the puffins on Mykines before it closes to tourists at the end of the month.
Image Credit: Getty Images, RossHelen. Image Location: Danube river, Budapest, Hungary
Along the Danube
Best for riverside bliss
The Danube River flows through 10 countries, and while we would highly recommend riding it from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, we love the section between Vienna and Bratislava. Both hot summer cities have riverside bars and beers on deck, plus the ferry between them is worth the trip.
Northern Ireland
Best for keeping cool
Oh, you’re trying to escape the heat in Europe? The UK’s always a solid spot to run away to. Belfast’s temperatures hit highs in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-50s, which means you won’t melt while touring Game of Thrones filming locations or checking out the capital’s street art.
Weather in Europe in August
As the crowds and heat prepare to leave Europe at the close of summer, August takes advantage of its position to keep cities as crowded and hot as possible. July is hotter, sure; but August is still shorts weather in most cities; for places farther north, you might need a trusty pair of jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt for cooler nights.
- Edinburgh, Scotland: 66°
- Gothenburg, Sweden: 71°
- Luxembourg City, Luxembourg: 73°
- Munich, Germany: 75°
- Bilbao, Spain: 79°
- Lyon, France: 80°
- Gibraltar: 83°
- Valencia, Spain: 87°
- Corfu, Greece: 89°
Image Credit: Getty Images, David C Tomlinson. Image Location: Avignon, France
Where is it hot in Europe in August?
You’ll still feel the summer heat in August, but every drop of sweat is worth it to visit these lovely European cities.
Avignon, France
You needn’t go to the French Riviera to find some of the hottest cities in France. Avignon heats things up to the high 80s, which presents all the more reason for turning your window shopping into a little chilled retail therapy. Speaking of chilled, savor a glass of vino in the cooler evening as you watch the light show at Palais des Papes.
See also: The best day trips from Marseille
Coimbra, Portugal
About halfway between Porto and Lisbon, you’ll find a lovely August adventure in Coimbra. Mid-80s means an enjoyable stay in this young riverside city. For kids, Portugal dos Pequenitos is ideal summer theme park fun. For solo travelers or adults, consider an evening on the coast at Figueira da Foz where the surf is hot and the casino’s blackjack tables are hotter.
Marbella, Spain
With temperatures getting close to 90°, you’ll love how easy it is to walk from Marbella’s Old Town down to the beach. Follow the street lined with Dalí statues and you’ll reach the summer-loving beach of Playa de Venus.
Lecce, Italy
Lecce lets the mercury rise far into the upper 80s and gives more reasons to set your travel expectations just as high. You’ve got all of the Italian hallmarks — Roman ruins like the 2nd century amphitheater, the lovely Duomo di Lecce, and more. The Notte della Taranta takes place throughout the region and is a great music festival to catch around the towns of Lecce.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sergi Formoso. Image Location: Buñol, Spain
Best European cities to visit in August
Don’t assume August is too late for a Euro trip. Here are a few cities worth visiting where you can cross another country off of your list before autumn rolls around.
Buñol, Spain
Food fight, anyone? Head to Buñol, near Valencia, and get your tomato-throwing arm ready. La Tomatina is a huge festival where over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets. That’s it; that’s the festival. It’s as fun as it sounds and a great day trip activity from Valencia.
Edinburgh, Scotland
August is Fringe season in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a month-long festival featuring comedy, burlesque, music, and much more. It’s one of the best times to visit Edinburgh to experience the people, culture, and city.
Budapest, Hungary
The Sziget Festival is one of the largest music festivals in Europe, and with early-summer festivals like Glastonbury selling out fast, planning for this late-summer festival in Budapest is smart. Plus, the bath houses of Budapest, the ruin pubs, and the delicious street food make this city a sure thing for a good time.
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Header Image Credit: Getty Images, David Soanes Photography. Image Location: Marbella, Spain
