European summers hit their peak in August, but the season comes in many different flavors depending on the region you choose. If you are trying to decide exactly where to go in Europe in August, you have the choice between sun-drenched coasts, cooler northern countryside, and culturally-vibrant cities.
While the locals pack up for their own holidays, you get the unique chance to experience iconic destinations in full swing. This is the season of energetic music festivals, late-night dinners, and a completely carefree attitude.
Whether you want to beat the heat, lounge by the Mediterranean, or track down the best places to party in summer, your options are wide open for the perfect summer getaway.
Quick Links
- Oslo, Norway
- Granada, Spain
- Nice, France
- Vienna, Austria
- Santorini, Greece
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Porto, Portugal
- Riga, Latvia
- Malta
- Brasov, Romania
- Sardinia, Italy
- London, England
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where To Find the Best Weather in Europe in August
To sun-drench or to chase the cool air? That is the real choice when planning a summer vacation in Europe. August essentially splits the continent in half, forcing you to choose between baking on a Mediterranean beach or pulling on a light layer in a northern capital.
If you are trying to map out where to go in August in Europe, matching your itinerary to your personal temperature tolerance is half the battle. To keep you from accidentally booking a heavy walking tour in the middle of a major heatwave, here is a quick look at the average weather across our top picks, ranked from coolest to warmest:
| Destination | Average August Temperature |
|---|---|
| Brasov, Romania | 54°F - 78°F |
| Edinburgh, Scotland | 55°F - 66°F |
| Oslo, Norway | 55°F - 70°F |
| Riga, Latvia | 56°F - 71°F |
| London, England | 59°F - 74°F |
| Vienna, Austria | 61°F - 78°F |
| Porto, Portugal | 63°F - 79°F |
| Granada, Spain | 68°F - 92°F |
| Nice, France | 70°F - 84°F |
| Sardinia, Italy | 72°F - 89°F |
| Santorini, Greece | 75°F - 89°F |
| Malta | 75°F - 89°F |
If you're looking for slightly cooler temperatures, you might consider travelling during a different month. Consult our monthly Europe travel guides to inform your decision:
- Where to go in Europe in May
- Where to go in Europe in June
- Where to go in Europe in July
- Where to go in Europe in September
- Where to go in Europe in October
12 Best Places to Visit in August in Europe
1. Oslo, Norway (Cool)
Average Temperature: 55°F - 70°F
Oslo delivers long summer days without the heat. The city thrives outdoors, making it one of the best European cities to visit in August.
Kayak the fjord, sweat in a floating harbor sauna, or catch a quick ferry to the islands for a brisk swim.
Carve out three days for the essentials. Walk Vigeland Sculpture Park, hit the Munch Museum, and grab late-night smoked salmon in Aker Brygge. Be sure to sample traditional dishes like fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew) or smoked salmon with flatbrød at one of the harborfront restaurants.
Time your trip mid-month. The Oslo Jazz Festival (Aug 9-15) and the massive Øya Festival take over the city. For a fast nature escape, the Nordmarka forest trails start minutes from the center.
Related: Things to do in Tromso, Norway
2. Granada, Spain (Hot)
Average Temperature: 68°F - 92°F
Granada swelters in August, so plan your schedule around the sun.
Hit the Alhambra early in the morning or late in the evening. During peak heat, retreat to the shaded tea houses and garden courtyards of the Albaicín.
If you are figuring out where to go in August in Europe for authentic culture, this is it. Flamenco plays in the streets, and tapas still come free with every drink order.
Catch the Feria de Agosto late in the month for street music and dancing. Order berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey) and a sweet pionono pastry to finish the night.
3. Nice, France (Warm)
Average Temperature: 70°F - 84°F
The French Riviera runs at maximum capacity in August and Nice makes the perfect basecamp to navigate the activity and crowds.
Stay at least three days. Grab a slice of hot socca (savory chickpea pancake) at the market, and rent a beach chair to ride out the afternoon. While MAMAC is currently closed for renovation, you can always pop into the Chagall or Matisse Museums for a break from the sun.
Walk the Promenade des Anglais at dusk, or take the stairs up Castle Hill to survey the coastline.
France is one of the best European countries to visit in summer purely because of the coastal rail access here. Eze, Monaco, and Villefranche-sur-Mer are fast, cheap day trips right down the Côte d’Azur.
Related reading: discover our top picks for summer holiday destinations in France.
4. Vienna, Austria (Cool)
Average Temperature: 61°F - 78°F
Locals vacate Vienna in August, leaving the palaces and museums wide open for you.
If you want high culture without the elbowing, this is one of the best places to visit in Europe in August. Spend your afternoons cycling through the parks or grabbing a drink along the Danube Canal.
The main draw is the Film Festival at Rathausplatz. Running from July through early September, it features a giant open-air screen showing everything from opera to rock concerts, completely for free. It’s surrounded by an international food market that stays open until midnight. Just save room to sample the classic wiener schnitzel with a slice of Sacher torte.
5. Santorini, Greece (Hot)
Average Temperature: 75°F - 89°F
Yes, Santorini will be crowded in August.
But there is a reason this hotspot is always on the list when deciding where to go in August in Europe. Simply put, the cliffside sunsets and whitewashed architecture deliver a postcard view.
Beat the midday heat at the black sand beaches of Perissa or Kamari. At night, head to Pyrgos for a wine tasting to escape the heavier crowds in Oia. And when you're eating around town, order the local tomato keftedes (fried tomato fritters) and fresh fava dip.
If you are there on August 15th, you can catch the Feast of the Dormition, an island-wide celebration with fireworks, dancing, and communal feasts.
Related: Best cheap Greek Isles to visit
6. Edinburgh, Scotland (Cool)
Average Temperature: 55°F - 66°F
August is the absolute best month to be in Edinburgh, as the city turns into the world's largest arts festival.
Between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the International Festival, every street corner, pub, and church basement hosts a show.
If you prioritize culture and comedy over beach weather, this is one of the best European cities to visit in August. Pack a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Escape the Royal Mile crowds by hiking up Arthur’s Seat for a clear view of the city. Grab a pint of local ale and try haggis, neeps, and tatties at a traditional pub before heading to your next show.
7. Porto, Portugal (Warm)
Average Temperature: 63°F - 79°F
Porto is of the best places to visit in Europe in August if you want a coastal city without the heavy Mediterranean resort crowds. Take the vintage tram out to Foz do Douro to swim, or spend the afternoon walking the massive Serralves Museum gardens.
Later in the month, the Porto Book Fair takes over the Palácio de Cristal gardens. It brings open-air talks, cinema, and sweeping views directly over the Douro River.
Cross the Luis I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia at sunset for a port wine tasting right at the source. For a quick escape, book a boat up into the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley right before the September harvest begins.
8. Riga, Latvia (Cool)
Average Temperature: 56°F - 71°F
Riga's Baltic breeze makes it one of the best European cities to visit in August if you prefer architectural walks over beach days.
Spend a couple days exploring the world's highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, centering around Albert Street. When the sun stays up late, take a boat tour down the Daugava River or head to the Kalnciema Quarter for open-air Thursday night concerts.
Mid-month brings the city's massive birthday celebration, turning the Old Town cobblestones into a massive market with live street theatre, food trucks, and local craft stalls. Grab a plate of grey peas with bacon and a local lager as you stroll through.
9. Malta (Hot)
Average Temperature: 75°F - 89°F
Malta is built for summer. If your goal is sun-drenched coastal days and warm Mediterranean water, this island is one of the best places to visit in Europe in August.
Skip the midday Valletta heat by taking a morning boat out to the Blue Lagoon on Comino or diving into St. Peter’s Pool. The water is at its warmest all year, clearing the way for snorkeling and sailing.
August 15th brings the Feast of the Assumption, sparking simultaneous festivals across seven different towns complete with massive fireworks displays and brass bands. As you navigate the late-night street parties, stay fueled with a flaky pastizz pastry filled with ricotta from a street vendor.
10. Brasov, Romania (Mild)
Average Temperature: 54°F - 78°F
Tucked into the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov offers a medieval escape with built-in climate control. Romania is an ideal pick if you are researching the best European countries to visit in August but want to bypass the coastal gridlock.
Base yourself in Council Square. The gothic Black Church and the narrow alley of Strada Sforii are an easy morning walk before the mountain air warms up.
August weather opens up the Transfăgărășan Highway for clear driving through high-altitude glacial valleys. Take the cable car up Tâmpa Mountain for a complete view of the old town, then stop at a local tavern for mici (grilled minced meat rolls) and cold beer.
11. Sardinia, Italy (Hot)
Average Temperature: 72°F - 89°F
If you want turquoise water without flying to the Caribbean, go to Sardinia.
This island gets crowded in August because Italians this coastline is an undeniable paradise.
We recommend renting a car, as public transit won't get you to the hidden coves. Drive north to the Costa Smeralda for high-end beach clubs, or hike down to Cala Goloritzé for a raw, untouched stretch of sand.
If you want to eat like an islander, oder porceddu (roast suckling pig), pair it with a glass of local Cannonau wine, and expect to spend your entire trip in a swimsuit.
12. London, England (Mild)
Average Temperature: 59°F - 74°F
London in August is an invitation to open-air excitement, as the historic city shakes off the grey and moves life into the sunshine.
The last weekend of the month brings the Notting Hill Carnival. It is Europe's largest street festival, flooding West London with steel bands, vibrant floats, and heavy sound systems.
Skip the packed tube and walk between the Royal Parks. Catch a movie at Somerset House’s courtyard cinema or grab tickets to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Plan your route around the pub gardens and always carry a light jacket for the evening drop in temperature.
Experience August in Europe with Flightgift
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Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a European Summer Vacation
Where to travel in Europe in August?
If your goal is sun-drenched coastal days, target the Mediterranean hot spots like Malta, Santorini, or Sardinia. If you prefer to beat the heat and want a more active, city-focused holiday, opt for northern and central destinations like Edinburgh, Oslo, or Riga.
What is the coolest place in Europe in August? (temperature wise)
Of our top picks, Brasov, Romania, and Edinburgh, Scotland, offer the crispest air, with average August lows dropping into the mid-50s (54°F to 55°F). For consistently mild daytime temperatures that rarely break 70°F, Oslo, Norway, and the Scottish Highlands are your best options to completely escape the traditional summer heatwaves.
Where to find the best weather in August in Europe?
For uninterrupted blue skies and hot beach weather, the Greek Islands, southern Italy, and Malta deliver consistent sunshine with zero rain. For comfortable sightseeing without the humidity, look to Porto, Portugal, or Vienna, Austria, where temperatures hit a mild sweet spot.
Is August a good month to visit Europe?
August is excellent if you want to experience iconic destinations at peak energy. It is the prime season for major outdoor cultural events, open-air cinema, and world-class music festivals. However, because local Europeans also take their annual holidays this month, expect heavier crowds at coastal resorts and some independent shops in major cities to close temporarily.
Is it expensive to travel to Europe in August?
Yes, August is peak travel season, meaning flights, hotels, and car rentals hit their highest price points, especially along the Mediterranean coast. To keep your budget intact, swap the famous beach resorts for underrated Baltic and Eastern European destinations like Riga, Latvia, or Brasov, Romania, which remain affordable even in summer.