Where's Hot in August? Warmest Destinations for Peak Sunshine
August is the height of the Mediterranean summer, bringing some of the hottest temperatures, warmest sea conditions and longest sunny days of the year. It is the busiest holiday month for UK travellers, with families making the most of the school holidays and couples looking for guaranteed sunshine before summer comes to an end.
If you’re looking for the best all round destination in August, Majorca is our top recommendation. It combines reliable sunshine, average daytime temperatures of around 31°C, warm Mediterranean waters and an excellent choice of beaches, family friendly resorts and lively towns. Other standout choices include Menorca, Dalaman (Turkey), Kos, Zante and Costa Dorada, each offering something different depending on the type of holiday you’re planning.
Whether you’re looking for a family beach holiday, an all inclusive escape or a relaxing Mediterranean break, August offers some of the most dependable weather of the year.
We compared destinations using average daytime temperatures, sunshine hours, average rain days, sea temperatures, flight times from the UK and how suitable each destination is for an August holiday.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best places to visit in August based on weather, value for money and the type of holiday each destination offers.
If you’re still deciding when to travel rather than just where, see our Where’s Hot by Month guide to compare temperatures and destinations throughout the year.
Quick Answer: Where’s Hot in August?
If you’re looking for the best all round August holiday, Majorca is our top choice. Temperatures average around 31°C, the sea reaches around 26°C and the island offers a huge variety of beaches, resorts, attractions and accommodation options.
For families, Menorca and Costa Dorada (Salou) are excellent choices thanks to their child friendly beaches, attractions and relaxed atmosphere. Travellers looking for value should consider Dalaman in Turkey, while Kos and Zante offer classic Greek island sunshine without the same level of crowds as some larger destinations.
If your priority is the hottest weather possible, Egypt remains the warmest destination within a relatively short flight from the UK.
August Weather Comparison
| Destination | Avg Temp | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Avg. Rain Days | Sea Temp | Flight Time | Beach Weather? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Majorca | 31°C | 11 | 2 | 26°C | 2h 30m | ✓ |
| Menorca | 30°C | 11 | 2 | 26°C | 2h 30m | ✓ |
| Dalaman (Turkey) | 34°C | 12 | 1 | 28°C | 4h | ✓ |
| Kos | 31°C | 12 | 0 | 26°C | 4h | ✓ |
| Zante | 31°C | 11 | 1 | 26°C | 3h 30m | ✓ |
| Costa Dorada | 30°C | 10 | 3 | 25°C | 2h | ✓ |
| Malta | 32°C | 11 | 1 | 27°C | 3h 30m | ✓ |
| Corfu | 31°C | 11 | 3 | 26°C | 3h 20m | ✓ |
| Rhodes | 32°C | 12 | 0 | 27°C | 4h 15m | ✓ |
| Costa Blanca | 31°C | 11 | 2 | 26°C | 2h 45m | ✓ |
| Tenerife | 28°C | 10 | 1 | 24°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Egypt | 39°C | 12 | 0 | 29°C | 5h | ✓ |
Best Places That Are Hot in August
Majorca – Best Overall
For most UK travellers, Majorca is the standout destination in August.
Average daytime temperatures reach around 31°C, while sea temperatures climb to approximately 26°C, creating ideal conditions for swimming, boat trips and long beach days.
The island offers one of the widest choices of holidays in the Mediterranean. Families love the shallow waters and long sandy beaches of Alcudia and Playa de Muro, couples enjoy the scenery around Port de Soller and Cala d’Or, while Palma offers a mix of historic streets, restaurants and nightlife.
Compared with smaller Balearic islands, Majorca offers a greater variety of resorts, attractions and accommodation, making it suitable for almost every type of traveller.
Although August is peak season, the island is large enough to offer both lively resorts and quieter areas away from the busiest beaches.
Best for: Families, couples and groups.
Menorca – Best for Families
For families wanting a quieter alternative to Majorca, Menorca is one of the best choices in August.
Temperatures average around 30°C, while the sea remains warm at approximately 26°C. Many beaches are sheltered coves with shallow water, making them ideal for children.
Popular resorts including Cala Galdana, Son Bou and Cala’n Bosch offer excellent beaches, family friendly hotels and easy access to the island’s natural scenery.
Compared with Majorca and Ibiza, Menorca feels more relaxed and less commercial, making it particularly appealing during the busy school holiday period.
Best for: Families with young children, couples and peaceful beach holidays.
Dalaman, Turkey – Best Value
Turkey’s Dalaman Coast remains one of the best value summer destinations for UK travellers.
Temperatures regularly reach around 34°C, while resorts including Marmaris, Icmeler, Sarigerme and Fethiye offer beautiful beaches and a huge choice of all inclusive hotels.
Many resorts feature large swimming pools, waterparks and entertainment programmes, which makes Dalaman especially popular with families travelling during August.
Compared with many Greek islands, Turkey often provides larger hotels, more facilities and better value for money.
Best for: All inclusive holidays, families and travellers looking for value.
Kos – Best Relaxed Greek Island
Kos is an excellent choice for travellers wanting classic Greek island sunshine without the crowds of some larger destinations.
Average temperatures reach around 31°C, rainfall is almost non existent and the Aegean Sea reaches a comfortable 26°C.
The island is famous for its long sandy beaches, cycling routes and relaxed waterfront restaurants. Resorts such as Kardamena, Tigaki and Kos Town offer plenty of choice while maintaining a laid back atmosphere.
Compared with Rhodes, Kos feels quieter and more relaxed, making it a great option for couples and families who want a slower pace.
Best for: Relaxed beach holidays, couples and families.
Zante – Best for Beaches and Natural Beauty
Zante (Zakynthos) combines beautiful beaches, warm seas and some of Greece’s most famous scenery.
August temperatures average around 31°C, while the island enjoys long sunny days and excellent swimming conditions.
The famous Navagio Beach, turquoise waters and coastal boat trips make Zante one of the most visually impressive Greek islands. Resorts such as Tsilivi and Kalamaki offer a good balance of beaches, restaurants and family friendly facilities.
Compared with Corfu, Zante feels more focused on beaches and coastal experiences.
Best for: Beach lovers, couples and scenic Greek island holidays.
Costa Dorada – Best for Families and Attractions
The Costa Dorada is one of Spain’s strongest choices for families travelling during August.
Salou enjoys temperatures around 30°C, wide sandy beaches and a lively promenade filled with restaurants and entertainment.
The region’s biggest attraction is PortAventura World, making it especially popular with families with children and teenagers who want more than just a beach holiday.
Compared with the Costa Blanca, the Costa Dorada has a stronger family focus, with attractions and activities designed around school holiday travel.
Best for: Families, theme parks and traditional summer holidays.
Malta – Best for Culture and Swimming
Malta combines reliable sunshine, warm seas and a fascinating mix of history and beaches.
Average temperatures reach around 32°C during August, while sea temperatures rise to approximately 27°C, making it one of the best months for swimming, snorkelling and boat trips.
Visitors can explore historic Valletta, discover ancient sites and relax around coastal areas such as St Paul’s Bay, where there is a good choice of hotels, restaurants and swimming spots.
Compared with many Mediterranean islands, Malta offers a unique combination of culture, sightseeing and beach weather in a compact destination.
Best for: Couples, diving and history lovers.
Corfu – Best Scenic Greek Island
Corfu offers a greener, more scenic alternative to many of Greece’s drier summer islands.
Temperatures average around 31°C, while the island enjoys long sunny days and warm Ionian waters throughout August.
The combination of olive groves, mountain villages and dramatic coastline makes Corfu particularly appealing for travellers who want more than just a beach holiday. Resorts such as Paleokastritsa, Dassia and Sidari offer excellent beaches, while Corfu Town provides beautiful Venetian architecture and historic streets.
Compared with Kos and Rhodes, Corfu feels greener and more traditional, with a stronger focus on scenery and exploration.
Best for: Scenic holidays, couples and travellers who enjoy exploring.
Other Great August Destinations
Rhodes
Rhodes remains one of Europe’s most reliable summer sun destinations, although it moves into our supporting recommendations after featuring heavily in July.
Temperatures reach around 32°C, rainfall is extremely rare and the Aegean Sea reaches approximately 27°C, making it ideal for swimming and watersports.
Resorts such as Lindos, Faliraki and Ixia offer a wide range of accommodation, while Rhodes Old Town provides one of the Mediterranean’s most impressive historic centres.
Compared with Kos, Rhodes offers more variety, with a wider choice of resorts, nightlife and sightseeing.
Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca remains one of Spain’s most popular August destinations.
Resorts such as Benidorm offer wide sandy beaches, warm Mediterranean waters and plenty of entertainment for families, couples and groups.
Temperatures average around 31°C, while attractions including water parks, theme parks and lively evening entertainment make it particularly popular during the school holidays.
Compared with the Costa Dorada, the Costa Blanca offers a wider range of resorts and a livelier atmosphere.
Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol continues to attract visitors throughout August thanks to its combination of sunshine, beaches and excellent facilities.
Popular resorts including Benalmadena, Marbella and Torremolinos enjoy temperatures of around 31°C, with almost guaranteed sunshine throughout the month.
The region is ideal for travellers who want to combine beach days with restaurants, shopping, golf and sightseeing in Malaga.
Compared with the Costa Blanca, the Costa del Sol often has a slightly more sophisticated feel while still offering plenty of family friendly options.
Dubrovnik Riviera
Croatia’s Dubrovnik Riviera is one of the Mediterranean’s most scenic summer destinations.
Resorts including Cavtat provide crystal clear Adriatic waters, waterfront restaurants and easy access to Dubrovnik’s famous Old Town.
Temperatures reach around 30°C, while the warm sea is ideal for swimming, kayaking and boat excursions.
Compared with Spain’s larger resorts, Croatia offers a more relaxed atmosphere and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Europe.
Tenerife
Although many travellers choose the Mediterranean in August, Tenerife remains an excellent alternative for those who prefer slightly milder heat.
Average temperatures reach around 28°C, with dependable sunshine and comfortable conditions for exploring.
Southern resorts including Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas remain popular throughout the summer, offering beaches, restaurants and plenty of activities.
Compared with Greece, Turkey and Spain’s mainland resorts, Tenerife is cooler and often more comfortable for walking and sightseeing.
Egypt
Egypt remains the hottest mainstream holiday destination within a relatively short flight from the UK.
Red Sea resorts including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh regularly reach around 39°C, while sea temperatures climb to approximately 29°C.
The heat can be intense during the middle of the day, but the warm Red Sea makes Egypt perfect for snorkelling, diving and relaxing in all inclusive resorts.
Compared with Mediterranean destinations, Egypt offers hotter weather, warmer seas and almost guaranteed sunshine.
Is August a Good Time to Travel?
August is one of the best months of the year for a traditional beach holiday.
Across the Mediterranean, sunshine is almost guaranteed, sea temperatures are at their highest and resorts are operating at full capacity with plenty of restaurants, activities and entertainment.
However, it is also the busiest and most expensive month of the summer. Families travelling during school holidays should book early to secure the best choice of accommodation and flight times.
Reasons to travel in August
- Warmest sea temperatures of the year.
- Reliable sunshine across southern Europe.
- Excellent swimming and snorkelling conditions.
- Huge choice of family friendly resorts.
- Long evenings for outdoor dining and exploring.
- Ideal timing for school holiday travel.
Things to consider
- August is peak season, so prices are usually higher.
- Popular resorts and beaches can become crowded.
- Flights and accommodation often sell out early.
- Southern destinations such as Egypt and Turkey can become extremely hot.
Our Top August Picks
| Holiday Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Majorca |
| Best family holiday | Menorca |
| Best value | Dalaman (Turkey) |
| Best Greek island escape | Kos |
| Best beaches | Zante |
| Best family attractions | Costa Dorada (Salou) |
| Best culture & swimming | Malta |
| Hottest destination | Egypt |
For most UK travellers, Majorca offers the strongest overall August holiday thanks to its combination of beaches, resorts, attractions and short flight time.
Families looking for a quieter break should consider Menorca, while Costa Dorada is ideal for those wanting beaches combined with major attractions. Travellers looking for value should look towards Dalaman, while Kos and Zante provide excellent Greek island alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
August is the ultimate summer holiday month, offering some of the hottest weather, warmest seas and most reliable sunshine of the year.
For most UK travellers, Majorca is the standout choice thanks to its excellent beaches, family friendly resorts and convenient flight time. Menorca provides a quieter alternative, while Dalaman remains one of the best value options during the busy summer season.
Travellers wanting a classic Greek island escape should consider Kos or Zante, while Costa Dorada is a superb option for families looking for beaches and attractions. For guaranteed heat, Egypt remains unbeatable.
In simple terms:
- Choose Majorca for the best all round August holiday.
- Choose Menorca for relaxed family beaches.
- Choose Dalaman for value and all inclusive resorts.
- Choose Kos or Zante for Greek island sunshine.
- Choose Costa Dorada for family attractions.
- Choose Egypt for maximum heat.
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Dawn - Travel Expert
Dawn Morwood, who is based in Belfast, is our top deal finder! She has a passion for helping people see the world without overspending. At Cheap Deals Away UK, she shares great value holiday deals, travel tips and articles about affordable destinations.
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Dawn's current favourite holiday destinations are Cascais, near Lisbon and Prague. Cascais for its charming old town streets with great quality Portuguese restaurants and Prague for its medieval castles and churches and of course the beer!
