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Wondering where to go in August? You’re not just choosing a destination – you’re choosing how to spend one of the busiest, and often most expensive, months to travel.
Our August holidays hub has the full range if you want to dive straight into deals, or read on to discover our top destination picks for reliable sunshine, better value during the school holidays or somewhere where you can enjoy the sunshine without constantly checking where the next bit of shade is.
Where to go in August at a glance
Spain, Turkey, Bulgaria and Fuerteventura lead our pick of the best places to visit in August, but the right destination depends on the holiday you have in mind.
Where to go in August — and why
Spain — If you haven't settled on one type of August holiday, Spain gives you more than enough choice.
Turkey — A good place to start when you want everything included without losing track of the budget.
Bulgaria — Worth checking if you're travelling in the school holidays and keeping a close eye on cost.
Fuerteventura — Warm enough for long beach days, with Atlantic breezes that can make August feel more comfortable.
Greece — The one to shortlist when you've spent all year picturing a Greek island holiday.
Algarve — A straightforward family break with sandy beaches and a flight of around three hours.
Cyprus — For anyone whose holiday motto is 'the hotter, the better'.
Mexico — Worth the longer flight when Caribbean beaches are high on your wish list.
Mauritius — Pleasant winter days and a slower pace when you fancy going beyond Europe.
Thailand — A beach holiday with sightseeing, street food and a little more adventure.
Best places for guaranteed sun and value
These are the hot places in August we’d start with. Spain, Turkey, Bulgaria and Fuerteventura all deliver reliable sunshine, but each gives you something slightly different for your money.
Spain
Typical August weather: Around 34°C
Best for: Families, couples and groups who want lots of choice
Holidays from: £109pp*
Can’t decide between a week on the Costas, a Balearic island or the Canaries? Spain gives you room to change your mind. There are short flights to the mainland and Balearics, resorts for almost every type of group and enough hotel choice to compare prices rather than settling for the first option.
"If your dates are fixed, switching from one Costa to another can sometimes make more difference to the price than changing hotels," says Nicholas Smith, Dynamic Packages Director at Thomas Cook. "It's the first thing we suggest comparing before people start looking at individual hotels."
See our latest holidays to Spain to compare the Costas, islands and city breaks all in one place.
Turkey
Typical August weather: Around 34°C
Best for: Families and All Inclusive holidays
Holidays from: £109pp*
Turkey makes sense when you want to know what most of the holiday will cost before you leave home. It's All Inclusive hotels often cover most meals, drinks, pools and entertainment, which means fewer extra costs adding up during the week.
Marmaris, Side and Bodrum all enjoy hot, dry August weather, but they each have a different feel. Our travel team often suggests comparing all three before you book – you might be surprised which one suits you best.
See our latest Turkey holidays to compare Marmaris, Bodrum, Side and more, and All Inclusive holidays if you want more of your holiday costs covered before you travel.
Bulgaria
Typical August weather: Around 30°C
Best for: Families watching the school-holiday budget
Holidays from: £149pp*
When cost is the deciding factor, Bulgaria is usually one of the first destinations we suggest. Sunny Beach has everything most people picture when they think of a summer holiday – a long sandy beach, family-friendly hotels and beachfront cafés for lunch after a morning by the sea.
It gets busy in the school holidays, but that’s part of the atmosphere. If your priority is making your holiday budget go further without compromising on the summer holiday feel, Bulgaria makes a strong case.
Our cheap holidays to Bulgaria are a good place to start if you’re looking to make your budget go further.
Fuerteventura
Typical August weather: Around 28°C
Best for: Beach days without the fiercest summer heat
Holidays from: £179pp*
Fuerteventura is the one we’d point to when 34°C sounds less like a holiday and more like something to endure. August is warm and sunny, but the island’s trade winds often take the edge off the heat.
The beaches are big too, so even during the school holidays you’re less likely to feel boxed into one small patch of sand. Corralejo is popular with families who want restaurants and shops nearby, while quieter resorts leave more room for switching off.
Discover our Fuerteventura holidays if wide sandy beaches and Atlantic breezes sound like your kind of August.
Where to go in August if you don’t want it too hot
August isn’t just for heat seekers. These destinations prove you don’t need the highest temperatures to enjoy a beach holiday.
Fuerteventura
Typical August weather: Around 28°C
Fuerteventura is our first recommendation if you’re after warm weather rather than intense heat. The island’s Atlantic breezes often make August feel more comfortable than many Mediterranean resorts, while the long sandy beaches mean it’s easier to find your own patch of sand.
It’s a good fit if you want to spend your days by the sea without feeling like the heat dictates your plans.
The Algarve
Typical August weather: Around 33°C
The Algarve is still hot in August, but the Atlantic coast often feels fresher than southern Spain or Cyprus. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning on the beach and still have energy left in the tank for dinner in a different town that evening.
It’s a sensible choice if you like summery weather but don’t want every day to feel relentlessly hot.
Mauritius
Typical August weather: Around 25°C
August falls during Mauritius’ winter, which means lovely, sunny days rather than tropical heat. If you’re happy to travel further, it’s one of the best long-haul alternatives to a European beach holiday at this time of year.
It’s particularly popular with couples looking for a slower pace, although families will find plenty of beachfront resorts too.
Best places in Europe in August
For short flights, reliable sunshine and everything from island escapes to family beach breaks, Greece, the Algarve and Cyprus are some of the best countries to visit in August in Europe.
Greece
Typical August weather: Around 31°C
Best for: Island holidays
Holidays from: £139pp*
Crete, Rhodes and Kos all enjoy long sunny days, with sea temperatures that make it just as tempting to stay in the water as to lie beside it. Compare our Greece holidays to find the island that's right for your holiday.
Algarve
Typical August weather: Around 33°C
Best for: Families
Holidays from: £109pp*
The Algarve is a great shout for people who like a bit more variety - long sandy beaches for lazy days, alongside whitewashed towns, marinas and coastal walks. Take a look at our Algarve holidays.
Cyprus
Typical August weather: Around 35°C
Best for: Heat seekers
Holidays from: £179pp*
If you like your holidays properly hot, Cyprus is one of Europe's most reliable August choices - split your days between the pool and the sea, then head out for dinner once the heat softens. Find your Cyprus holiday if 'the hotter the better' is your motto.
Going further afield: Long-haul ideas for August
If you’re happy to fly a little further, August opens up even more holiday options.
Mexico
Typical August weather: Around 34°C
Best for: Caribbean beaches and All Inclusive resorts
Holidays from: £549pp*
If you’ve done Europe a few times and fancy something completely different, Mexico is a brilliant next step. August is hot and humid, with the chance of short tropical showers, but you’ll also find great value All Inclusive resorts along the Riviera Maya. If your holiday checklist starts with white-sand beaches and warm Caribbean waters, it’s hard to look past.
Explore our Mexico holidays for Caribbean beaches and All Inclusive stays on the Riviera Maya.
Mauritius
Typical August weather: Around 25°C
Best for: Couples and luxury beach holidays
Holidays from: £979pp*
While much of Europe is reaching peak summer temperatures, Mauritius enjoys fine, sunny days that are easier to spend outdoors. Whether you’re walking along the coast, taking a boat trip or simply stretching lunch into the afternoon, there’s no need to plan your day around the heat.
Take a look at our Mauritius holidays for a slower pace, sunny winter days and luxury beach resorts.
Thailand
Typical August weather: Varies by region
Best for: Beaches, culture and multi-centre holidays
Holidays from: £619pp*
Thailand’s weather varies depending on where you go, so August can still be a good time to visit parts of the country. It’s the sort of holiday where beach days are only part of the story, with island hopping, night markets, temples and street food all competing for your time.
Find your Thailand holiday if you want to mix beach time with temples, markets and island hopping.
August with the family
If you’re tied to the school holidays, there are still plenty of destinations that deliver in August.
Spain and Turkey are usually the easiest places to start, thanks to their huge choice of family hotels, sandy beaches and All Inclusive resorts. If you’re keeping an eye on the budget, Bulgaria deserves a place on the shortlist, while Fuerteventura is just the thing if your family is happiest spending the day by the sea.
One tip is to look beyond the headline price. Flight times, transfer times and what’s included at the hotel can make just as much difference to your holiday as the destination itself.
Compare our family holidays for destinations with sandy beaches, family-friendly hotels and All Inclusive options, or see how other months stack up.
FAQs
Where are the best places to go in August?
Spain, Turkey, Bulgaria and Fuerteventura are our top picks for reliable sunshine and value, while Greece and the Algarve suit anyone who fancies island hopping or a family beach break closer to home. If you'd rather avoid the heat altogether, Fuerteventura and Mauritius are worth a look.
Where's the hottest in August?
Cyprus, Turkey and southern Spain are among the hottest destinations we sell in August, with daytime temperatures regularly reaching the low to mid-30s. If you’re happiest when it’s properly hot, they’re all excellent choices. If not, Fuerteventura and Mauritius usually feel a little more comfortable.
Where can I get the most for my money in August?
Bulgaria and Turkey are often among the best-value destinations during August, particularly if you’re booking an All Inclusive holiday. If your travel dates are fixed by the school holidays, comparing a few different destinations can often make a bigger difference than focusing on one resort.
Where should I go in August if I don’t like extreme heat?
Fuerteventura is one of our favourite August picks, with glorious sunshine and Atlantic breezes that often make it feel more comfortable than many Mediterranean destinations. If you’re happy to travel further, Mauritius is another top choice thanks to its balmy winter climate.
Which destinations are best for an All Inclusive holiday in August?
Turkey is one of our first recommendations for All Inclusive holidays, with Spain and Mexico also offering plenty of choice. If you like knowing most of your holiday costs before you leave home, August is a great time to book an All Inclusive break.
Is August a good time for a family holiday?
Yes. August is one of the most popular times to travel because of the school holidays, so it’s worth booking early if you can. Spain, Turkey, Bulgaria and Fuerteventura all combine reliable sunshine with family-friendly resorts, making them some of our top picks for August.
How can I spread the cost of my August holiday?
You don't have to pay in full when you book. A low deposit secures your holiday, with the balance due later – and monthly payments or Klarna can help spread the rest. It's a straightforward way to book your August getaway now without committing the full amount upfront.
Find your August holiday
Whether you’re after the best places to visit in August for guaranteed sun, somewhere a little cooler, or better value during the school holidays, we've got a destination to match.
Take a look at our August holidays to find the destination that fits your budget, travel dates and how you like to holiday. Every holiday you'll find here is ATOL protected (ATOL 11806) and booked through us as an ABTA member (P8283 / Y6720) – so however you choose to spend your August, your money's looked after from the moment you book.
*Prices correct at the time of writing and subject to availability.
