Where to Go on Holiday in August
Six summer destinations, what they are really like in peak season, and how to choose the right one for your trip.
August is the classic month for a summer holiday: warm seas, busy beach resorts, long evenings and plenty of activities. But choosing somewhere just because it looks sunny in a photograph can lead to the wrong holiday. There is a big difference between a breezy beach on Portugal's Atlantic coast and the intense heat of Cyprus or Antalya.
For UK travellers, August also coincides with much of the school summer break. Popular family hotels and convenient flights can be in high demand. The smartest choice is not automatically the hottest destination or the cheapest headline price. It is the place that offers the right balance of weather, beach, accommodation, travel time and activities for your group.
Below we compare six particularly useful August options, including where to base yourself, the compromises to expect, and the details worth checking before you book.
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TripsByDate shows advertised package holidays across its wider inventory. The changing options below are not necessarily Christmas-week departures or packages to these five destinations. Use them as starting points, then compare your own dates and check the final price, availability and festive arrangements with the provider.
BRS • 7 nights
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LGW • 7 nightsRO · First ChoiceAugust holiday ideas at a glance
- Mallorca: a versatile family beach holiday with sandy bays, water activities and lively resorts.
- Crete: beaches, Greek food, traditional towns and enough variety for a longer island break.
- Antalya: hot resort weather and a wide choice of large hotels, particularly useful for pool-focused holidays.
- Algarve: beautiful Atlantic beaches, attractive coastal towns and often a different feel from the hottest eastern Mediterranean resorts.
- Malta: sea swimming, historic towns and boat trips, best for people happy to mix beaches with sightseeing.
- Cyprus: very hot, dry-feeling summer conditions and established beach resorts, but less suited to intensive daytime sightseeing.
Weather note: temperature figures on promotional graphics should be read as broad illustrations, not daily forecasts. Climate averages vary by measurement station, coast, altitude and year. Exceptional heat, strong winds and occasional rain can still occur.
1. Mallorca, Spain: the flexible family choice
If you are trying to satisfy several generations or a group with different ideas of a holiday, Mallorca is a sensible starting point. You can choose an easy resort with a broad sandy beach, a smaller coastal town or a base that gives you access to Palma and the mountains. It is not one type of holiday: where you stay makes an enormous difference.
The Spanish state weather agency AEMET reports an average August daily maximum of 31.3°C at Palma de Mallorca Airport for its published 1981–2010 climate normal. That is an average, not a ceiling on hot days. The island's north and east also differ from the city and airport in local conditions. See AEMET's official Mallorca climate data.
Where to stay: Alcúdia and Playa de Muro deserve a look for long sandy beaches and child-friendly facilities; Cala d'Or suits travellers who like smaller coves and restaurants; Palma is better if culture and city evenings are just as important as the beach. Mallorca's official tourism website describes Alcúdia Beach as more than 3 km long, with several lifeguarded sections and facilities for families. Read the official Alcúdia Beach guide.
What to watch: August is popular, and the busiest sandy beaches fill up. A hotel advertised as being in a named resort may still require a significant walk, shuttle or taxi to the beach. Check the precise hotel location, whether a pool is shaded, and the room's air conditioning rather than relying on a generic “family-friendly” label.
Best for: first-time Mediterranean family holidays, mixed-age groups and travellers wanting beaches plus days out.
2. Crete, Greece: beaches with room to explore
Crete appeals when you want a beach holiday but do not want to spend seven days beside the same pool. The island has busy resort areas, atmospheric towns, archaeological sites, rural landscapes and very different coastlines. August is firmly summer here, and popular coastal areas can be hot and busy.
Where to stay: consider the Chania area for an attractive old town and western-coast excursions; Rethymno for a mix of town atmosphere and resort access; or the Hersonissos region for a broad selection of tourist facilities. Pick the area based on your intended activities, not just the lowest package price. Crete is a large island, and sightseeing can mean much longer journeys than a map makes obvious.
If you want postcard beaches, check how far they are from your actual accommodation and whether the journey involves narrow roads, steps, long walks or restricted access. Families often enjoy a beach that is easy to reach, has shade and toilets, and lets children swim safely more than an impressive remote beach that takes hours to visit.
What to watch: high temperatures can make archaeological sites uncomfortable in the middle of the day. Summer wildfires are also a recognised risk in Greece; consult the latest UK government advice for Greece before travelling. Avoid committing to an ambitious island-wide itinerary unless you genuinely want plenty of driving.
Best for: couples and families who want a proper resort holiday with interesting excursions, food and independent exploring.
3. Antalya, Türkiye: hot weather and resort facilities
The Antalya region is an especially strong candidate for travellers whose ideal August holiday revolves around the hotel: swimming pools, organised activities, water slides, entertainment and meals included in the package. The region has everything from large resorts to smaller accommodation, so the hotel itself matters as much as the destination name.
Where to stay: Lara Beach is worth comparing if hotel convenience is your priority; Belek is known for substantial resort complexes and golf facilities; Side mixes beach resorts with access to an old town and historic sites. Verify how the exact property works for your group. A sprawling resort with many facilities can still involve long walks from rooms to restaurants or beaches.
What to watch: August heat can be demanding, particularly for small children, older relatives and anyone planning long outdoor excursions. Check whether family activities are held indoors or in shade, whether restaurants require reservations, and what the advertised board basis actually includes. Compare the final price for your particular room occupancy, not a “from” rate for another party size.
Türkiye's Mediterranean coast can also face summer wildfire risk. The UK government's Türkiye travel advice gives current regional and safety information. Do not assume every part of the country carries the same travel advisory.
Best for: travellers who value extensive hotel amenities, all-inclusive convenience and hot-weather pool time above all-day sightseeing.
4. Algarve, Portugal: Atlantic beaches and coastal towns
The Algarve is an excellent choice if beach scenery and independent exploring matter more to you than choosing the hottest possible sea. Its dramatic cliffs, sandy stretches and traditional coastal towns are a different proposition from a single large Mediterranean resort.
Where to stay: Lagos works for travellers who want restaurants, an attractive town and access to beaches; Albufeira has a large choice of accommodation and lively areas; Tavira is worth considering for a different, quieter-feeling eastern Algarve base. These are not interchangeable. Check whether your preferred beach is walkable or requires transport, and whether it is sheltered, exposed or accessed by steps.
The Atlantic can feel cooler than the Mediterranean even during very warm weather. Waves and currents vary by beach, so follow local flags and lifeguard guidance. In August, popular beaches and central resort streets are still likely to be busy; do not choose the Algarve assuming that August is quiet or automatically cheap.
Portugal's national meteorological agency, IPMA, publishes climate monitoring, including evidence of unusually hot recent summers. Climate expectations are useful for planning, but they are not a guarantee of comfortable temperatures on particular dates. See IPMA's climate monitoring.
Best for: scenic beach breaks, couples who like to explore coastal towns and families happy with Atlantic swimming conditions.
5. Malta: warm seas with history and boat trips
Malta is particularly appealing if some members of your group want beach time and others want interesting places to explore. Swimming coves, ferry trips and old towns can fit into one holiday, though you should allow for August heat, crowded attractions and busy road traffic.
Where to stay: Mellieħa can suit travellers prioritising sandy beach access; St Paul's Bay and nearby resort areas offer a different, busy holiday atmosphere; Sliema is often a more practical base for people interested in urban restaurants and trips around the harbour. Valletta is outstanding for culture, but do not confuse a historic city base with a beach resort.
Malta's official tourism site explains that the islands have sandy, rocky and pebbly swimming spots, so check the shore access before choosing a hotel. Not every beautiful place to swim has a gently shelving sandy beach. Explore Malta's official swimming and coastline guide.
What to watch: boat excursions can be busy in August and may be affected by sea conditions. If you are travelling with younger children or anyone with mobility difficulties, check shade, access steps and how long a boat trip actually lasts. Save outdoor sightseeing for earlier or later in the day where possible.
Best for: travellers who want a beach-and-culture mix rather than a holiday confined to a hotel complex.
6. Cyprus: a proper hot-weather resort holiday
Cyprus is a compelling option for August if warmth is a priority, but be clear about just how hot it can feel. The official Visit Cyprus climate guide describes long, dry summers from mid-May into October and high summer temperatures, with coastal breezes offering some relief. It also notes that conditions vary substantially between the coast, central plain and mountains. Read the official Cyprus climate guide.
Where to stay: Protaras may suit those looking for beach-oriented resorts; Paphos combines hotels with archaeological attractions and harbour outings; Ayia Napa has beaches and a livelier reputation, but its neighbourhoods and individual hotels vary. Choose for the specific experience you want rather than relying on a resort-wide stereotype.
What to watch: a long midday walk through ancient ruins can be unpleasant in August, and children may spend more time in the pool than on excursions. Prioritise reliable air conditioning, shaded outdoor areas and practical access to water. Be realistic about how much sightseeing your group will want to do during the hottest hours.
Cyprus has its own entry and regional considerations, so check the latest UK government Cyprus travel guidance before booking.
Best for: heat lovers, established summer beach resorts and people who prefer to relax rather than spend all day touring.
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Find holidays by dateHow to choose between these six August destinations
For younger children: look first at hotel and beach logistics, rather than an entire country. A pool you can supervise easily, a manageable transfer, practical food options and access to shade may make more difference than a one-degree temperature advantage. Compare Mallorca, Crete and the larger Antalya resorts according to the actual property facilities.
For very hot weather: Antalya and Cyprus deserve consideration, but higher temperatures are not necessarily more enjoyable. If you struggle with heat, consider a resort with cooling sea breezes, ample shade and more flexible activities instead of chasing the biggest temperature number.
For sightseeing as well as swimming: Malta and Crete are attractive, with the reminder that August midday temperatures make early starts valuable. Mallorca also offers a wide range of alternatives to the beach.
For scenic coastlines: the Algarve offers dramatic cliffs and beaches, while different areas of Mallorca and Crete offer sheltered bays. Choose the type of beach you prefer, then investigate the exact access and conditions.
For a more relaxed pace: do not assume an entire destination is quiet. In August, location within the resort matters more than broad labels. Look outside the busiest centre, check recent reviews for noise, and see how easy it is to reach restaurants without a car.
Is August an expensive month for a holiday?
For many UK families, August is a fixed travel period. That creates strong demand for convenient departure times, family-sized rooms and well-located beach hotels. It is sensible to expect busy dates, but no destination is guaranteed to be cheaper or more expensive without comparing actual, like-for-like offers.
A cheaper-looking package can cost more overall if it adds baggage, airport parking, transfers, meals or expensive activities. Check whether the quoted price is per person based on two sharing, and whether it changes materially when you enter your real family or group size. Two rooms, a larger suite and an apartment may be priced very differently.
Compare several departure airports if practical, but include the cost and time of reaching them. Try flexible trip lengths too: a different departure day or number of nights may offer a better combination of flight times and total cost. TripsByDate is designed to help you start with available dates rather than research destination by destination.
Do not assume that the last week of August always costs less. School terms vary and local demand abroad matters too. A price you see today is only an advertised offer, not a forecast of what it will cost later.
August booking checklist: what to check before you pay
- Travel dates: confirm school term dates and whether you need to return before a particular day.
- Real total cost: check passengers, luggage, transfer, board basis and any compulsory local charges.
- Hotel position: check the exact property on a map and the genuine walking route to the beach.
- Heat and shade: confirm air conditioning, shaded pools or play areas and practical activities during midday.
- Beach suitability: look for access steps, lifeguards, waves and whether the shore is sand, shingle or rock.
- Flight times: a late arrival and early return can noticeably reduce usable holiday time.
- Protection: check the booking's financial protection and travel insurance rather than relying on assumptions.
- Official advice: review the FCDO's current country travel advice shortly before departure, including information about wildfires, heat and local disruption.
Frequently asked questions about August holidays
Where is best for a family holiday in August?
Mallorca, Crete and Antalya are all worth comparing, but the deciding factor is usually the precise resort and hotel. For younger children, check shaded play spaces, room layouts, easy beach access and family-friendly pools. A good hotel in the right area can matter more than a general destination ranking.
Where is very hot in August?
Cyprus and Türkiye's Antalya coast regularly experience strong summer heat. Heatwaves can push temperatures above typical averages. If you would rather avoid intense midday heat, select a location and accommodation suited to a slower pace, or consider travelling in June or May instead.
Is August a good time to visit the Algarve?
Yes, if your priorities are beaches, long summer days and coastal towns. But it is a peak holiday month, and the Atlantic sea can feel cool compared with some Mediterranean destinations. August is not automatically a budget or uncrowded time to visit.
Is it better to book August holidays early or wait?
There is no universally cheapest booking date. If you need a specific family room, airport, week or hotel, waiting risks losing the choice you need. Flexible travellers may find later offers, but there is no guarantee that desirable rooms or flights will remain. Compare real prices for your own requirements rather than relying on an inflexible rule.
Which August destination is best without a car?
Look for a resort where the hotel, beach, restaurants and the activities you want are close together. Some Mallorca and Algarve resorts work well this way, as do selected bases in Malta and Cyprus. If you want extensive exploring, check public transport and excursion options before assuming a car is unnecessary.
Are August holidays always sunny?
No. These destinations have established summer tourism seasons, but no location can promise sunshine every day. Strong winds, thunderstorms, heatwaves and other interruptions are possible. Use climate averages to understand the likely conditions and short-range forecasts closer to departure.
Plan the rest of your summer
If you have some flexibility, compare where to go on holiday in July, June holiday ideas and the broader Holidays by Month guides. The right week can make as much difference as the destination itself.
You can also explore girls' trip ideas for group breaks or the Travel Guides hub for other holiday planning advice.
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