Hotels
Where is it hot in August? Six places with the warmest sea
In August the Mediterranean is warmer than in any other month, and the days are still long. These are six places where it is hot in August, with tips for handling the heat and the hotel we would book in each.
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It is ten at night in a Maltese village, church bells are ringing and fireworks crack above the rooftops. The streets are hung with lights and banners, and everyone is out because it has finally cooled down. It is August, and the village is celebrating its patron saint.
In August the Mediterranean is at its warmest, often 25°C or more, which makes it the best month for long swims. It is also busy and hot, so we chose places where you can swim a lot, sleep well and find shade. Figures are average daytime highs for the month.
In short: where is it hot in August?
The hottest places on our list in August are Malta, at around 32°C by day, and Alanya at about 31°C with a sea near 29°C. Ibiza, Sardinia and the Costa del Sol reach around 29°C and Crete about 28°C. For festivals and northern summer, see the best places to travel in August.
Warmest sea: Alanya
Best for festas and history: Malta
Best for calm: Crete
Best for clear water: Sardinia
Best for families: the Costa del Sol
The Phoenicia Malta
The lounge at The Phoenicia in Malta.
Malta: festa season and warm water
Malta averages around 32°C by day in August, the hottest place on our list. The sea is warm, and the rocky shores and coves are good for swimming and snorkelling.
In summer the villages hold festas for their patron saints, with processions, brass bands and fireworks. Spend mornings in Valletta and afternoons in the water.
The catch: midday is very hot in the stone towns. Plan sightseeing for early and late in the day. Read about Malta's best beaches.
The Phoenicia: a pool by the city gate
The Phoenicia stands just outside the city gate of Valletta, with gardens and a pool looking over the harbour. In August it helps to walk into the old town in the evening and swim at midday. A classic hotel for couples who want Valletta on the doorstep.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Phoenicia
Elounda Beach
The bay at Elounda Beach in Crete.
Crete: Elounda and Spinalonga
Crete averages around 28°C by day in August, with the sea near 25°C. The northerly meltemi wind often blows in August and makes the heat easier to bear.
Boats leave Elounda for the fortress island of Spinalonga, and the sheltered bays around the Spinalonga peninsula have calm water for swimming and paddling.
The catch: the meltemi can whip up waves on the north coast. Bays facing south or east are calmer. Read about Crete's best beaches.
Elounda Beach: villas down to the water
Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas has bungalows and villas right down to the bay, many with private pools. Boat trips to Spinalonga leave close by. In August it suits couples and families who want to spend as much time in the water as possible.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Elounda Beach
Cervo Hotel
Cervo Hotel and Porto Cervo from above.
Sardinia: the Costa Smeralda in high season
North-east Sardinia averages around 29°C by day in August, with the sea near 25°C. The coves around Porto Cervo and La Maddalena are among the clearest in the Mediterranean.
Hire a boat for the day, swim in coves you can only reach from the sea, and have dinner on the piazza in Porto Cervo once it cools down.
The catch: around Ferragosto, the Italian holiday on 15 August, beaches and roads are packed and prices peak. Read our Sardinia guide.
Cervo Hotel: in the heart of Porto Cervo
Cervo Hotel is in the middle of Porto Cervo, with the marina, piazza and shops outside the door and a garden and pool inside. You drive or take a boat to the coves. A good pick if you want evening life rather than an isolated bay.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Cervo Hotel
Ikos Andalusia
The pool at Ikos Andalusia near Estepona.
The Costa del Sol: long beaches and white towns
The Costa del Sol averages around 29°C by day in August, with the sea near 22°C. Atlantic water flowing in through the Strait of Gibraltar keeps the sea fresher than further east.
Wander the old towns of Marbella and Estepona, where flowerpots hang on the walls, and spend a day in the mountain town of Ronda, where it is cooler.
The catch: the coast is built up and the motorway is congested in August. Stay near the beach so you can leave the car. Read about Spain's best beaches.
Ikos Andalusia: all inclusive on the beach
Ikos Andalusia has the beach right below it, between Marbella and Estepona, and food and drink are included. In August it helps to have everything in one place. It suits families who want things simple, but you need a car to see more of Andalusia.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Ikos Andalusia
Mylome Luxury Hotel & Resort
The pool at Mylome in Alanya.
Alanya: the warmest sea
Alanya averages around 31°C by day in August, and the sea holds around 29°C, the warmest on our list. It is warm enough to stay in for as long as you like.
Swim early, rest at midday and take the boat trip to the caves below the castle rock in the afternoon. In the evening the harbour is lively.
The catch: midday is fierce and the big resorts are full of families. Book a room with shade and air conditioning. Read our Alanya guide.
Mylome: water sports and beach bars
Mylome Luxury Hotel & Resort sits by the sea west of Alanya, with several restaurants and beach bars, a spa and water sports on the beach. It suits couples and friends who want to be active by day and lively by night. The pace is high in August, so this is not the place for quiet days.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Mylome
OKU Ibiza
The pool at OKU Ibiza.
Ibiza: sunset at Sant Antoni
Ibiza averages around 29°C by day in August, with the sea near 26°C. It is high season and the island is at full volume.
Swim in the west-coast coves, watch the sunset from the rocks at Sant Antoni and spend an evening in Dalt Vila, the old town of Ibiza Town.
The catch: August is the most expensive and crowded month on Ibiza. Book early and stay away from the party districts if you want to sleep. Read our Ibiza guide.
OKU Ibiza: a cove by Sant Antoni
OKU Ibiza sits at Cala Gració just north of Sant Antoni, with two pools, a spa and yoga, and a shallow cove a few minutes away. The promenade to the sunset bars starts nearby. Calm by day and close to the action at night, but expensive in high season.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at OKU Ibiza
Good to know before you book
The sea is at its warmest: the Mediterranean is often 25°C or more in August.
Ferragosto on 15 August: Italy's big summer holiday fills beaches and roads.
Plan around the heat: swim in the morning and late afternoon, and keep to the shade at midday.
Check for air conditioning: it is not a given, especially in older town hotels.
August sun: frequently asked questions
Where is hottest in Europe in August?
Of the places on our list, Malta is hottest at around 32°C by day in August, followed by Alanya at about 31°C.
Where is the sea warmest in August?
Alanya has the warmest sea on our list in August, at around 29°C.
Is southern Europe too hot in August?
Midday can be very hot. Choose a hotel with a pool and air conditioning, and plan activities for the morning and evening.
Where is quieter in August?
Crete and Malta can be calmer than Ibiza and the Costa Smeralda, especially outside the biggest resorts.
When should you book an August holiday?
Ideally over the winter. August is peak season and the best hotels fill early.