Southern Europe in August: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for August
Average temperature across Southern Europe in August.
Country Weather in August
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 30° | 19° | 33 mm | very high | Warm |
| Spain | 31° | 18° | 10 mm | very high | Warm |
| Greece | 32° | 22° | 7 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Portugal | 28° | 18° | 7 mm | very high | Mild |
| Cyprus | 37° | 23° | 2 mm | very high | Hot |
| Malta | extreme | ||||
| Andorra | 24° | 12° | 80 mm | very high | Mild |
| San Marino | 29° | 18° | 76 mm | very high | Mild |
| Vatican City | 30° | 19° | 31 mm | very high | Warm |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Iberian Peninsula (Spain & Portugal)
Atlantic frontal systems start to return in October, bringing rain to Galicia, northern Portugal and the Cantabrian coast while the Mediterranean coast tends to stay drier and mild - think Marseille-style days across Barcelona and the Valencian coast. Autumn colours appear in inland hills and early olive and grape harvests are underway in Andalusia and Castile. Travelers should carry a rain jacket for unpredictable spells but can still enjoy relatively warm daytime temperatures in southern coastal resorts.
Southern France & the Riviera (Provence, Côte d’Azur, Languedoc)
Harvest scents and cooler nights mark September along the French Mediterranean: daytime temperatures stay warm and pleasant while crowds thin compared with high summer, making it perfect for wine tours in Bandol and exploring the Camargue. Mistral gusts can still appear but are less persistent, and fall festivals begin to appear. This is a favorite window for visitors who want warm sea swims but quieter beaches and better prices.
Italian Peninsula, Sicily & Sardinia (Italy)
Autumn’s first half delivers crisp mornings and golden light in October; vineyards are active with vendemmia and olive harvests across Tuscany and Puglia. Rain becomes more frequent later in the month, especially in northern Italy and along the Ligurian coast, though southern regions and islands reliably retain mild daytime temperatures. This is a great time for culinary travel, as many restaurants feature new-season olive oil and harvest menus.
Adriatic & Balkan Coast (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Late autumn brings more steady rain and cooler temperatures across the Adriatic coast; the bora wind remains a hazard for small-boat travel and can cause sudden chill on exposed promenades. Coastal towns become markedly quieter and many tourist businesses close for the season, though local life continues year-round. It’s a practical time for lower-cost cultural travel, but expect shorter daylight and damp conditions.
Greece & the Aegean (Greece mainland, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete)
Autumn’s early weeks in October are mild with cooler mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures on Crete and southern islands; rainfall increases slightly later in the month, particularly on the mainland. The Meltemi fades, easing ferry travel, and hiking on islands is especially pleasant with cooler daytime heat. This is an excellent window for combining archaeological visits with relaxed island time, though smaller island services will begin to reduce by late October.
Malta & Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean islands)
Autumn’s second half brings milder days and increased rainfall, particularly in November; October remains pleasant for coastal exploration and archaeological sites before winter. Inland Cyprus and higher Maltese hills get cooler evenings; olive and grape harvest events occur across both islands. It’s a good season for food-focused travel and quieter beaches, though bring a light rain jacket for occasional showers.