August remains high season with warm weather, long days and peak crowds, especially at beaches and cultural festivals. Southern France and inland cities can be hot; some locals take holidays in August, so smaller shops in certain towns may be closed.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall, from each country's largest city. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Western Europe in August.
United Kingdom & Ireland
August continues summer warmth and long evenings; south and east coasts (Brighton, Bournemouth) are busy and festival season is in full swing-though northern Scotland stays mild and often cloudier. Showers remain possible and sudden thunderstorms can occur, especially inland; pack lightweight rain gear alongside shorts and a sunhat. Trains to coastal and national-park destinations fill up quickly during school holidays, so reserve in advance.
Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Northern France
August continues summer warmth with similar conditions to July-balmy days, lively café culture, and crowded tourist spots-though local festivals and school holidays amplify crowds. Coastal resorts and campsites are at their busiest; inland cities can be pleasantly breezy but sometimes muggy. If you prefer quieter travel, plan visits to museums and lesser-known towns early in the month or later in September.
Paris, Loire Valley, Burgundy, Champagne
August remains hot in many years and is the high holiday month for the French, with many Parisians themselves leaving the city in early August; expect busy tourist sites earlier in the month and quieter Paris mid-August as locals vacation. Temperatures often hover in the mid-20s °C and can climb higher in heat waves, making countryside swimming holes and river beaches popular. Be aware that some smaller village attractions may close for annual holidays.
French, Swiss & Italian Alps
August keeps stable summer conditions with warm days and cooler nights; daytime highs are similar to July and alpine refuges and lifts are busy, particularly in the most famous areas like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Late-summer storms remain a feature-sudden lightning and heavy rain make planning essential-and valley festivals and markets are frequent. This is peak season for high-route hiking, so expect full huts and limited last-minute availability.
French Riviera, Liguria & Catalonia; Corsica & Balearics
August remains peak summer with intense beach activity and high temperatures-often 28-33°C-particularly in coastal Spain and on the Balearic Islands; evenings stay warm so al fresco dining is popular. Local infrastructure is geared to summer tourism but expect ferry and flight queues during changeover weekends. If you dislike crowds, consider smaller coves, early starts, or travel in late September when the sea remains warm but visitor numbers fall.
Brittany, Bordeaux, Basque Country, Galicia & Northern Portugal
August remains the busiest month as locals and international visitors head to the Atlantic beaches; daytime temperatures are similar to July and festivals in Basque towns and Galician ports draw crowds. Coastal traffic can be heavy on changeover days and small village services may close mid-month for holidays-plan restaurant choices. Breeze-cooled evenings are pleasant for seafood dinners on harbour fronts.
Madrid, Andalusia, Extremadura, Algarve
August continues peak heat and tourist volume with similar conditions to July; many smaller towns observe August closures as locals vacation, so plan ahead. Andalucian festivals and summer night markets create late-night activity despite daytime temperatures in the 30s °C. If you seek quieter travel, consider mountain retreats like the Sierra Nevada or haute-altitude hiking in cooler air.
Large arts and performance festival throughout August in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Large street carnival in London, usually held in late August.
See how August compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.