Best holiday destinations in August

Tempted to book a last-minute escape for August? Whether you want an active adventure, a cultured city break or to escape the peak summer heat, we have a destination for you.

Climb one of Iceland’s spectacular volcanoes, explore otherworldly black sand beaches on the Azores or sample the exquisite pintxos of the Basque country. 

Read on for our six August picks – from the Jurassic Coast all the way to South America. 

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Best places to visit in August

• Devon 20°C
• Bilbao, Spain 24°C
• The Azores, Portugal 25°C
• Copenhagen, Denmark 21°C
• Iceland 12°C
• Peru 18°C

Best UK holiday destination in August: Devon

August high: 20°C

Two Devon hotspots made it into the top ten of the UK’s best seaside towns in our latest survey: Beer and Sidmouth. And the good news is that these charming seaside hangouts are located just nine miles apart on the South West Coast Path. The tiny fishing village of Beer, with its flint cottages and cobbled lanes, was once a smugglers’ haunt. Its shingle beach, tucked between chalky white cliffs, is a peaceful place to watch the small fishing fleet unload crab and shellfish. 

Meanwhile Sidmouth wows with its biscuit-coloured beaches, neat seafront gardens and traditional shops. Walk to the top of its red cliffs for panoramic sea views, or - if the weather is kind - flop on sheltered coves dotted with rockpools. The Jurassic Coast typically enjoys seven hours of sunshine a day at this time of year.

The beginning of August also sees the arrival of the Sidmouth Folk Festival - a week-long celebration of song by the sea with concerts, ceilidhs, parades and storytelling all over town.

Find a Devon cottage holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: Classic Cottages, The Landmark Trust, National Trust or Rural Retreat.

Where in Europe is cheap in August?

Bilbao, Spain

August high: 24°C

There's more to Spain than the Costas. The Basque country in the north has its own culture, traditions and language – and its capital, Bilbao, has thrived ever since the construction of the Guggenheim Museum in the late 90s. 

Sunshine isn't guaranteed here, but the weather is typically much better than the UK. The colourful old town is packed with amazing pintxo bars (the classic Basque tapas). You're also only an hour and a half from the legendary restaurants and beaches of San Sebastian to the east, or the wineries of La Rioja to the south. 

Return flights were as cheap as £72 per person for August, when we checked. Those who want to holiday abroad with a lower carbon footprint can choose the twice-weekly ferry (Thursdays and Sundays) from Portsmouth, which takes just over 33 hours. You may even spot whales and dolphins along the way.

Find a Basque country holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: HF Holidays, InnTravel, Ramblers or Trailfinders

Best holiday destinations in August (short-haul): The Azores, Portugal

August high: 25°C

If mainland Portugal is a bit too hot in August, the Azores sits in the more comfortable mid-20s thanks to the Atlantic sea breeze. Characterised by dramatic volcanic landscapes and peppered with quaint fishing villages, the archipelago is ideal for nature lovers. Sao Miguel, the largest island, is known for its geothermal hot springs and volcanic craters. 

After hiking the dramatic Miradouro da Boca do Inferno trail – famous for its crater lakes – you can soak your aching muscles in Ponta da Ferraria’s iron-rich pools. Or, if the weather is kind, relax on one of the otherworldly black sand beaches. 

August marks the end of whale watching season when humpback, fin and even blue whales fill up on plankton before migrating to the Arctic. 

Find an Azores holiday with Which? Recommended Providers: Trailfinders, Audley Travel or Kuoni.

Where in Europe isn’t too hot in August?

Copenhagen, Denmark

August high: 21°C

The Danish capital is famously expensive, but flights for August are currently a steal - from £67 return according to Skyscanner. 

Get a sense of this compact city from the water with a Stromma canal tour. Boats depart roughly every 30 minutes and depart from Nyhavn, a colourful strip of canal-side buildings, before sailing past the opera house. You can also enjoy a full panorama of the city from the viewing platform of the Rundetaarn, the 17th century red-brick Round Tower famed for its equestrian staircase - it was built during the reign of King Christian IV so he could be transported by horse and carriage to the top. 

It should be perfect weather for a dip in the clean harbour waters and to explore the city's bike-friendly streets on two wheels. Bars and cafes also spill onto streets at this time of year, while residents lug their picnic baskets to the many parks and manicured gardens.

Book a city break to Copenhagen with Which? Recommended Providers Jet2Holidays, Trailfinders or Saga.

Iceland

August high: 12°C

Midnight sun, waterfalls and lush, green landscapes – Iceland in August is every bit as magical as it is during the winter. While August is not the time to spot the northern lights, the milder weather means you can explore areas which aren’t accessible during winter – such as Hvannadalshnukur mountain, Iceland’s highest peak.

You can even visit an active volcano. Visits to Litli-Hrutur are now allowed after the recent eruption, although taking an organised tour is highly recommended. Keep an eye on local safety information.

Other top experiences include the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle and the south coast with its black sand beaches. In addition, August provides the opportunity to hike in the highlands, visit the Westfjords, and spot puffins, which migrate to Iceland between May and the end of August. The midnight sun is why many tourists flock to Iceland during the summer but, if you’re concerned about disrupted sleep, aim for the end of August when the dark nights begin to draw in. 

August is one of Iceland’s warmest months, with highs of 12°C in Reykjavik (and between 10-11°C elsewhere). Expect bright blue skies and cloudy intervals in the summer months, but pack your waterproofs and some warm layers just in case.

Find an Iceland holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: Exodus, Hays, Jet2, Ramblers, Trailfinders

Want to escape the peak summer heat? The destinations where temperatures regularly spike above 35°C - and where to go instead

Best holiday destination in August (long-haul): Peru

August high: 18°C

Peru’s rich history and diverse landscapes appeal to adventurous travellers. Go this August for fewer crowds and better weather in the middle of dry season.

Learn about the Incas in Cusco, the ancient civilisation’s capital. Rainbow Mountain is just an hour away, with its distinct coloured stripes – the result of different minerals creating a marbling effect. 

Machu Picchu is likely to be the highlight of your trip, the lost city of the Incas. Take the train from Aguas Calientes or, if you’re up for the challenge, choose one of the many hiking trails (the Inca Trail books up quickly).

Temperatures hover around 18°C in Lima and Cusco in August – while in Iquitos and the Amazonian regions you can expect highs of 32°C. Temperatures can plummet during the night in the higher altitude regions, so pack for all weathers. 

Find a Peru holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: Exodus, HF Holidays, Kuoni, Ramblers, Trailfinders.

Weather data from Weather2travel.com.