Best Places to Go in Europe in August: The Unfiltered Truth
Let me be straight with you: August is Europe's most expensive, most crowded, and most overhyped travel month. Half the continent is on holiday. Prices are at their annual peak. And yet — if you pick the right destinations, you can still have an incredible time. The trick is knowing where the crowds AREN'T. I've got the data to prove it.
The August Reality Check
Here's what you're dealing with. Eurostat data shows August accounts for roughly 15% of all annual tourism nights in the EU — the single highest month. Average hotel prices spike 25–60% above shoulder season rates depending on the city. Flights from the US? Add 30–40% to spring prices. You're paying a premium. Make sure you're getting premium experiences.
Top Destinations for August in Europe
1. Montenegro (Kotor & Budva)
Weather: Average high of 31°C (88°F), 3 rain days Crowd Level: Medium (growing but not saturated) Daily Budget: $70–110
Montenegro is what Croatia was 10 years ago — stunning Adriatic coastline, medieval towns, and prices that haven't caught up to the Instagram hype yet. Kotor's bay is dramatic, Budva's beaches are solid, and you'll spend half of what you would in Dubrovnik.
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60–90 |
| Meals (per day) | $18–25 |
| Kotor Old Town | Free |
| Boat tour Bay of Kotor | $25 |
Pro Tip: Stay in Dobrota or Prčanj instead of Kotor Old Town. Same bay views, 40% cheaper, 5-minute drive.
2. Scottish Highlands, UK
Weather: Average high of 17°C (63°F), 14 rain days Crowd Level: Low-Medium Daily Budget: $100–150
Plot twist: while Southern Europe melts, Scotland in August is genuinely pleasant. Temperatures are comfortable for hiking, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is in full swing, and the Highlands are green and moody in the best possible way. Yes, it rains. Bring a jacket and get over it.
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| B&B / guesthouse (per night) | $80–120 |
| Meals (per day) | $25–35 |
| Car rental (per day) | $40–60 |
| Edinburgh Fringe shows | $10–25 each |
Pro Tip: The Fringe has thousands of free shows. You can spend a week being entertained without paying a penny for tickets.
3. Slovenia (Ljubljana & Lake Bled)
Weather: Average high of 27°C (81°F), 8 rain days Crowd Level: Medium Daily Budget: $75–115
Slovenia punches absurdly above its weight. Ljubljana is a walkable, bike-friendly capital with excellent food. Lake Bled is, yes, touristy — but nothing compared to August in Venice or Barcelona. The Soča Valley offers world-class outdoor activities without the crowds.
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel (per night) | $65–95 |
| Meals (per day) | $20–28 |
| Lake Bled boat ride | $18 |
| Soča Valley canyoning | $50 |
4. Azores, Portugal
Weather: Average high of 25°C (77°F), 5 rain days Crowd Level: Low Daily Budget: $80–120
The Azores are Europe's best-kept... okay, I promised no cliché words. Let me rephrase: the Azores are statistically undervisited relative to their quality. These volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic have whale watching, hot springs, crater lakes, and green landscapes that look AI-generated. August is peak season here, but "peak" in the Azores means "you might see other humans."
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70–100 |
| Meals (per day) | $20–28 |
| Whale watching tour | $65 |
| Cozido das Furnas (volcanic stew) | $15 |
Pro Tip: Fly into São Miguel but don't skip Faial and Pico islands. Inter-island flights with SATA are $50–80.
5. Estonia (Tallinn & Islands)
Weather: Average high of 21°C (70°F), 9 rain days Crowd Level: Low Daily Budget: $70–110
Northern Europe in August is genuinely underrated. Tallinn has a gorgeous medieval old town, killer food scene, and 18+ hours of daylight. The islands (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa) feel like stepping back in time — forests, empty beaches, local farms. Tourist infrastructure exists but hasn't been commercialized to death.
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel (per night) | $55–85 |
| Meals (per day) | $18–25 |
| Tallinn Card (48h) | $40 |
| Ferry to Saaremaa | $5 |
6. Sardinia, Italy
Weather: Average high of 31°C (88°F), 1 rain day Crowd Level: Medium-High (coast), Low (interior) Daily Budget: $95–150
I know, I know — Italy in August, groundbreaking. But hear me out: Sardinia's interior is wildly undervisited even in peak season. Everyone clusters on the Costa Smeralda paying oligarch prices. Drive 30 minutes inland and you'll find mountain villages, archaeological sites, and restaurants where a full meal costs $15. The east coast beaches (Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna) are stunning and less packed than the north.
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80–130 |
| Meals (per day) | $22–32 |
| Car rental (per day) | $35–55 |
| Beach access (some require boats) | $15–25 |
Pro Tip: Rent a car. Sardinia's public transport is sparse and slow. A car opens up beaches and inland towns that 90% of tourists never see.
Budget Breakdown: August Across Spending Styles
| Budget Style | Daily Cost (USD) | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $55–80 | Hostels book fast — reserve early |
| Mid-range | $95–150 | Expect to pay 30% more than spring |
| Comfort | $180–280 | Worth it for A/C alone in southern Europe |
Transatlantic flights in August average $650–950 round trip from the US East Coast. Book by May for the best options. Waiting until July is financial self-harm.
Getting Around Europe in August
Flights: Book early. Seriously. Intra-Europe budget flights that cost $30 in April are $80+ in August. The routes are the same; the demand is not.
Trains: August is when European rail actually gets crowded. Reservations are mandatory on many high-speed routes and they sell out. Book 2+ months ahead for popular corridors.
Ferries: For islands (Greek, Croatian, Sardinian), book ferry tickets 2–3 weeks minimum ahead. Overnight ferries are excellent value — you save a hotel night and wake up at your destination.
Car Rentals: Book in spring. August rental prices double or triple in popular areas. Manual transmission is usually 20–30% cheaper than automatic.
Pro Tip: Check DiscoverCars or AutoEurope for aggregated rental prices. And get the full insurance — European roads have different driving cultures, to put it diplomatically.
Surviving August Heat
Southern Europe regularly hits 35–40°C (95–104°F) in August. This isn't a footnote — it's a major factor in your trip quality.
What helps:
- Schedule outdoor activities before 11 AM or after 5 PM
- Carry a refillable water bottle (free tap water is standard in most EU countries)
- Book accommodation with A/C — this is non-negotiable in the south
- Embrace the siesta culture; rest during peak heat like locals do
FAQ
Is August the worst time to visit Europe?
For crowds and prices, it's objectively the peak. But "worst" depends on what you prioritize. If you want beach weather, long days, and festival energy, August delivers. If you want value and solitude, look at April, May, or October instead.
Where is Europe NOT crowded in August?
The Balkans (Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia), Baltics (Estonia, Latvia), and Atlantic islands (Azores, Canaries) all have significantly lower density than Western Mediterranean hotspots.
How hot does Southern Europe get in August?
Expect 32–40°C (90–104°F) regularly in Spain, Italy, Greece, and southern France. Heat waves pushing past 40°C are increasingly common. This is not a drill.
Should I book accommodation in advance for August?
Absolutely. Popular destinations sell out quality options by May/June. Budget accommodations go even faster. Book 3+ months ahead for peak August dates.
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- Best Places to Go in Europe in July — Summer without the peak-peak madness
- Best Places to Go in Europe in September — Same weather, fewer people, lower prices
- Best Places to Go in Europe in October — When the smart money travels