A summer vacation to Europe is the dream, but increasingly hot temperatures in much of Southern Europe makes August a tricky time to visit, especially in spots where air conditioning isn’t the default. To make matters trickier, locals in destinations like Italy and France often pack up for their own summer vacation, leaving tourists to wander streets lined with “closed” signs and shuttered storefronts.
But it’s not all bad news. August can also be one of the best months to explore Europe—if you know where to go. Choose wisely, and you’ll find destinations where the weather is just right, the energy is buzzing (not sweltering), and almost everything is open. Here’s where to travel in Europe this August if you want to beat the heat, dodge the crowds, and catch Europe at its summer best.
Westman Islands, Iceland
August Event: Þjóðhátíð Festival, Westman Islands
Iceland in August is a gift from the weather gods. You get long daylight hours (hello midnight sun) and temperatures that are warm without being too hot. It’s the ideal time to road trip through otherworldly landscapes: think lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls, and moss-covered valleys.
One of the country’s biggest annual events, Þjóðhátíð, takes place on the Westman Islands. It’s part music festival, part massive community campout, with bonfires, fireworks, and a whole lot of Icelandic fun. Bonus: August also marks the end of puffin season and prime time for spotting humpback and minke whales offshore.
Copenhagen, Denmark
August Event: Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival
When the sun’s out, so are the Danes—and in August, Copenhagen hits peak good vibes. Locals make the most of the long northern days with waterfront hangs, fresh-baked pastries eaten al fresco, and bikes whizzing down sun-dappled streets.
Mid-August brings one of the city’s tastiest traditions: the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival. It’s a ten-day celebration of all things Nordic cuisine, from farm-to-table feasts to food crawls. Pair it with Copenhagen Pride, which takes place around the same time, and you’ll have a recipe for a good time.
Need more Copenhagen inspiration? Read our article on The Best Free and Unique Things to do in Copenhagen.
Lac d’Annecy & the French Alpine Lakes, France
August Event: Fête du Lac, Annecy
France’s southern coast gets swamped in August, but up in the Alps, it’s a different story. Lac d’Annecy and its sister lakes offer crystal-clear water, alpine air, and lively towns without the Riviera price tag. You can swim, paddleboard, cycle the lakeside paths, or just sip wine by the shore with a view of the mountains.
Annecy’s showstopper is the annual Fête du Lac, a spectacular light-and-fireworks show set to music that draws hundreds of thousands to the lakeside.
Piran, Slovenia
August Event: Tartini Festival, Piran
Slovenia might just be Europe’s best-kept summer secret. The country packs a lot into its compact frame: alpine peaks, storybook lakes, vineyard-cloaked hills, and a stretch of Adriatic coastline that feels like Croatia—minus the crowds and high costs. Hike in the Julian Alps, visit Lake Bled, or unwind in a vineyard with a glass of Slovenia’s signature orange wine.
The seaside town of Piran is a real gem in August, especially during the Tartini Festival, a classical music event that transforms churches and courtyards into candlelit concert halls. Inland,
Svalbard, Norway
August Event: Polar Bear Viewing Season
Svalbard isn’t your average summer destination. Located deep in the Arctic, this Norwegian archipelago offers a stark, stunning landscape of glaciers, fjords, and floating icebergs. August is one of the few months when expedition ships can navigate the ice, giving travelers a shot at spotting polar bears, walruses, and even narwhals.
If you’re not up for a full Arctic expedition, consider Vesterålen, just north of the Lofoten Islands. It’s easier to reach, but still remote and wildly beautiful—ideal for whale watching, hiking, and feeling like you’ve reached the edge of the world.
Oslo, Norway
August Event: Øya Festival
If Svalbard sounds a little too wild, dip your toes into Norway with a trip to Oslo. In August, the city is at its best weather-wise. Locals are out sunbathing along the Oslofjord, picnicking in Frogner Park, or catching a breeze on the roof of the Oslo Opera House.
The main event? Øya Festival. Held in a lush city park, this multi-day music fest blends big-name acts with an eco-conscious ethos and plenty of local flavor (expect food trucks slinging reindeer hot dogs and organic smoothies). When you’re not dancing, explore Oslo’s museums, fjord cruises, and stylish Nordic design scene.
Dorset, UK
August Event: We Out Here Festival, St Giles House
Dorset shines brightest in summer. The weather’s mild, the days are long, and the region’s natural beauty—from fossil-lined cliffs to hidden coves—is on full display. Whether you’re into surfing, hiking, or just devouring scones with clotted cream, it’s all here.
August also sees a wave of events roll through, from village fairs to world-class music festivals. A standout is We Out Here Festival at St Giles House, where a genre-defying music lineup meets woodland stages and yoga sessions—all set in a stately country estate.
Edinburgh, Scotland
August Event: Edinburgh Festival Fringe
If there’s one city that absolutely owns August, it’s Edinburgh. The cobbled capital of Scotland transforms into a full-blown performance playground during the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Every bar, church hall, and basement becomes a stage, every corner a potential comedy goldmine.
From star-studded stand-up to experimental theatre, the Fringe is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable. Add to that the city’s usual charms—castle views, Scotch bars, and sweeping hilltop hikes—and you’ve got the ultimate culture-meets-cool-weather combo.