Spain in August: Is It Too Hot? Weather, Best Places, and Tips (2026)

I first touched down in Spain in August, just over three years ago, and the journey from the airport to the taxi and the taxi to our flat was enough to have me sweating through my clothes. Since then, I've weathered three summers here, and I won't lie, it hasn't gotten any easier.

Some days, even walking the dogs feels like a task for braver souls.

But don't write August off just yet. If it's your only shot at a Spanish summer, there's still magic to be found. You just need a plan.

This guide covers everything about visiting Spain in August: the temperatures by region, where to escape the heat, the festivals worth braving the sun for, and how to survive without melting.

Is August Too Hot to Visit Spain?

Short answer: it depends where you go.

Inland cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Madrid turn into full-blown ovens.

I remember stepping outside in Seville one August afternoon and seeing the thermometer read 44°C (111°F) in the shade. It was like stepping into a pizza oven with no exit door. At this temperature, people's shoes were literally melting on the streets.

Recent summers have been record-breaking.

Summer 2025 was Spain's hottest on record, with average temperatures of 24.2°C across June to August. The August 2025 heatwave lasted sixteen days, with temperatures exceeding 44°C in several locations and peaking at 45°C in southern Spain.

But head north, and it's a completely different story.

San Sebastian rarely breaks 28°C. Galicia enjoys misty mornings and temperatures in the low 20s. The Spain of August is really two countries: the scorching south and the bearable north.

August Temperatures by Region

Why You Might Want to Skip August

Let's be honest: August isn't for everyone.

If you're sensitive to heat, allergic to crowds, or hate overpaying for hotels, you might want to give this month a miss. Even diehard Spain lovers (like us) approach August with caution.

The downsides:

• Unbearable heat: Inland cities regularly hit 40°C+ (104°F), and heatwaves aren't just possible, they're expected
• Locals leave: Many Spaniards go on extended holidays. That charming shop or tapas bar? It might be closed for the month with a "cerrado por vacaciones" sign
• Tourist overload: It's peak season with over 10 million visitors. Expect packed beaches, sold-out tours, and long queues at major attractions
• Higher prices: Flights and accommodation skyrocket. Hotels charge premium rates, and booking late means paying even more
• Limited "authentic" vibe: With locals away, cities like Madrid can feel empty of everyday life while tourist zones remain crowded

That said, if August is your only option, keep reading. It's not all bad, and we've learned how to make it work.

The Coolest Places in Spain in August

If you're craving a break from the heat, head north. Northern Spain has a completely different climate: maritime, mild, and nothing like the oven of Andalusia.

Galicia

• Temperatures: 20-25°C average
• What to expect: Misty mornings, emerald hills, dramatic coastlines
• Best for: Seafood, the Camino de Santiago, escaping crowds
• Bonus: Far fewer tourists than southern Spain

Galicia feels like a different country.

The landscape is green, the weather is mild, and the seafood is extraordinary. Cities like Santiago de Compostela and Vigo offer culture without the crushing heat.

Basque Country (San Sebastian, Bilbao)

• Temperatures: 22-28°C average
• What to expect: World-class food, beautiful beaches, mild weather
• Best for: Pintxos, beach days, the Guggenheim
• Festival: Semana Grande in Bilbao and San Sebastian (mid-August)

San Sebastian's La Concha beach is famous for its shell-shaped bay and excellent swimming. The city rarely breaks 28°C, making it ideal for those who want beach time without the extreme heat.

Asturias

• Temperatures: 20-26°C average
• What to expect: Dramatic coastlines, natural shade from sea cliffs
• Best for: Hiking, cider, rural Spain
• Bonus: Some of Spain's most beautiful beaches with far fewer crowds

Pyrenees Mountains

• Temperatures: 18-25°C average
• What to expect: Cool mountain air, hiking trails
• Best for: Outdoor activities, escaping the heat entirely
• Options: Aragonese Pyrenees, Catalan Pyrenees, Navarre

Best Places to Visit in August

If you're set on visiting in August, lean into places that handle the heat well.

Recommended Destinations

Places to Avoid (Unless You Love Saunas)

August Festivals in Spain

Here's where August shines. Spain's festival calendar is packed, and some of the best celebrations happen in the hottest month.

Don't skip the village ferias.

Some of our best nights in Spain came from wandering into town festivals we didn't plan for. Expect grilled sardines, cheap sangria, and a stranger insisting you join their conga line.

How to Handle the Heat

Dressing for the weather will only get you so far, but it helps.

Dress Like a Pro

• Go natural: Linen, cotton, or ramie. No polyester
• Light colours only: White and beige absorb less heat
• Hat with a brim: Your best friend. Keeps your face shaded and neck from roasting
• Loose, breathable long-sleeved shirts: Can actually help more than tank tops in harsh sun
• Sunglasses: Essential, not optional

Plan Your Day Like a Local

• Errands: Do them before 11am
• Exploring: Before noon or after 8pm
• 1pm to 5pm: Spain goes silent for a reason. That's when the heat peaks. Follow suit
• Evening: This is when Spain comes alive. Dinner at 9pm, walking at 10pm is normal

Cool Your Body Down

Eat and Drink Right

• Avoid heavy meals: Think gazpacho, salads, cold melons, peaches, fresh tomatoes
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol during the day: They dehydrate
• Drink water constantly: More than you think you need
• Try tinto de verano: Red wine with lemon soda, lighter than sangria
• Eat late: Spaniards eat dinner at 9-10pm for a reason

Are Beaches Crowded in August?

Yes, very.

The obvious beaches are packed by 11am. The sand is too hot to walk on barefoot, and finding a spot to lay your towel becomes a competitive sport.

How to find space:

• Go early: We mean sunrise. By 10am the best spots are taken
• Venture to lesser-known calas: Costa Tropical, Costa Brava, and Galicia have hidden gems
• Try the north: Galician and Asturian beaches are beautiful and far less crowded
• Islands: Formentera (near Ibiza) is calmer than Ibiza itself
• Come prepared: Umbrella for shade is essential, not optional

Beach timing:

• Best: 7am-10am, 6pm-8pm
• Avoid: 12pm-4pm (too hot, too crowded)

Do Cities Shut Down in August?

In short, yes, but not everywhere.

August is "vacaciones" month. Many Spaniards get several weeks, if not the entire month, off for vacation. This means:

• Family-run businesses close: That charming bookstore or dream vermouth bar? Gone until September
• Madrid empties: The capital feels almost abandoned by locals
• Neighbourhoods sleep: Entire residential areas go quiet
• Tourist zones stay open: Major attractions, tourist restaurants, and hotels operate normally

You'll feel the absence of everyday life. The Spain of August is a Spain on pause, waiting for September when normal life resumes.

Is August Worth It?

Yes, if:

• You go to northern Spain or mountain areas
• You're visiting specifically for festivals (Feria de Malaga, La Tomatina, Semana Grande)
• You plan your days around the heat (early mornings, late evenings)
• You have accommodation with good air conditioning
• You accept higher prices and larger crowds

Consider alternatives if:

• You want to see Andalusia or central Spain comfortably
• You prefer authentic local atmosphere over tourist crowds
• You're on a budget (June and September are cheaper)
• You struggle with extreme heat

Why We Still Love Spain in August

We've sweated through heatwaves, gotten sunburned in Seville, and perspired through flamenco shows in August.

That's Spain in summer for you. Now we understand why people live in caves.

But we've also danced until dawn at the Feria de Malaga, swum in the Atlantic in Galicia while the south baked, and discovered village festivals that felt like private parties. August in Spain is intense, but it's also alive.

Plan smart.

Dress lightly. Eat fresh. And leave room for magic. Because no matter how hot it gets, something wild, wonderful, or utterly Spanish is always just around the corner.