Europe in August?

[ktwed09]

My husband is a teacher, so as much as I'd love to travel in the off or shoulder seasons, we usually have to do the bulk of our traveling in the summer. We were in Europe in July last year, and it was still wonderful. I'm of the mindset that a trip at any time is better than no trip at all!

That being said, I haven't been to Spain, and I know it can be very hot. So, that may be a consideration, if you don't enjoy traveling and sightseeing in the heat.

[alithebride]

can you go later like october? ive been to barcelona in early october and it's lovely.
honestly-i wouldn't go in the dead of summer. i'd wait until i could go during a cooler non-crowded time. to me the hassle of millions of other people and super hot isn't worth going during that time of year as i know i wouldn't be able to enjoy it as much as i could if i waited a few months.

[Deleted]

I've been to Spain (Madrid, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada) in August. Yes, it was hot, but it was very enjoyable if you plan your days accordingly. Don't plan to be outside in the middle of the day. Take a siesta like Spaniards do. Or go to an air-conditioned museum. Make sure the hotels have AC. Enjoy the evenings and nights. Have dinner after 9pm. I loved seeing the streets full of people, including many little kids, at midnight. Or you can go to northern Spain. I've only been there in the winter, but I think it'd be even nicer in the summer and cooler too.

[evalolita]

I honeymooned in Barcelona in August. It was beautiful. It was hot during the day but we hung out at beach bars and enjoyed the sea. We stayed two weeks and had a wonderful time. There is so much to do in Barcelona, Food, sites, swimming, exploring the city. Since it is such a busy city siesta time isn't as bad as some of the smaller towns. I would definitely go again in August.

[ChiKate]

It's doable for sure if that's the only time you can go. I've been to both cities in August (and in June and July). It's hot but so are parts of the US then. People still operate normally. Just be sure the hotel has AC and you can always retreat there, if needed.

[dutchgirl678]

August will be hot most likely. We went to Rome in August last year because that was the only time we could go and it was 100F most days. But we were traveling with two small kids so that made it a bit more challenging. Still, by planning stuff in the morning and later in the evening, we were fine. Plus in Spain dinner out will be really late (starting around 9pm) so that would probably be nice.

[GilliC]

I went to Barcelona in August the first time, and I was kind of disappointed. A lot of places were closed, the city seemed kind of dead, and yes, it was very hot. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I definitely liked it more when I went back the next time (in late November).

[dutchgirl678]

Another thought, does it have to be Spain? One year we went on vacation in August and made a trip through southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It was amazing and not nearly as hot. Perfect time of year to go there.

[dulcemariamar]

Do you have to go to Spain? I love Switzerland and I went there in July and had great weather.

Madrid in August is hot. But it is a dry heat so I don't think it is that bad. I wouldn't walk outside that much between 2-6. I would have a long lunch, a siesta, or spend the time indoors in a museum. The great thing about the city, is the nightlife. The city really comes alive after 10 and you will find a lot of people walking around the center until morning.

I went to Barcelona a few years ago in August and it was really hard for me to walk around the city. The city is really humid. And I remember that I went to Parc Güell (spelling?) and went back to the hotel after 20 minutes because the humidity was really horrible. Even at night, it was pretty bad. The city is really pretty and the food is great. You do have the option of going to the beach.

I didn't think the city was dead in August. They get a lot of tourists now because of the cruise ships. In Madrid, there are less people and some local shops do close down but not the big shopping centers and tourist attractions.

[ktkl09]

I'm with PP. Spain in August might not be worth it. You should consider other places in Europe. I live in Switzerland and LOVE summer here. The mountains, lakes, etc are beautiful and there's so much to outdoors (if thats your thing)!

[Deleted]

I don't see what the big deal is with it being hot in August but I'm also used to it so I guess it depends on how well you personally deal with the summer heat. It's definitely hot in the South of Europe in August but it's not like the middle of the Sahara desert. Growing up I spent most of my summers in Sicily and more than survived. My hometown Rome gets really hot in August but it's still totally enjoyable.
Some of the PPs have mentioned that many places are closed in Barcelona during that month, now that would be a bummer. Although I'm guessing museums and main attractions would still be open...?
Good luck with your choice!

[guest poster]

I would avoid the cities in August. My suggestion for you would be Panarea, a volcanic island off Siciliy little known to NA tourists but incredibly beautiful and tranquil during the day with upscale nightlife scene and amazing restaurants. You also have the option of exploring different neighboring islands while you are there.

www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g670800-Panarea_Aeolian_Islands_Islands_of_Sicily_Sicily-Vacations.html

[scout8]

I went to Spain & Portugal in August a few years ago. It was hot, but still very enjoyable. We usually took a siesta in the hottest part of the day.

[CloudBee]

I have only been to Barcelona in the winter and fall months. After visiting in the off season, I couldn't imagine going in August. I think it would be quite humid/sticky, and crowded. Part of the charm of Barcelona is the gothic quarter (which is jam packed with people in the off seasons as is), and the water. I'm guessing based on the hotels and beaches I have seen that they are quite crowded in the dead of summer.

Madrid would be preferable, in my opinion, if you are set on going to Spain and not another country.

I personally love Scandinavia (Denmark, Finland, and Sweden specificially), Iceland, France, and Belgium in the summer months. Paris really comes to life in the summer, and never seems terribly crowded. I think the height of the season for Paris is May'ish. It's also never too hot in any of those locations listed above.

[GilliC]

Jun 5, 2012 12:42:18 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

I personally love Scandinavia (Denmark, Finland, and Sweden specificially), Iceland, France, and Belgium in the summer months.

No love for Norway?!

In response to your slight of my adopted nation, I will offer up the little-known fact that Finland is not actually part of Scandinavia. Scandinavia is actually a cultural designation that applies to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway because they're so much alike. Finnish language and culture are very different, so it is generally not considered part of Scandinavia. Common usage in the US is to use "Scandinavia" to refer to what are technically known as the "Nordic countries" -- Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Iceland, is also sometimes considered part of Scandinavia, given its cultural and linguistic similarities.

Finland is part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, but if you were to talk geographically, you'd have to exclude Denmark.

...And that's probably more than you ever wanted to know about northern European regional designations! ;D

[CloudBee]

I have not been to Norway, which is why it was not included as a country which I love.

[oneslybookworm]

I've not been to Barcelona in August, but I can imagine a lot of places are closed up due to holidays (many people vacation during this time, so a lot of the smaller shops might be closed). I have been in September (later in the month) and it was heaven! Fabulous weather!

If you're set on August, I would second GilliC...Norway is absolutely AMAZING!!! One of my favorite countries, hands down. The scenery is spectacular, and tons of outdoor things to do. I also love Switzerland during this time as well.

Good luck, and enjoy your planning!

[oneslybookworm]

I've not been to Barcelona in August, but I can imagine a lot of places are closed up due to holidays (many people vacation during this time, so a lot of the smaller shops might be closed). I have been in September (later in the month) and it was heaven! Fabulous weather!

If you're set on August, I would second GilliC...Norway is absolutely AMAZING!!! One of my favorite countries, hands down. The scenery is spectacular, and tons of outdoor things to do. I also love Switzerland during this time as well.

Good luck, and enjoy your planning!

[GilliC]

Jun 6, 2012 2:35:06 GMT -5 oneslybookworm said:

If you're set on August, I would second GilliC...Norway is absolutely AMAZING!!! One of my favorite countries, hands down.

Actually, I think Norway is better May-July! Though early August is okay. The tourist season ends in mid-August, so services on the west coast start to close or operate at reduced hours. My first trip to the fjords was in mid-August, and it was already getting chilly enough to need some of our warmer clothes!

[grosnl19]

May 25, 2012 7:20:00 GMT -5 v said:

My husband and I had hoped to go to Spain this year. He just started a new job so we couldn't go this spring, and in September and August I'll be very busy at work and can't take off. August is made pretty okay... except that that's a bad time to go to Europe.

How bad would it be to go to somewhere like Barcelona or Madrid in August?

Thanks!

We live in Barcelona right now and August is crazy busy tourist time. It is extremely warm here and not many things are air conditioning. Then there is all the people in the subway, buses, beaches, etc. Many local people leave the city in August as many businesses shutdown for the whole month (including DH's office). We went to the US last year and this year we are doing a Baltic cruise.

Although, Barcelona is a great city and you should visit someday.

I can't speak to Madrid in August, but we were there in mid-July last year and it was in the high 90's and miserable.