A recent study by InsureandGo has found that roughly 25% of British adults are now prepared to alter their chosen summer holiday destination in order to avoid the hottest weather conditions. This is a dramatic shift in historic trends where holiday makers have often prioritised sunshine above all else when choosing their preferred location.
There are various theories as to the cause of this change in attitudes, with the increased awareness of the health and safety implications of extreme weather being one of the most commonly cited. This is believed to have been driven by the rise in the number of and intensity of heatwaves in the UK over the past decade.
Here at Elegant Resorts, we do our utmost to match all of our clients up to the types of holiday and destination that will suit them best. In recognition of changing requirements of our customers, we decided to challenge our experts to put together a list of recommended holiday destinations where it is warm but not too hot in August across Europe & the wider world. The less extreme heat at these destinations will ensure that you can really make the most of the attractions and activities around you rather than finding yourself limited by the conditions.
Where in Europe is Not Too Hot in August?
If you are looking for a short haul trip which meets the criteria, then you may want to consider a destination in Northern Europe such as Finland. While it is widely regarded as a winter wonderland, Finland is also a great holiday destination in August thanks to the many varied activities that are on offer. You can go hiking or cycling in one of over 40 stunning national parks, try your hand at water sports such as canoeing and kayaking on the glorious lakes or explore the forests as you go in search of the beautiful local wildlife made up of bears, wolves and reindeer.
Another popular phenomenon which draws tourists to Finland at this time of year is the Midnight sun. This refers to the fact that the sun doesn't set for weeks on end during this time of the year, giving you extra hours in the day to explore the many activities and attractions in the region.
Those who would prefer a less active break can instead opt to experience the famous Finnish saunas or go wild berry picking in the forests. There really is something for everyone in Finland in August.
Other European Destinations
Another great European location if you are looking for somewhere that is warm but not too hot in August is Northern Spain. Normally, Northern Spain is roughly 7-8 degrees cooler than the southern part of the country which, Combined with the lower humidity and far less populated beaches, makes it a far more comfortable summer holiday location for those hoping to do a spot of sightseeing.
The northern regions of Spain are filled with fabulous attractions including the magnificent Santiago de Compostela, a 13th century cathedral which is the alleged burial site of Biblical apostle St. James. You'll be able to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the old town surrounding it which offers grand plazas and medieval walls.
Motor racing fans may prefer to make the trip to Oviedo, the birthplace of double Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso. Here you can visit the Fernando Alonso museum which showcases many of the Spaniards most successful racing cars including his championship winning Renaults from the mid 2000s and race winning Ferraris from the early 2010s.
Of course, no trip to Northern Spain would be complete without a bit of wine tasting. The La Rioja region is home to countless picturesque vineyards and traditional wine cellars which offer tours of their facilities and wine tasting sessions where you can sample the very best of their famous produce.
Long Haul Holiday Destinations
Those who have the time to travel a little further can always head to the southern hemisphere and Australia which offers far cooler temperatures than Europe at this time of year due to the fact that it is going through its winter season.
In fact, you could even go skiing if you travel to the Australian Alps of Victoria and New South Wales, both of which become a little bit of a winter sports hotspot during this time of the year as it usually provides the best possible conditions for skiing. The main piece of advice we have if you are planning a skiing holiday in Australia during August is to book early due to high demand.
August is also the perfect time to do a spot of whale watching in Australia, with countless boat tours available along the east coast offering you the opportunity to see the migrating animals. A great place to base yourself if you are looking to take advantage of this spectacle is Sydney, with the harbour offering plenty of boat tours and the wider city being filled with iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Darlington Bridge and the Blue Mountains which offer a stunning backdrop for hiking expeditions.
If you have been inspired to book an August holiday with us or would like to discuss creating your own bespoke summer getaway, please get in touch with a member of our team.