Things to Do in Spain in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Spain
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Beach season at its absolute peak - Mediterranean water reaches 25°C (77°F), perfect for swimming without wetsuits
- Festival explosion across the country - La Tomatina in Buñol (last Wednesday), Semana Grande in Bilbao, and countless local fiestas with authentic Spanish celebration culture
- Extended daylight until 21:30 (9:30 PM) gives you 14+ hours to explore, with magical golden hour lighting for photography
- Peak season for Spanish summer foods - gazpacho, salmorejo, and chiringuito beach dining at their freshest and most abundant
Considerations
- Brutal inland heat reaching 40°C+ (104°F+) in cities like Córdoba and Seville makes midday sightseeing genuinely dangerous
- Accommodation prices surge 200-400% in coastal areas, with basic hotels costing €200+ per night in popular beach towns
- Tourist saturation reaches crushing levels - expect 90-minute waits at Sagrada Familia and difficulty getting restaurant reservations even with advance booking
Best Activities in August
Northern Spain Coastal Exploration
August is the only month when Spain's Atlantic coast becomes swimmable and beach towns like San Sebastián reach their cultural peak. Water temperature hits 22°C (72°F), and the famous pintxos bars extend hours for summer crowds. The Camino de Santiago also sees perfect walking weather with 16°C-26°C (61°F-79°F) temperatures in Galicia.
Balearic Islands Beach and Culture Tours
Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca hit their stride in August with 26°C (79°F) water temperatures and extended nightlife hours. This is when beach clubs operate at full capacity and traditional festivals like Sant Llorenç in Mallorca showcase authentic island culture beyond the party scene.
Andalusian Evening and Night Tours
Southern cities become nocturnal in August - locals don't emerge until 20:00 (8 PM). This creates magical opportunities for flamenco experiences, rooftop dining, and exploring historic quarters like Granada's Albaicín under moonlight. The heat forces authentic Spanish scheduling.
Pyrenees Mountain Escape Adventures
August provides the only reliable weather window for high-altitude hiking in Spanish Pyrenees. Snow clears from trails above 2,000m (6,562 ft), and mountain refugios operate full services. Temperatures stay pleasant at 18°C-24°C (64°F-75°F) even during the heat wave.
Valencia and Mediterranean Coast Paella Tours
August is peak season for authentic paella experiences as rice harvest season begins and beach chiringuitos serve fresh seafood paella over wood fires. The extended daylight allows for traditional late Spanish lunch timing at 15:00 (3 PM) followed by beach time.
Madrid and Central Spain Art Gallery Tours
August forces indoor cultural exploration during 12:00-18:00 (12-6 PM) heat. This creates perfect conditions for deep-diving into Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen museums with fewer crowds during siesta hours, then enjoying extended evening terrace culture until midnight.
August Events & Festivals
La Tomatina Festival
The world's largest tomato fight happens in Buñol, 40 km (25 miles) from Valencia. 20,000 people throw 150 tons of overripe tomatoes in exactly one hour of organized chaos. Tickets are required and sell out months ahead.
Semana Grande Bilbao
Northern Spain's biggest summer festival transforms Bilbao with concerts, traditional Basque competitions, fireworks, and street food. The cooler northern climate makes this more comfortable than southern August festivals.
Festival Internacional de Santander
Classical music and dance festival in one of Spain's most elegant coastal cities. Performances happen in stunning venues like the Palacio de Festivales, taking advantage of Santander's mild August evenings.