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Where to go with children to the sea in August: 14 destinations with warm waterAIIllustrative image: AI-generated

Where to go with children to the sea in August: 14 destinations with warm water

August on seaside resorts is at peak heat. During the day the air gets scorching, the water warms to its maximum, and vacationing with children requires attention to detail. We have put together 14 beach destinations worth visiting with a child in August: from Bulgaria to Malta and Zanzibar. For each destination you will find a quick breakdown of the weather, water, and what to do with kids.

There are no all-inclusive prices or big promises below. Calm seas and a mild climate matter more than hotel stars, so pay attention to water entry, wind, and shade on the beach. Where an official fact is needed, there is a link to the source.

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What to consider when choosing a beach in August

💡 In short:

  • Look at the water and wind, not hotel stars: in August, shade and a gentle entry into the sea are what matter.
  • Plan swimming for early morning and after lunch, and hide in the shade or at a water park during the day.

In August, heat covers almost the entire Mediterranean, so choose a destination based on two factors: water temperature and wind strength. Where the wind is steady, the heat is easier to bear. If you are traveling with a toddler, look for a gentle entry into the sea and shade on the beach. For a teenager, entertainment matters more: water parks, diving, evening concerts. Holiday dates and peak season also change the picture: in some countries August is the peak, in others it is low season. Check in advance how far the hotel is from the beach and whether there is natural shade on the shore.

1. Spain

Panorama of the rocky Costa Brava coastline with a trail© Txllxt TxllxT · CC BY-SAPhoto: Txllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

During the day in Spain it is hot, and many shops close for siesta. You will wait out the heat and stuffiness indoors with air conditioning. The water in the Mediterranean Sea is warmer than in the Atlantic, so with toddlers choose the Costa Brava rather than the coast near Cadiz. Teenagers will enjoy dive clubs, which are found in almost every resort town. Kids will appreciate the large water parks, and adults can enjoy the sales. In Bilbao in August, Semana Grande takes place: festive days with parades, circus performances, and concerts.

Hotels in Spain on Trip.com

2. Italy

Rocky Amalfi coast with houses and the sea© Daniel Ventura · CC BY-SAPhoto: Daniel Ventura, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

In Italy, August is the hottest month of the year. Toddlers and people with cardiovascular conditions find it hard to bear. Seaside resorts are crowded: both tourists and locals come here, escaping the scorching cities. The sea is warm all day, and the air does not cool down even at night. Sightseeing will wear you out during this period: heat and lines at popular museums. Spend time in gardens and parks, and bring water with you. Kids love water parks, rides, and street concerts. On August 15 the country celebrates Ferragosto, the Assumption of Mary, and the evening ends with fireworks (according to Wikipedia).

Hotels in Italy on Trip.com

3. Bulgaria

Sunny Beach beach with vacationers and hotels© www.vacacionesbulgaria.com · CC BY-SAPhoto: www.vacacionesbulgaria.com, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Bulgaria in August delights you with mild weather: the air and sea are warm, with occasional short refreshing rains. Toward the end of the month it gets cooler. Late summer brings vegetables and fruit, so the local cuisine becomes more varied and fresher. Tourists take home rose oil and aromatic water. August 9, 2026 falls on Navy Day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month (according to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense). The ship parade and military bands are a hit with children. Young local wine also appears on sale precisely in August.

Hotels in Bulgaria on Trip.com

4. Greece

Blue church domes of Oia on Santorini above the sea© Giles Laurent · CC BY-SAPhoto: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In summer in Greece there is almost no rain, and the air gets scorching. Smog hangs over major cities, so with children go outside in the morning and evening. The sea is warm, and you can swim every day: go yachting and explore the islands. It is better not to go inland on excursions: popular sights are packed with crowds and shimmering heat haze. If you really want to see something, arrange with a taxi driver for early morning. Kids can look forward to the country's best water parks. When it comes to food, do not choose pompous restaurants: family-run tavernas cook with fresh ingredients and without the capital-city price tag. Try Greek coffee.

Hotels in Greece on Trip.com

5. Turkey

Rocky coast of Antalya with a sailboat© Dosseman · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dosseman, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

August in Turkey is not the calmest month: it is too hot and there are a lot of people. Book rooms in a good hotel in advance. Rain is rare, the heat lasts all day and only eases at night. In shallow water the sea warms up the most, so sandy bays are convenient with little kids. In the evenings the streets are buzzing: shows, live music, discos. Teenagers love this, while younger children will enjoy playgrounds, pools and water parks. Even at the peak of the season there are discounts for young travelers. At the end of summer the markets are full of vegetables and fruit, so you can stock up on vitamins for a long time.

Hotels in Turkey on Trip.com

6. Cyprus

Cyprus in August experiences real heat, while the winds soften the air. Little kids and older people are more comfortable in a good hotel: go outside only in the morning and evening. There are a lot of tourists on the island, Cyprus welcomes everyone. You can sunbathe not only on public beaches, but also in secluded bays, where the water is very warm. Instead of excursions, head to the mountains: there are rivers, refreshing waterfalls and ancient monasteries. In small villages you will be introduced to local cuisine based on old recipes. Kids will enjoy the water parks.

Hotels in Cyprus on Trip.com

7. Tunisia

Stony shore, sea and white houses by the wall© E.Selmaj · CC BY-SAPhoto: E.Selmaj, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

In Tunisia in August, nightlife is in full swing, and there are a lot of young people here. Teenagers like the discos, kids like the warm sea and sunny weather. The fish catch is rich at the end of summer, so every cafe cooks seafood dishes. It is hot during the day, but warm nights let you walk until late and even swim: the beaches are lit. Package tours to Tunisia cost noticeably less than to Thailand or Indonesia, and you can have a good vacation here. Wellness treatments are also available here, and the air is considered healing because of the eucalyptus and fir plantations. If you are traveling with a baby, choose a hotel with shade and a gentle entry into the water.

Hotels in Tunisia on Trip.com

8. Croatia

Narrow stone street of old Dubrovnik with lanterns© Stéphane Gallay from Laconnex, Switzerland · CC BYPhoto: Stéphane Gallay from Laconnex, Switzerland, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The climate of Croatia in August is mild: warm during the day, cool in the evening, rain is rare. You spend most of your time on the beaches, but there is plenty to do besides swimming. Many festivals fall at the end of summer, including the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The cultural program is packed, so decide in advance what you will have time to see. With kids it is convenient to combine the beach and short evening concerts.

Hotels in Croatia on Trip.com

9. Montenegro

Panorama of Budva with sea, mountains and an island© Bratislav Tabaš · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bratislav Tabaš, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The weather in Montenegro in August can surprise you: sea currents can bring in cold water, and high humidity makes the heat feel heavy. If the weather lets you down, you go on excursions: almost all buses have air conditioning. The resorts are crowded, but the beaches are cleaned almost continuously, so they stay tidy. Toward the end of the month there are fewer vacationers. There are many cultural events in August, and it is more convenient to rent a car. Petrovac hosts "Fish Night" with tastings of fresh fish and local wines.

Hotels in Montenegro on Trip.com

10. Israel

Mediterranean coast of Israel with sandy beaches from space

Israelis themselves leave for less hot countries in August, but there are still plenty of tourists here. It is hot during the day, humidity is high by the sea, and the nights are warm. A moderate wind freshens the air a little. The beaches offer a wide range of activities: surfing, volleyball, yacht trips, sea fishing. The boldest fly over the sea on hang gliders. Believers travel to holy sites, but plan such trips with children carefully: cities are hotter than the seaside. The Dead Sea is not suitable for small children, as it is easy to overheat there. Teenagers go diving with their parents: the underwater world along the coast is rich. In several cities you will be offered wellness treatments. There are no major national holidays in August.

Hotels in Israel on Trip.com

11. Tanzania

Zanzibar beach with clear water and a person

Tanzania's climate in August is pleasant, and parents with kids won't regret choosing it. Both air and water are at comfortable temperatures here. Almost everyone who visits goes to Zanzibar. Physically fit travelers climb Kilimanjaro, while those looking for peace spend their days on Zanzibar's beaches. The wildlife is rich, kids get to know African fauna and remember the trip for a long time. The catch for you: the high tour price, so compare options in advance.

Hotels in Tanzania on Trip.com

12. Vietnam

Panorama of Nha Trang: beach, skyscrapers and sea© Chris Lewis · CC BYPhoto: Chris Lewis, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

In Vietnam, August falls in the low season, and the weather depends on the region. In the north, the air is moderately warm, cooler by evening, and August is the peak of the rainy season. In the center, downpours occur about a week per month and mostly at night, so during the day you can easily go on excursions and swim on uncrowded beaches. In the south it's hotter, but the sea is warm too, and by the end of summer the water becomes clear. There are few tourists, the beaches are quiet and spacious, and tour prices are low: most vacationers arrive closer to winter. In August there are many tropical flowers here, so you get great photos. Among the holidays, the Wandering Souls Day is the most vibrant.

Hotels in Vietnam on Trip.com

13. Thailand

Mountain landscape at sunset with a flying bird© PonlawatThai · CC BY-SAPhoto: PonlawatThai, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In Thailand, August is also the low season, so you save on packages. Tourists are afraid of rain, but it doesn't come often, sometimes once every week and a half. The weather is milder than in spring and early summer, and August is a good time for sightseeing. Excursions and souvenirs cost less, and food doesn't require big spending. In August you can afford a high-end hotel that wouldn't fit your budget in season. The "all inclusive" format is convenient for kids. There's plenty of entertainment: safaris, zoos and national parks, yacht and canoe rides, religious landmarks. The Queen's birthday is celebrated solemnly, streets are decorated with flowers, and fireworks are set off in the evening.

Hotels in Thailand on Trip.com

14. Malta

Panorama of Valletta from the sea on a sunny day© Bengt Nyman · CC BYPhoto: Bengt Nyman, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

People go to Malta when they're interested not only in the beach but also in the island's history. In August it's hot here, the sun rises early and sets late, there are few cool hours, and refreshing rains are rare. Surfers don't come here at the end of summer: the sea calms down and there are almost no waves. But you'll enjoy swimming and scuba diving, and the underwater world is fascinating. You can go on a boat trip or rent a yacht. For excursions inland, take only teenagers: the heat will exhaust little kids. On August 15, Malta celebrates Santa Marija, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and it's a public holiday (according to VisitMalta).

Hotels in Malta on Trip.com

Beach resorts for family vacations in August on the map

To see how the resorts are located relative to each other, open the map below. It shows the destinations from our selection, and it's handy for estimating flights and distances between countries.

Where to go to the sea with a child in August

Places on the map
  1. 1Spain Costa Brava is warmer than the Atlantic, dive clubs and water parks
  2. 2Italy The hottest month of the year, crowded resorts
  3. 3Bulgaria Mild weather, roses in bloom, ship parade for Navy Day
  4. 4Greece Almost no rain, the country's best water parks
  5. 5Turkey Hot and crowded, sandy bays for toddlers
  6. 6Cyprus The heat is eased by wind, secluded bays and warm water
  7. 7Tunisia Warm nights, lit beaches, affordable prices
  8. 8Croatia Mild climate, cool evenings, many festivals
  9. 9Montenegro Currents sometimes bring cold water, clean beaches
  10. 10Israel Low humidity, surfing and diving, the Dead Sea not for toddlers
  11. 11Tanzania Zanzibar, pleasant climate, rich wildlife
  12. 12Vietnam Low season, empty beaches, low prices
  13. 13Thailand Low season, rare rain, affordable high-end hotels
  14. 14Malta The sea calms down, good for diving, hot inland

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

It's hot everywhere in August. Where should you go with a child so it isn't too hard on you?

Look at the water and wind, not the country. Bulgaria has milder temperatures, Croatia cools down in the evening, and in Cyprus and Greece the sea breeze helps. Little ones have an easier time where the beach has a gentle slope and there's shade. Plan swimming for the morning and after lunch, and wait out the midday sun indoors.

Where is the sea warmest in August?

The Mediterranean reaches its peak temperature, so southern Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Tunisia work even for the youngest kids. In the Atlantic near Cadiz, Spain, the water is cooler because of the currents. Check the forecast before you go: in Montenegro, currents sometimes bring in cold water.

Is it worth booking excursions with kids in August?

Only short ones, and only in the morning. In Italy and Greece, museums are exhausting in the heat, so choose parks and gardens instead. In Montenegro and Israel, tour buses have air conditioning, which helps at midday. Don't take little ones to the Dead Sea: it's easy to overheat there.

When should you book a hotel for August with kids?

Early. August falls in peak season, and good family hotels on the coast get snapped up first. Compare options by location and shade on the beach, not by star rating.

Where is it cheaper to vacation with kids in August?

Bulgaria, Tunisia, and Vietnam are usually the cheapest: in the latter two, August falls in the low season. Thailand offers affordable packages at high-end hotels at the same time. Prices change every week, so compare offers before you buy and pick what fits your dates.

In short: what to book

If a milder climate matters most, go with Bulgaria and Croatia. If you want the warmest water, look at Greece, Cyprus, and Tunisia. For a packed itinerary, head to Spain, Italy, and Malta, and for quiet and low season, to Vietnam and Thailand. Turkey and Israel suit older kids, and Tanzania is worth the trip for a bigger adventure. Find a hotel on Trip.com and compare tours on GetYourGuide to build a trip that fits your budget. Check the water and wind before you fly, and August with kids will go smoothly.