Atlantic Europe
Portugal
Portugal
Summer beaches, food and design hotels.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 7 out of 10
- Freedive
- 6 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
August · Peak summer
Where to Go in August: Luxury Summer Ocean Holidays
Luxury summer ocean holiday.
August overview
The ocean in August
August combines peak European holidays with prime conditions in several long-haul destinations, and the start of the best season for Atlantic island diving.
Climate and conditions
Atlantic island water is typically warmest from late summer; southern-hemisphere swells continue in Indonesia and Fiji.
For European travellers
The busiest month for European travel. Atlantic islands offer an alternative to crowded Mediterranean coasts.
Best-fit destinations
Where to go in August
-
- Atlantic Europe
Portugal
Azores
Typically the heart of the offshore pelagic dive season.
- Surf
- 8 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 7 out of 10
- Best months
- Jun to Oct
- Atlantic Europe
Portugal
Madeira
Warm water and calm south-coast diving.
- Surf
- 8 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 7 out of 10
- Best months
- Jan to Nov
- Southeast Asia
Indonesia
Bali + Nusa Penida
Dry season; busy but reliable.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 9 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- South Pacific
Fiji
Fiji
Prime season.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 10 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- North Pacific
United States
Hawaii
South-shore surf.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Jun to Feb
Also often in season in August
Read next
Best Summer Surf Holidays for Europeans
Summer does not have to mean the same beach every year. Stay close to home, choose an Atlantic island or fly far for warm reef waves.
Azores vs Madeira: Which Portuguese Island Is Better for Surf & Diving?
Same country, completely different feeling. Polished and dramatic, or wild and far out in the Atlantic.
Surf and Dive
Plan Your Next Ocean Escape
Shortlisted a destination for August? Read its destination page for surf, diving, freediving, luxury and planning notes.