Are you wondering what to wear in Spain in August? Well, fear not, this ULTIMATE Spain Summer Packing List will cover everything that you need for the different Spanish regions and islands in August, for weather, sightseeing, beaches as well as relevant dress code information.
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Weather in Spain in August
August in Spain is part of the peak Summer season. This guide will talk about what to wear in Spain generally in August, however if you wan’t more specific regional guidance be sure to check out the below seasonal and monthly specific posts:
Also it is worth noting that the weather between months changes quite dramatically in Spain. Therefore if your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly:
How hot is Spain in August?
August in Spain tends to be the hottest month to visit along with July. However depending on the area you visit will effect the temperatures you are likely to experience.
Generally speaking however you will find that the daily maximum temperature tends to be 34C / 93F while the daily minimum is only 18C / 64F. However you will find the further South you go the higher the temperatures will be.
Some examples of the temperature ranges across the country are:
- Barcelona – 29°C/84F and 23C/73F
- Tenerife – 28C/82F and 21°C/70F
- Madrid – 31°C / 87 and 19C /66F/
Does it rain a lot in August in Spain?
Spain in August is actually a very dry month. Generally speaking you have an 80% chance of a dry day if you are visiting Spain in August. However if you are heading to somewhere like Tenerife there is a chance that there will be no rain at all.
Therefore you really don’t need to be concerning yourself with rain and waterproof clothing for August in Spain.
What to Wear in Spain in August
Best Shoes for Spain in August
When I am looking to pack for Spain in August there are only 3 types of shoes taht I consider packing. And they fall under the following categories.
- Sightseeing Shoes
- Night time shoes and
- Beach shoes
Note: if you plan to hike a lot during your vacation or plan to walk the Camino etc then you will want hiking boots or hiking sandals. You can read more about this in our Spain walking packing lists.
The shoes we take are:
Sandals
As August is so hot in Spain you will definitely want a sandal with you. These are breathable for days when you do light walking and are also the perfect shoe for evenings out.
Note: a great souvenir is in fact a Spanish sandal if you want to pick up a shoe on your travels. In fact on our last Spain holiday to Palma in Majorca I bought a pair of these.
If you want to fit in with the local this is the style I personally try to emulate when out in Spain.
Click here to shop sandals for Spain.
Sneakers
Sneakers are the perfect shoe for summer in Spain, especially in the cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia where you will have to do a lot of sightseeing on foot. These also work for on the islands like Majorca and Tenerife.
Just be sure to pack sneakers that are lightweight and breathable so you don’t get sweaty or stinky feet. Currently our go to hot weather sneaker are the Tree Model Sneakers from AllBirds which are good for regulating foot temperature.
Top Tip: We recommend also packing sneaker socks and some odour eaters if you have room in your case just in case your feet do get sweaty.
Flip Flops
Flip flops are not good shoes for walking around cities like Seville and Cordoba due to the lack of support however they are good for vacations in Spain when you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach or even round the pool.
If you plan to visit a rocky beach or are heading to a beach where there are sea urchins you may also want to pack a pair of water shoes with you to protect your feet.
I would also recommend bringing water shoes if you are traveling with children to Spain in August as the sand can be hot for their little feet.
For more information on what not to wear in Spain which includes flip flops for walking check out this post.
What to Wear in Spain in August for women
Shorts
Shorts are great for Spain weather in August. They work for days in cities and for on beaches. Just don’t wear them if you plan on heading to churches such as the Sagrada Familia where a conservative dress code is required.
Trousers
Light weight trousers such as chinos and linen are better choices for Spain in August as opposed to jeans. These are loose and cool and work if you plan on visiting religious settings such as Sagrada Famailia which have a conservative dress code and will prevent you from overheating.
If you do decide to pack linen be sure to check out our guide on how to pack linen to prevent wrinkles.
Skirts and dresses
Skirts and dresses are always on my Spain packing list no matter the region of Spain I’m heading to in August. As you see a variety of fashion of the streets of Spain, in particular in the cities over the countryside. As such you can choose maxi, midi or even mini dresses and skirts. Just pick the type that you feel more comfortable in.
However if you want to wear a dress or skirt in a religious setting remember that you are required to keep your knees and shoulders covered. Also it is worth noting that the more off the tourist trail you head and out in the countryside, the dress sense is more conservative.
The one thing we recommend considering when selecting your dresses however is fabric type and fit. Natural fabrics and looser fitting items are better in summer as these will help keep you cooler.
T Shirt
T Shirts are perfect everywhere in Spain in August.
On the streets of Spain you are likely to see plain, patterned and even graphic t shirts so you can pick based on your fashion or personal preference.
Blouse
A loose blouse works perfectly for warmer days and cooler nights and is a great item to wear to dinner in Spain.
I also tend to wear blouses as my go to top for eating outside in Spain in August. August is definitely a month when you get mosquitos in Spain and a long sleeve blouse reduces your risk.
Pashmina
A pashmina is always on my Spain packing list for every month. It is useful as it can act as a scarf or extra layer on cooler days and can help make your outfit more modest for visits to monasteries or churches.
Swimwear
July is definitely swim weather throughout Spain from Barcelona to Tenerife wherever you have access to beaches or pools.
For more island or beach vacations we recommend taking at least 2 pieces of swimwear with you.
It is also worth noting that on beaches in Spain you will see a mixture of one pieces and bikinis.
In fact many of the younger generation will embrace bikinis on the skimpier side. Therefore wear what you feel most comfortable in. You won’t be out of place in a one piece, but equally you won’t be the only person in a thong bikini on city beaches or more touristy beaches in Spain.
Swim Cover
If you plan to visit the islands or spend a lot of time on beaches then a beach cover is also a great addition to your Spain packing list. Although Spain tends to be liberal people don’t walk on the boardwalk in their swimwear alone.
PJs or Nightie
Lightweight pyjamas and nighties are perfect especially as not all accommodation in Spain or Europe in fact will have air conditioning.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential in Spain especially in Summer.
Sunhat
A sunhat is an essential for Spain even in the cities but especially for beaches and islands.
Whenever I travel with a sun hat I recommend taking this as carry on instead of a suitcase to help maintain the hats shape.
Straw hats tend to be seen more on locals at the beach than in the cities however in August you may want a hat in the towns too.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying.
We recommend having a few pairs of sneaker socks with you to help reduce the sweat and smell inside of your sneaker when sightseeing.
What to pack for Spain in August for Men
When putting together the packing list for men heading to Spain in August, the considerations are really the same as for women.
First and foremost dress for the heat to keep cool and reduce sweat, while also having one outfit with you that meets the modest dress code of religious buildings if you are planning on visiting.
Chinos/Linen Trousers
Lightweight trousers instead of jeans are more appropriate for Spain in August.
Shorts
The weather is perfect for shorts in August especially for on beaches but also for touring in the city when you aren’t at a religious site.
Cargo shorts can make you look more like a tourist however so we tend to opt for a more tailored short.
T Shirts and Shirts
Short sleeve t shirts are perfect for sightseeing during the day in August.
However for evenings I would recommend having a button down shirt with shorts sleeves and maybe a polo shirt for day to night transition outfits.
In August, because of the heat I recommend packing short sleeve shirts or even polo shirts to keep cool while dining out. However you also need to consider mosquitos if you are dining by water.
Swimwear
Again, I would take this in cities and beaches. However if you are at a beach location then you should take at least 2 pairs so you can have a pair drying and one pair for wearing.
In Spain you will see all sorts of men’s swimwear from speedos to trunks, so again wear what you feel most comfortable in.
Sunglasses
An essential no matter the month.
Hat
For same reason as above.
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
Again, if you plan on doing lots of walking in sneakers we recommend having some sneaker socks with you to reduce sweat and odour in your shoe.
What Else to Pack for Spain in August
- Sun Screen
- Aloe Vera / Aftersun – just in case you get burnt but I hope you don;t
- Insect Repellant – you do get mosquitos in Spain in the summer
- Travel Adaptor for electronics – Spain uses standard European outputs and plugs.
- Charging Equipment including Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Crossbody bag – anti theft type. – one with plenty of zips that can put off pick pockets is best. Unfortunately there are some issues with pickpockets in cities such as Barcelona and Madrid as there are in many big cities that are tourist attractions. I am not saying this to scare you but because I really think careful bag selection is important for traveling to cities in Spain.
- Beach Bag
- Towel – for those planning on spending time on the beach or on boat excursions. We recommend a quick dry one where possible.
- Backpack – for storing items on your day trips.
- Travel lip balms. – as I mentioned the sun is strong so on top of sunscreen we recommend packing lip balm with sun protection. Our favorite brand at the minute is sun bum.
- Reusable Water Bottle – given the heat in August in Spain it is important to stay hydrated. We recommend taking a reusable water bottle to help you reduce your plastic waste while traveling. If you are worried about space try packing a collapsible one or have it in built to your backpack.
- Towel – for those planning on spending time on the beach. We recommend a quick dry one where possible.
- camera – it is a beautiful city you will want to take lots of photographs
FAQs about August Spain Packing List
What to wear to dinner in Spain?
Spain is a great foodie country. From great tapas bars to fancy Michelin starred restaurants, and countryside tavernas there is something foodie for everyone.
While Spain is a relatively casual country, you will find that most people tend to stick to smart casual dress codes for dinner in high end restaurants.
For Tapas the attire tends to be more casual depending on the type of tapas bar you are in.
I would usually stick to a dress with a top layer such as a pashmina and sandals for dinner in Spain personally. I like sandals that have a more traditional Spanish style and no thin heels.
What do locals wear in Spain in August?
Locals dress for the hot weather and tend to taking siestas and staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day during the Summer.
Being out and about at this time is more likely to single you out as a tourist not your clothes especially away from tourist sites and beaches. That is unless you are wearing something like white socks and sandals which is definitely on my what not to wear in Spain list.
What would you add to this Spain August Packing List? We’d love you to let us know in the comments below!