When Should You Go on Your Summer Holiday: July or August?

If you have children or you cannot take your holiday in June or September, you will need to book your summer holiday in advance. But which month should you choose? Teritoria offers you some advice to help you choose the holiday dates that work best for you. July or August: pick the time that best fits your schedule.

Team July vs. Team August 

When it comes to summer holidays, two camps face off. On the one hand, there are July vacationers who believe there are more advantages to traveling in this month. They prefer July because there are fewer tourists at this time of year and think that they will avoid the crowd. Bookings are also more affordable, which encourages vacationers to travel during these less busy periods. 

August vacationers, on the other hand, swear by the harvest month and its promise of warm weather. For them, there is no doubt about it: August is the guarantee of a successful vacation. It is warmer, with less rain and wind. The weather seems more ideal for dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). In addition, many businesses close for vacation. Therefore, it is the perfect time to go away with friends or family, as they are more available. 

Stop believing in stereotypes!

So, is it better to go on holiday in August rather than July because it’s warmer? The truth is that there’s only a slight difference in temperature between July and August. The weather (which is often unpredictable) is not a sufficient reason to choose one month over another. However, there are indeed more people traveling in August, especially in the South of France. If you are looking for a quiet vacation and want to avoid crowds, we recommend traveling in July.

When it comes to booking costs, July is no cheaper than August, contrary to popular belief. The most expensive period, as it is the most in demand, is between mid-July and mid-August. If you want to benefit from attractive prices, we recommend choosing the first week of July or the last week of August for your holidays, as these dates are less requested and therefore less expensive.

Pick the Right Dates for the Right Destination

To choose your holiday dates wisely, it may be worth considering other criteria, such as your destination and the kind of holiday you want to experience. It all depends on your expectations and the activities you want to do during your trip. Whether you wish to go to the sea or the mountains, the best month to travel will vary if you want to make the most of your holiday. Here are a few tips to help you plan the ideal sunny holiday.

Escape to the Mountains in the Summertime

If you’re seeking open spaces or a chance to unwind in the heart of nature, the mountains are the perfect destination. Franceoffers a rich variety of landscapes, with mountain ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Jura and the Vosges. While the mountains are a favourite winter destination for its snow, they also attract nature lovers in summer, especially hikers eager to explore steep trails and venture off the beaten path.

To experience the mountains in all their summer splendour, we recommend visiting early in the season, in July or August, before the lansdscape become too dry. At this time of year, the scenery is still lush and green, with rushing streams and snow on the highest peaks. As summer advances, the scenery gradually dries out until September, when the streams slow to a trickle and the glaciers begin to crack. 

Along the unspoiled beach…

The beach remains the preferred destination for the French during the warm season, as they are drawn to the seaside. Whether in Brittany, on the Atlantic Coast or the Côte d’Azur, there are plenty of beaches and coastal paths in France to enjoy summer and sea spray. Corsica and its wild coastline also attract many travellers every year. 

If you want to do water sports such as surfing or sand yachting, book your holiday in July to enjoy the stronger breezes at this time of year. Similarly, if you want to avoid the crowded beaches of the Mediterranean, choose July to lay your towel on the Côte d’Azur, even though it remains very busy throughout the warm season.

On the other hand, vacationers mainly interested in swimming and sunbathing often prefer to holiday in August. As the summer advances, the sea water gets warmer, typically reaching its peak in early September. If you want to visit the South while avoiding the crowd, the best solution may be to go during the last fortnight of August, which is less crowded.

Cultural tours and oenological journeys

Beyond the sea and the mountains, vacationers also head to big cities to relax and discover French cultural heritage. The best time to go depends on the geographical area you want to visit. July is ideal for the south of France, while in August northern cities are often deserted, something greatly appreciated by those who travel in July.

This also applies to the capital, as most Parisians leave the city for the holidays. It is therefore the best time to visit Paris, to enjoy its monuments and museums, or to take advantage of summer sales during a shopping break in the City of Light. If you’re more in the mood for a wine route getaway, July and August offers plenty of events, including wine fairs, where you can discover different vineyards. However,keep in mind that the grapes begin to change color in August, transforming the landscape into a spectacular sight. 

Whether you prefer August or July, all vacationers share the same desire for authenticity, discovering wide open spaces or less touristy sites. The new trend is to explore French heritage and traditions while staying in charming hotels or welcoming guesthouses. Regardless of your preferences and destination, you now have all the information you need to choose your holiday dates according to your availability, for an unforgettable stay. 

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