Similar to July, August is the height of summer weather in Granada. The days are characterized by mild mornings and hot afternoons that can finally settle into cooler evenings. Visitors often come to Granada hoping to spend most of their time outdoors, however under this strong sun, visitors should be prepared to seek the shade and air conditioning throughout the afternoon. This is normally not an issue, as siesta encourages most people, even those on holiday, to indulge in the afternoon nap.
August normally sees minimal precipitation, and entire days are full of sunshine without a cloud in the sky.
The average temperature in August is 24°C (75°F), which takes into account the temperate mornings and pleasant evenings. Afternoon in August can be hot. The months following begin to see cooler temperatures, but August can still be uncomfortably hot.
The average high and low temperatures, at 32°C (90°F) and 16°C (61°F), respectively show that there are both much warmer days best spent near a swimming pool or out of the sun and days that can be mild and pleasant for a full day of sightseeing.
August receives the least amount of precipitation of any month during the year. On average only 7 mm of precipitation falls during August. Locals and visitors adjust to the dry heat that results from the high temperatures and lack of precipitation.
In fact, August in Granada is consistently sunny. There is a 50% chance a day will be a sunny one, and on average there are only two rain days throughout the month. Therefore, what little precipitation does fall often occurs in a short rainfall.
August is known for long days. The month has an average of 11 hours of sunlight every day. Even at the end of the month, the days feel long and sunset happens later in the evening.
Relief from the heat and sun are essential during the afternoons of July and August in Granada.
The chic and cooling lobby of Hotel Parraga Siete is simply an introduction to the design of this boutique hotel. The individually decorated rooms come in different shapes and sizes, but each is full of white linens, light furniture and light from floor to ceiling windows. Certain rooms have personal terraces, with seating areas, for pleasant mornings spent reading or late nights spent sipping a bottle of Spanish red wine. In addition to its airy rooms, Hotel Parrage Siete boasts an onsite tapas restaurant and a relaxed bar where guests can relax and enjoy a drink.
Most hotels make a particular effort to accommodate families of all sizes and ages, but then there are hotels that do something special to welcome young children and their parents. Puerto de Las Granadas puts in special effort. The hotel allows children under 12 to stay for free when sharing the bed with an adult. This makes it easier for families to book a double guest room, all stay safely and happily in the same room and save some money in the process.
The hotel also advertises for a number of packages and tours on its website, making it easy for families to make plans that coordinate with the services and amenities of the hotel.
At NH Collection Granada Victoria there is also special effort to ensure every member of the family is welcomed. From couples, to business travellers, to families with children this hotel provides individual service to meet all needs. The hotel's restaurant is child friendly and the rooms delightful. Of the 70 guest rooms, most have a balcony, often facing the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance. The hotel is ideally located within the city of Granada, but the views suggest a place far from the hustle and bustle of a town.
The Costa Tropical town of Salobreña boasts five different beaches for visitors to enjoy, and the nearest is a long, dark-sand beach about one kilometer outside of town. August is a busy, and sometimes frustrating time along the Spanish coast, particularly in Coast de Sol, however Salobreña is less developed than other areas and can offer some relief from the massive amounts of tourists at the height of summer.
There is more to do in this coastal town than sit in the sand, as Salobreña's history is rich and fascinating. The city was first settled nearly 6,000 years ago, and a Moorish castle, called El Castillo De Salobreña, overlooks the whitewashed houses and out to sea.
Visitors do not want to be wandering around, reading restaurant menus in the August heat. Therefore, it is time for a classic go-to tapas bar that never disappoints or an accessible restaurant that will delight an entire group.
When it comes to old-school tapas and traditional environment tourists and locals alike turn to Bodegas Castaneda. There is nothing upscale or luxurious about this bar. However, the wine flows freely from the casks mounted on the walls, and a staff accustomed to handling the constantly busy Bodegas Castaneda delivers the tapas quickly and efficiently.
Another consistently good and authentic tapas bar is Bar Avila. Bar Avila is a traditional Spanish place, complete with ceramic tiles and lots of local character. The traditional tapas allow visitors to experience the typical flavors of Andalucía, in an environment that feels like old-world Spain.
August is hot, but gelato is cold. The two are a perfect pair, and there is one place in Grenada where visitors must try gelato Heladeria los Italianos. This well-known gelato place is only open during the warm months of the year, but draws a crowd from open to close. Whether a scoop to refresh in the mid-day heat or end a night of eating tapas, Los Italianos location on Gran Via de Colon means it is easy to get to and easy to find.
August days in Granada can be scorching hot. In August, the heat and the crowds can make a full day at the Alhambra a long and exhausting experience. However, a visit to the Alhambra is not an experience to cut short; therefore, a great option at this height of summer is to purchase a ticket for a night session at the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra.
Night session tickets can be purchased in conjunction with a ticket to visit other parts of the Alhambra the next morning. Called the Alhambra Experience, night sessions take place on Friday and Saturday evenings from 15 October to 14 March and on Tuesday and Saturday from 15 March until 14 October. Night visits are also offered to see the Gardens at the Alhambra as well.
Escape the sweltering city heat by heading just a short distance into the countryside to Huerta de San Vincente, otherwise known as the Casa-Museo Fredrico Garcia Lorca. This was the home of Spanish poet and artist Fredrico Garcia Lorca, and still houses a simple museum dedicated to the writer. Entrance is free and guests can only walk through the house on a guided tour, however the gardens around the home are also gorgeous.
