Every year when I start booking our family summer holiday I ask the same question: when is the best time to go? For us, late August usually works out cheapest for trips abroad. We also tend to look for TUI Blue deals because their hotels suit our family well. Here are some thoughts on the different months and a few tips from our experience.
June
June is a great option if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed break. The season is just beginning, so you get pleasant weather without the intense heat of July and August, and humidity is often lower. Popular spots are less crowded, so you can enjoy attractions without long queues. If your children are under five and not bound by school holidays, you’ll often find cheaper flights and accommodation outside peak holiday weeks.
July
July is classic summer — reliably hot in many destinations, perfect for beaches, outdoor activities, and festivals. It’s also peak tourist season, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. Families benefit from schools being out and many attractions offering special events for kids. If you like a lively atmosphere and lots of socialising, July can be memorable, but book accommodation and activities well in advance. Also, remember to sort a travel eSIM if you’ll be using mobile data around Europe.
August
August remains a popular month, especially across Europe where many people take extended vacations. The sea is often at its warmest, making it ideal for swimming and water sports, and local festivals give a chance to experience regional culture. That said, some places — particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean — can be very hot, so plan sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon and reserve the hottest hours for the beach or a siesta. If you’re watching the budget, late August often offers the best prices within the six-week summer window.
We have a late-August holiday booked this year and are trying a TUI Blue hotel in Turkey for the first time. We’re looking forward to relaxing in the sunshine and I’ll share how we find the hotel and location on Instagram while we’re away.
September
September is ideal if you want a calmer holiday with warm weather but fewer tourists. Southern Europe often stays pleasantly warm without July and August’s extreme heat, and the sea remains comfortable for swimming. It’s a good month for sightseeing and city visits because temperatures are milder, and many places host harvest festivals and food events. For hotter options, destinations like Egypt can still be very warm in September, with temperatures around 37°C.
Conclusion
The best time for a summer holiday depends on what you value most — weather, crowds, or cost. I hope these notes help you decide when to book. Plan ahead and prioritise what matters to you, and you’ll be set for a great summer break.
