Get here while it’s still hot—August is the last full month of Slovenia’s busy (and relatively pricy) high season. With that comes sunny weather, a sporty vibe from tourists and locals who spend as much time outdoors as possible, and loads of fun cultural and musical events. Read on to learn more about visiting Slovenia in August.
August in Slovenia: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Slovenia in August offers a vibrant travel experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for both the weather and the crowds. This guide provides detailed information to help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit.
Weather in August
August maintains the hot weather, especially in the western plains and along the short coastline of the Adriatic Sea. Daily average temperatures typically range from 66 degrees Fahrenheit to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it an ideal time for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying outdoor activities along the coast.
Inland, around Ljubljana, the weather is slightly cooler, with lows of 57 degrees Fahrenheit and highs of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. However, short heat waves can occur, causing temperatures to spike to as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s crucial to stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day if you’re exploring the capital city.
The high mountain regions remain comfortable, with a daily average temperature of around 62 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes hiking and mountain activities particularly enjoyable. However, you can still expect afternoon thunderstorms in and around the capital and in the mountains. Therefore, it’s important to pack rain gear along with lighter layers such as shorts and t-shirts. Don’t forget warmer layers for those inevitably cooler days, especially if you plan to venture into higher altitudes.
Crowds & Costs
August remains a popular month for visitors to Slovenia, with the weather being relatively unchanged from July. The influx of tourists comes for the sunshine, the various festivals, and the popular attractions that Slovenia has to offer. Accommodation, especially hotels, tends to fill up quickly in popular areas such as Bled and Lake Bohinj, in the capital, Ljubljana, and in coastal cities like Piran. Booking your accommodation and tours well in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment and secure the best prices.
If you are looking for some respite from the crowds, consider venturing into the eastern region of the country. Cities like Celje, Žiče, Ptuj, and Podsreda, as well as the Styria wine country in and around Maribor, offer a more relaxed and authentic Slovenian experience.
Where to Go
If you are not deterred by the crowds, the short coastline of the Adriatic Sea is a must-visit. Explore the numerous medieval seaside villages, starting from Portorož to Ankaran, and make sure to stop along the way in Piran, Izola, and Koper. Each town has its own unique charm and history, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime heritage.
The Karst region is another popular destination, renowned for its cave exploration opportunities and unique landscapes. Goriška Brda, known for its excellent wines and picturesque vineyards, is also a worthwhile stop.
Of course, no visit to Slovenia would be complete without experiencing the ever-attractive Triglav National Park. This stunning natural area offers something for everyone, from its pristine rivers and majestic mountains to its beautiful lakes.
To escape the heat and the crowds, consider heading further north and testing your driving skills through the scenic Vršič Pass, which leads you to the mountains and to Kranjska Gora.
A classic next point of interest would be to spend some time in the serene beauty of Lake Bled before concluding your trip in Ljubljana. With its cobblestoned streets and narrow alleys in its historic core, the charming capital city offers a wealth of art galleries, museums, cafés, and restaurants to explore.
What to Do
Given that the weather is at its best, and if you can manage the crowds, make your way to the beaches that dot Slovenia’s short coastline and explore the Slovenian Riviera.
Visit the lively Portorož for its beach lined with luxury resorts, shops, and restaurants, or explore Piran and swim, sunbathe, and cycle along its beautiful promenade.
The pebbled beach of Izola is ideal for a swim in the surf and for taking in the breathtaking sunset in the late afternoon.
Other great swimming options include the plethora of lakes and rivers that can be found throughout the country. Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are two of the country’s most popular spots, with their alpine waters just warm enough for swimming this time of year.
While in the Lake Bled area, hike the Vintgar Gorge (located just outside Lake Bled), where you can follow pathways along steep limestone cliffs and alpine streams towards the stunning Šum Waterfall. You can also ride the cable car up to Mount Vogel, which is located south of Lake Bohinj. For keen hikers, carrying on up to the summit provides expansive views over the Julian Alps.
For a gentler, more family-friendly option, choose one of the 15 trails and hike to the top of Šmarna Gora (located just north of Ljubljana). As a bonus, you can catch a sunrise from the summit while enjoying a coffee and taking in the stellar views over the country and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
For the truly adventurous, consider rappelling down waterfalls in the Soča Valley. Join a canyoning excursion and experience the thrill of climbing, hiking, rappelling, and swimming through the alpine cliffs and rivers. Alternatively, test your legs and go mountain biking through the winding hairpin turns of the Vršič Pass in the Julian Alps.
Events in August
* **Festival Radovljica:** One of Europe’s most important festivals of early classical music takes place over two weeks in August in Radovljica.
* **Fishermen’s Festival:** The small fishing town of Izola celebrates its rich fishing culture with live music, sporting events, plenty of savory seafood, and various cultural activities.
* **Pisana Loka:** Over a period of 10 days in late August, this arts festival in Škofja Loka stages a diverse program of music, film, theater, and children’s events.
* **Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen):** An outdoor food festival that takes place every Friday in Ljubljana, showcasing the best of Slovenian cuisine.
Traveling to Slovenia in August?
Slovenia Cycling Adventure – 7 Days: Discover Slovenia’s diverse natural beauty on this thrilling week-long cycling trip from the Julian Alps to wine country to the seaside. Take in unforgettable views on this challenging ride through stunning terrain. You’ll climb up mountain passes and follow emerald green rivers in Triglav National Park, go wine tasting in the vineyards of Goriška Brda, and swim in the Adriatic Sea in historic Piran.
Discover the Slovenian Alps – 8 Days: Experience the diversity of the Slovenian Alps in this ultimate nature lovers tour. Take on a mix of serious hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, and even canyoning. Explore the vibrant city of Ljubljana and savor Slovenian food and wine on an adventure you won’t soon forget.
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