Spain 'closes' for the month, the first total solar eclipse in a century, new AI laws come into effect, more wildfires expected, bottled drinks to cost more at bars, and plenty more - Here's what's happening in August 2026.
Main summer 'Operación Salida' to take place
Spain’s grand summer exodus will take place this month as thousands escape the hot cities and head for the cooler beaches and the mountains. This is known as ‘Operación Salida’. Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) is expecting more than 104 million long-distance road journeys this summer, with 54.5 million in August alone.
The busiest dates will be from July 31st to August 2nd, from August 14th to 16th and at the end of the summer from August 28th to the 31st.
The DGT has warned people to try and avoid these busy times if possible.
Spain closes up shop
If you've experienced August in Spain before you'll know that it's a time when almost the whole country shuts up and goes on vacation. Many small and independent businesses take a break for at least part of the month, as well as admin businesses, local cafes and trade workers.
Big supermarket chains, large stores and many restaurants will likely stay open.
Around 18 percent of businesses in Spain close during August according to Madrid-based business management consultant Grant Thornton. That means that almost one in five businesses shut their doors and shut up for the month or at least part of the month. Businesses close to the coast or in holiday destinations are more likely to open than ones further inland.
READ ALSO: Do I have to take most of my annual leave in August in Spain?
Public Holidays
As mentioned, the whole of August may seem like one month-long public holiday in Spain, but there is actually only one official public holiday this month. This year it takes place on Saturday August 15th and celebrates the Day of the Assumption of the Virgen, which according to Christians, commemorates the day the Virgin Mary entered heaven. Any businesses not already shut will close on this day, including big supermarkets.
Total solar eclipse
A rare total solar eclipse will be visible from some parts of Spain on August 12th 2026. It's been more than 100 years since the last one was seen in the country.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, perfectly aligning to completely obscure the Sun, casting a dark shadow across the Earth.
READ ALSO: Where to travel in Spain to see the solar eclipse this summer
Some of the best places to see it at 100 percent totality will be the northern Galician coast, Asturias, Cantabria, Bilbao and Vitoria i Gasteiz, certain parts of Castilla y León, La Rioja, Zaragoza, southern Catalonia, northern Valencia and parts of the Balearic Islands.
New AI laws come into effect across EU and Spain
On August 2nd, core transparency rules under the EU AI Act take effect, requiring clear labelling of AI interactions, deepfakes, and synthetic content.
Enforcement and fining powers for the European Commission also begin, though deadlines for certain standalone high-risk systems have been extended.
There is also the Spanish law for the good use and governance of AI, a draft Organic Law that the Council of Ministers approved in May of this year but is expected to take until late 2027 to be approved in the Spanish Parliament.
This will cover national regulations in terms of fines, competent authorities, labelling specifics etc
Fiesta time
Spain may be on holiday, but doesn’t mean that the celebrations stop. August is prime festival month in Spain. Málaga, Bilbao and San Sebastián all celebrate their most important events this month.
Málaga’s annual feria takes place this year from August 15th to the 22nd, while Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia or Semana Grande, held in honour of the Virgen de Begoña, will be held from August 22nd to the 30th.
San Sebastián also has its own Semana Grande with lots of fireworks, traditional games, sports and music. It takes place just before Bilbao’s from August 8th to the 15th.
The well-known Tomatina tomato fight in Buñol also takes place on the last Wednesday in August – this year August 26th.
Barcelona metro cuts
Barcelona Metropolitan Transport (TMB) has announced it will suspend services on the L1 red metro line between the Florida and Plaça de Sants stations due to maintenance work. It will be closed all the way up until August 28th.
The closure affects a total of five stations: Florida, Torrassa, Santa Eulàlia, Mercat Nou, and Plaça de Sants.
More heat
As if most of us haven't had enough heat already this summer, more is on its way this August. Most predictions confirm that the first part of August will continue the same way as July did, which was one of the hottest months on record nationwide. Forecasts say that most of Spain will be a few degrees hotter than normal for this time of year, but particularly around the Mediterranean coastal areas and in Huesca and Lleida.
Only along the Gulf of Cádiz are temperatures expected to remain around normal. With regards to rainfall, hardly any has been forecast for the first half of the month, but in the second half of the month, instability may become more widespread and showers or storms could occur.
More wildfires expected
Spain has already had its fare share of wildfires this summer, but there's no let up in sight, particularly with the high temperatures predicted in August. Blazes have swept across Spain in recent days, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes, as well as causing material and personal damage. If the current trend continues, Spain could reach a new record, surpassing the historical peak of 20,740 hectares of agricultural land destroyed by flames this year.
New Spain jersey with two World Cup stars goes on sale
After Spain's World Cup win, the official team jersey with a second star will go on sale on August 4th.
The match against Argentina was the second world cup title for the national team, in addition to the one achieved 16 years ago in South Africa.
The new shirt with the second star that identifies La Roja as two-time world champion, can be pre-ordered and will be available exclusively on the Adidas app.
Drinks in cans or bottles to cost 10 cents more in Spain
A new law that comes into effect on August 12th means that you will pay 10 cents more for each can, single-use plastic bottle, or carton of up to three litres you purchase in supermarkets, bars, restaurants, and other establishments.
The measure is part of the implementation of the Deposit, Return and Refund System promoted by European regulations with the aim of increasing recycling and reducing waste.
This means that you will be able to get the extra 10 cents back if you return the empty container to any of the designated collection points.