Summer seasons are different
Winter gets all the attention in the seasonal world. Everyone knows about ski seasons. But summer seasons are equally incredible, often better paid, and in many ways more accessible. You don't need to know how to ski. You don't need cold-weather gear. And the destinations are spectacular.
Here's the complete guide to working a summer season abroad.
Yacht crew
The role
Working on superyachts is the highest-paying seasonal work available. As a steward or stewardess (the entry-level role), you handle housekeeping, laundry, table service, and looking after guests on board. It's demanding, but the lifestyle and money are hard to beat.
Where
The Mediterranean (Antibes, Palma, and the Balearics from May to September), the Caribbean (November to May), and Fort Lauderdale (year-round). See our location guides for Antibes, Palma, and Fort Lauderdale.
What it pays
Junior stew: €2,000–€3,000/month plus tips. Senior roles and specialist positions pay significantly more. Accommodation and food are included (you live on the boat). Tips during charter season can add €500–€2,000+ per trip.
Getting started
You'll need an STCW certificate (basic sea safety, ~£800–£1,200, one week). After that, it's about getting your face known in the right marinas. Our guide to getting into yachting covers the full process.
Beach clubs and coastal hospitality
The role
The Mediterranean equivalent of chalet work. You'll work in bars, restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels across the Greek islands, Spanish coast, Croatian coast, and beyond. Roles include waiting staff, bar staff, reception, and kitchen work.
Where
- Greece (Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes): Massive seasonal hiring from April. Read our Mykonos guide
- Spain (Ibiza, Barcelona, Mallorca): Party islands and coastal cities. Read our Ibiza guide
- Croatia (Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik): Growing fast, great quality of life. Read our Croatia guide
- Portugal (Algarve, Lisbon): Surf culture meets hospitality
What it pays
€1,000–€1,800/month. Accommodation sometimes included, sometimes not (check before accepting). Tips can be significant in busy tourist areas. The cost of living is generally lower than ski resorts.
Getting started
Previous hospitality experience helps but isn't essential for entry-level roles. Many employers hire in person if you turn up early in the season. Having your profile on PeakWave means employers can find you before you even arrive.
Watersports instruction
The role
If you have (or can get) watersports qualifications, this is one of the most enjoyable summer jobs in existence. Roles include surf instructor, sailing instructor, kayak guide, dive master, and kitesurf instructor.
Where
Anywhere with water and tourists. Popular spots include:
- Portugal and Morocco: Surfing
- Greece and Croatia: Sailing, kayaking, SUP
- Red Sea (Egypt): Diving
- Thailand and Indonesia: Diving, surfing
- UK coastline: Surf schools in Cornwall, Devon, Wales
What it pays
€1,200–€2,500/month depending on qualification level and location. Instructors with multiple qualifications (e.g. surf + SUP + kayak) are the most employable.
Getting started
You'll need qualifications. An ISA surf instructor course takes about two weeks and costs £500–£800. RYA sailing qualifications vary by level. PADI dive instructor is a bigger investment (several months and £2,000+) but opens doors worldwide.
Festival work
The role
UK and European festivals hire thousands of temporary staff each summer. Roles range from bar staff and stewards to production crew and artist liaison.
Where
UK festivals are the biggest market: Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Bestival, Boomtown, Latitude, and hundreds of smaller events. European festivals include Primavera Sound (Barcelona), Sonar, and Tomorrowland.
What it pays
£10–£15/hour plus a free festival ticket for some roles. Some festival companies offer season-long contracts covering multiple events, which gives you consistent work from May to September.
Getting started
No experience needed for most roles. An SIA licence is required for security/stewarding. Read our full guide to festival jobs.
Activity and adventure companies
The role
Summer activity centres and adventure companies hire instructors, group leaders, and support staff for everything from mountain biking to rock climbing, canoeing, and multi-activity holidays for families and school groups.
Where
The French Alps (summer hiking and biking), UK lakes and national parks, Spain, and Portugal.
What it pays
€1,000–€1,800/month. Accommodation often included.
Getting started
Outdoor qualifications help (Mountain Leader, SPA climbing, BCU paddlesport). But many companies also hire general assistants and group leaders without specific qualifications.
How to choose
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to be on the water? Yachting or watersports
- Do you want nightlife and hospitality? Beach clubs and Med resort work
- Do you want festivals and events? Festival crew and event companies
- Do you want outdoor adventure? Activity centres and adventure companies
Or do all of them. Many seasonaires chain a winter ski season with a summer of festivals, yacht work, or island hopping. That's the beauty of seasonal work: it's flexible.
Create your PeakWave profile and set availability for summer. Employers are already looking.