August is a fantastic time to tick off some bucket list travel destinations. There are so many amazing places to visit in August around the world it’s truly hard to narrow this list down.
August is a popular month for many people to travel. It’s summer in the northern hemisphere, meaning many children are off school and parents are planning vacations. This can mean many destinations get crowded and expensive.
We’ve tried to mix and match a few of the best places to visit in August with some places you wouldn’t necessarily think about, and some that are quite popular. Let’s dig in!
The Best Places to Visit in August
Mozambique
You may not think of Mozambique as one of the best places to visit in August, but I assure you this Southern African nation is truly one of the best destinations in Africa. We have sung praises about Mozambique in the past. Do you want to swim with whale sharks on your honeymoon? Do you want to sit on a beach without anyone else around? Then head to Mozambique!
Vilanculos, for example, is the gateway to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago. It is here that some of the last dugongs reside (and you may even get lucky and see one). Bazaruto Island is an isolated white sand island offering incredible views of the bright blue Indian Ocean. Tofo Beach is where you can yourself swimming among whale sharks. And not at one of those over touristy animal exploited places either. Here it is truly wild.
The best time to visit Mozambique is during the drier months between April and September. Temperatures are cool, and there’s low rainfall. We visited in August and had nothing but amazing days. August is also when the whales come to give birth off the coast, so if you’re lucky you’ll spot them!
Sri Lanka
August is an awesome time to visit Sri Lanka. Room rates are cheap, but it’s now very much the dry season and you’ll see much less rain than other times in the country. August means sunny days and that’s what we’re all searching for in Sri Lanka.
In the northern “Cultural Triangle,” the temperatures are 32°C; there’s no rainfall and barely any wind. Across the island nation, the average temperature is around 28 to 30°C.
August is full of sunshine and lands between the summer monsoon and the upcoming second monsoon (yes, that’s a thing), which is due in September, so enjoy it now!
Slovenia
Slovenia’s crystal clear lakes, rivers, and amazing waterfalls make it an excellent destination in Europe. August is prime summertime and is one of the best times to visit. We recommend heading to the Julian Alps, and venturing around towns like Bled.
If you want to enjoy a range of outdoor sports like kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and horseback riding August will provide you with long sunny days and very comfortable weather.
Banff, Alberta
Banff’s warmest weather of the year is in August, so if you’re looking for the best time to visit Banff, it’s probably this month – that’s if you prefer hiking to ski! Banff is alive with flowers and overflowing with nature. Nights can still get quite cold, though, around 7°C, so you will want a sweater or down jacket to wear for the evenings, but days can climb to the mid-twenties.
There are some fantastic views to be had from the mountainsides in August; the visibility is impressive since the air is relatively free of clouds. Just hope that wildfires haven’t started and that it’s a smoke-free summer. If there have been fires out west, it will affect Banff and the air will be hazy.
If you’re a fan of mountain biking, then August may just be one of the best months to go to Banff for you. It’s safe to say that most of the hiking and scrambling trails in Banff are now good to go. Snow free in most places, even most of the Lake Louise hikes and Moraine Lake hikes.
However, if you thought July is busy you haven’t seen August. With school holidays and everyone getting their summer on you’ll still see lots of people around the town of Banff and the main sites. If you know where to go through, you can easily avoid the crowds. We have an entire blog about traveling in Banff if you want to find those places.
Switzerland
August is peak summer season in Switzerland. Families (and it seems everyone else) come to Switzerland to enjoy the August weather. Temperatures can reach highs of 23°C, and it never gets too hot. Tourists from all over the world will be visiting Switzerland’s top sights.
It’s an excellent time to escape the city and enjoy hiking in the countryside, skiing at the year-round resort Zermatt, or even taking a train ride to the highest train station in the world at Jungfraujoch near Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Lucerne is a beautiful spot this time of year and a good place to go if you want less chance of being caught in a rain shower.
Bali
August is without a doubt high season in Bali, but it is the best time to visit the Island of the Gods. The weather is amazing with an average temperature is 27°C (the average high is 31°C), it’s less humid (70%), the heat is eased off by cool breezes, and the days are clear with just a few clouds. August boasts the highest daily sunshine and the least rainfall, making for one of the best times to visit Bali.
All that good weather means crowds in the south of Bali and full-priced accommodation pretty much everywhere. You have to pay for traveling Bali at the ideal time, but it’s still not that expensive. Book early for the best accommodation options.
Yukon, Canada
The Yukon is one of the most beautiful places in Canada and one of the best places to visit in August, it is wild, mountainous, and sparsely populated. It is home to vast swaths of wilderness that is teeming with wildlife like bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.
We enjoyed a Yukon road trip there last August and it blew us away. The last few weeks of August mean that the leaves are all changing and the colors are out of this world. Seriously, look at the photo above! I’m hesitant to even share this with you as I don’t want the Yukon to become too busy. Its beauty is still a secret.
If you’ve ever wanted to see Gold Rush towns in the middle of nowhere and jaw-dropping landscapes the Yukon is for you. You can even consider driving into Alaska via the scenic Top of the World Highway.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful and safest cities in the entire world. The city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rainforests, islands, wildlife, sweeping pine forests, wild waterfalls, and tons of bays. I haven’t even got around to Vancouver the city itself!
The city is the ultimate playground for people of all ages; there are just so many things you can do and so many beautiful places to see that to make a list like this is near impossible.
This is Canada, meaning that August is one of the best months of the year to enjoy the great outdoors. August in Vancouver means summer is in full swing with plenty of outdoor events, things to do, and places to eat.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a well-preserved former Venetian city inhabited by less than 13,000 people. Once visitors pass through the city walls a labyrinth of marbled streets, old lamps, stones houses, and quiet piazzas await them. The old city is fortified and encompassed by imposing stone walls while the town itself sits at the foot of a gorgeous Adriatic bay with the Dalmatian mountains rising high up above turquoise waters.
Some refer to the Bay of Kotor as being the southernmost Fjord in Europe, and with the stunning beauty of the bay, it is easy to see why. It’s a magical destination that feels as if you’ve taken a step back in time. We’ve been twice and it still stands out as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Make sure to make your way down to the harboring village of Perast while there, as it’s equally as stunning.
While Kotor is wonderful May-November, August is when its true beauty shines. The weather is wonderful, days are longer, and people fill the buzzing streets giving this small town a whole new vibe.
Scotland
August is the last month of summer in Scotland – but it’s still summer nonetheless. You can expect very comfortable weather, long days, and busy streets. It’s a great time to head to the Highlands or take a North Coast 500 road trip.
August is also the month of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which is easily the most notable festival in the entire country and the largest arts festival in the world.
If you are traveling during this time and passing through the capital you should definitely attend an event or two. At least to say you’ve been!
13 Car Rental Scotland Tips to Know BEFORE You Go
Busan, South Korea
There are a plethora of things to do in Busan that we had no idea what to expect when we visited. Set on the seaside and backed by forested mountains, it’s easy to forget the scale of Korea’s second-largest city.
Busan is a port town at its heart, but there is a lot more than meets the eye that will entice travelers. Beautiful temples, a lively food scene, and even the most colorful art village in the entire world (see photo above).
August is a great time to visit. The average temperature is between 23 and 29 degrees so it’s pretty comfortable and sunny. A highlight of this month is the Busan Sea Festival, which is held at a few of the cities’ famous beaches (Haeundae, Gwangalli, Songdo, Songjeong, and Daedepo).
Stockholm, Sweden
August is an ideal time to visit the capital city of Sweden because it’s never too hot and never too cold. During August, daytime temperatures rarely climb higher than 71 degrees and rarely dip below 58 degrees.
This is perfect weather for exploring open-air attractions and attending outdoor events such as The Stockholm Culture Festival, Summerburst Stockholm, Stockholm Street Festival, Stockholm Folk Festival and Stockholm Music & Arts Festival.
Wander endlessly down cobblestone streets admiring the unique architecture of the Old Town District and explore top attractions including Vasa Museum, The Royal Palace, ABBA The Museum, Storkyrkan and Grona Lund Amusement Park.
Mancora, Peru
With an average daytime temperature of 70 degrees and a reputation for being the sunniest region in Peru, Mancora is a perfect seaside escape in August. This resort town in the country’s northwest region is known for its surf conditions, lively nightlife and attractions such as Mancora Lighthouse and La Poza de Barro Hot Springs.
Beaches are the main draw and there are a few including Mancora Beach, Las Pocitas and Vichayito.
Queensland, Australia
Not only is August one of the best times to travel to Queensland, but it’s also the month when you’ll hit near-perfect weather conditions and escape the tourist crowds. If you’re looking for a warm and sunny destination with little humidity, you’ll find it here.
These conditions are perfect for outdoor exploring and some days may even be warm enough to go for a dip in the ocean. With more than 4,000 miles of coastline, you won’t have any trouble finding a lovely beach to sunbathe, swim or look for seaside treasures.
Popular attractions in the region include Daintree Rainforest, Dreamworld, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Buskers by the Lake International Busking Festival, Australian Festival of Chamber, Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing, The Quandamooka Festival and The Village Festival all take place in August.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Twenty-two degrees is about as hot as it gets during August days in Vilnius. This is the warmest time of year to travel to the city but it’s just right to comfortably explore the many attractions.
Some of the best things to do in Vilnius include Gediminas Castle Tower, Trakai Island Castle, Gates of Dawn, Vilnius Cathedral, Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Many festivals take place in the city too. Vilnius Burger Fest, The Christopher Festival, New Baltic Dance Festival and the Vilnius Jazz Festival are some of those events.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Canada’s maritime provinces aren’t known for their mild winters but they’re known for their amazing summers which peak in August and Prince Edward Island is no exception. August is the best month to visit the island if you want perfect temperatures that are warm enough to enjoy a refreshing dip at one of the world-class beaches, play a round of golf at one of their incredible golf courses, or enjoy a feast of lobster on a deck at sunset.
Prince Edward Island National Park, Green Gables Heritage Place, Confederation Trail and West Point Lighthouse Museum are some of the top attractions on the island. The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival takes place during the first week of August.
Mongolia
Not many people ever have the chance to visit Mongolia. If you ever have the chance to travel to this landlocked nation bordering China and Russia, you’ll not be disappointed! The winters are harsh in mountainous Mongolia but fortunately, summer is a great time to visit, particularly in August when daytime temperatures reach 77 to 95 degrees and there’s little precipitation.
If you want cooler temperatures, the end of August is still nice but the temperatures are lower. Mongolia has many national parks including Terelj, Altai Tavan Bogd, Khustain Nuruu, Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur and Gobi Gurvansaikhan.
In August, many festivals take place, including Mongol Nomadic Naadam, Oirad Tumen – Western Mongolian Traditional Folk Art Festival, Long Song Singers’ Festival, Orkhon Valley Horse Festival and Paradise Darkhan Dj Festival.
Borneo, Malaysia
Borneo is an incredible mesh of culture, nature and world-class attractions. This huge island is mostly known for its stunning beaches, rainforest and unique wildlife and August is one of the best times to visit.
With temperatures reaching 82 degrees and mostly dry conditions, it’s a great time of year for going on wildlife excursions and spending time on the beaches.
Some of the top attractions in Borneo include Danum Valley, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sarawak Caves, Bako National Park and Sipidan Island where you’ll find the best diving in the region. Libur Land Festival, Borneo Arts Festival and Rainforest World Music Festival are some of the top events that take place in Borneo in August.
Greenland, Denmark
Greenland is close to Canada, but it belongs to Denmark so it has a unique mesh of cultures and history. The Inuit culture possesses deep connections with the surrounding geography and fauna, firmly rooted in their way of life and they maintain strong bonds with fellow Inuit communities to the west, spanning across Canada, Alaska, and Russia.
It’s also positioned so far north that it’s always cool there, even in the dead of summer! August is a perfect time to visit Greenland because the temperatures are at their warmest despite still being cool enough to escape the sweltering heat that overcomes many areas of the Northern Hemisphere.
You won’t find large crowds here, either. What you will find is incredible scenery and many attractions including the Greenland National Museum, Scoresby Sund, Nuuk Art Museum and Northeast Greenland National Park.
San Francisco, California (USA)
When it comes to coastal vacations in the United States in August, nothing beats the cool temperatures and refreshing ocean breeze of the Bay Area. I’m talking about the San Francisco Bay Area, of course! Daytime temperatures hover around 68 degrees and you can get some great deals for travel to the city, especially during the latter part of the month.
Some of the city’s popular attractions include Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Park. August is also a great time for festivals in San Francisco with the Concord Jazz Festival, Fremont Festival of the Arts and Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival taking place.
Santiago, Chile
While August is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s winter in the southern hemisphere. That means you can expect some cooler temperatures in some parts of South America such as Santiago, Chile. The average daily temperature in August is around 64 degrees although it can get a little warmer.
However, if you want to experience even cooler temperatures and enjoy some outdoor winter fun, you don’t have to travel very far to find some fantastic downhill skiing.
Not into skiing? You can see those snowcapped Andes from the city, and you can visit many top attractions including San Cristóbal Hill, The National Museum of Fine Arts and La Moneda Palace. Winter Bully Fest and Santiago International Film Fest are two popular festivals that take place in August.
Prague, Czech Republic
August is the hottest time of year in Prague, but temperatures rarely climb higher than 75 degrees and those cooler temperatures combined with longer days and fewer tourists make it a great place to visit towards the end of summer.
There are many things to see in Prague including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Prague Astronomical Clock, the Lennon Wall and Národní Museum.
Cape Town, South Africa
Another amazing city in the Southern Hemisphere that experiences winter in August is Cape Town. Temperatures rest at about 67 degrees during the day, making it one of the places to travel in August.
August is the driest month of the year and also the best month for wildlife viewing if you venture outside the city. Some fun things to do in Cape Town include seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach, venture around Bo Kaap, or go snorkeling with seals.
40 Fantastic Things to do in Cape Town, South Africa
Wales, United Kingdom
The Green Man Festival, Castell Roc Festival and the Victorian Festival are three reasons to visit Wales in August. The weather is another reason! It doesn’t get overly hot but with temperatures that fluctuate between 53 and 68 degrees, you’ll be able to explore the country’s wonders in comfort.
Need more reasons to visit Wales? How about miles of rugged coastline, towering mountains, vibrant culture and world-class attractions such as Snowdonia National Park, Conwy Castle, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, National Museum Cardiff and Cardiff Castle.
Alaska, USA
Alaska is about as far north as you can get in North America and that means the temperatures are cooler in the state than almost anywhere else in North America. You can expect daytime temperatures to reach no more than 67 degrees and that makes for the best possible conditions for exploring America’s Last Frontier.
Although August is considered peak season in Alaska, you won’t get big crowds here. Expect a laid-back experience as you check out some of the state’s top attractions including Denali National Park and Preserve, Kanai Fjords National Park and Hubbard Glacier. It’s also worth venturing to Sitka, one of the best small towns in the USA!
While you’re there, you can try to catch a festival or two. Salmonfest, Gold Rush Days and Mountain Music Festival are some of the events that take place in August. You’ll enjoy 18 hours of sunlight this time of year too but if you can manage to stay up until it gets dark enough, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights and you will definitely get some fall colors! What I’m trying to say is you get a bit of everything in Alaska in August!
Aspen, Colorado (USA)
When most people think of Aspen, they think of snow and skiing, but Aspen is just as great of a place to visit in August as it is in January. This iconic rocky mountain oasis is a hub for outdoor recreation and in August temperatures only reach the mid-70s so it’s the perfect time to explore this beautiful region.
The Aspen Music Festival takes place over the first three weeks of August. Popular attractions include the Aspen Art Museum, the John Denver Sanctuary, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and the Baldwin Gallery.
Queenstown, New Zealand
It might be August, but it’s ski season somewhere. That somewhere is Queenstown, New Zealand where heavy snowfalls are common in the mountains and the temperatures drop enough to enjoy this popular winter sport. So if you love skiing and snowboarding, one of the best places to visit in August is New Zealand!
If skiing is not your thing, Queenstown is still a fantastic destination to visit in August if you want to escape summer heat and crowds.
Top attractions include Bob’s Peak and Skyline Gondola and the Queenstown Gardens. The New Zealand Winter Games and Winter Pride are notable events that take place in August.
Cannon Beach, Oregon (USA)
Warm, sunny and dry with a constant breeze off the ocean. Sounds like paradise for beach lovers and Cannon Beach, Oregon is about as close as you can get to paradise along the west coast. Besides the town’s picturesque signature beach, there are many things to do including hiking, shopping and wildlife viewing.
Popular attractions include Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, Hug Point State Recreation Site and Northwest By Northwest Gallery. Hayday! Fest is a beer festival that takes place in late August
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sure, it gets hot in the Caribbean during the summer months but there are some advantages to traveling to the region at that time of year. Take Montego Bay, Jamaica for example.
The temperatures can reach 87 degrees but that ocean breeze makes those temperatures quite tolerable when you see the amazing deals you can get in August on flights, hotels and all-inclusive packages.
You can enjoy a tropical vacation without the crowds seen during Spring Break, too. Snorkelling, diving and golfing are popular activities. Rastafari Indigenous Village, Fort Montego and Sam Sharpe Square are some of the great attractions around Montego Bay and the ever-popular Jerk and Food Festival takes place during the first week of August.
Tallinn, Estonia
If you’re seeking a summer destination that has cool temperatures, a fascinating history, a colorful culture and many amazing attractions, Tallin, Estonia is a great option. Temperatures in Tallinn don’t get much higher than 70 degrees on an average day in August but it’s still warm enough to spend time outdoors.
Top attractions in the city include Kadriorg Art Museum, St. Olaf’s church, Estonian Open Air Museum and Lennusadam. Some of the popular festivals that take place in August include Birgitta Festival, Tallinn Food Truck Festival and the Kiss Dance Fly Festival.
Riga, Latvia
Another great place to travel in Northern Europe during August is Riga, Latvia. Average daily temperatures are around 73 degrees so it’s not too hot or too cold. Cool evenings are a great time to take a stroll through the pedestrian-only Old Town District.
Latvian National Museum of Art, Riga Cathedral, Latvian Museum of Architecture and The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia are a few of the great attractions that can be found in the city. If you’re there at the right time, you might even catch the UNDER festival or the Mariss Jansons Festival Orchestra.
Warsaw, Poland
Average daytime temperatures of 76 degrees make Warsaw, Poland an ideal place to take a vacation in August. During August, several festivals take place in the city including, Bachaturo Festival and Off Festival.
The Royal Castle in Warsaw, Palace of Culture and Science, Łazienki Park, The National Museum in Warsaw and Old Town Market Square are some of the must-see attractions in the city.
Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Average August temperatures in Andorra la Vella hover around 78 degrees, but its mountainous location in the Pyrenees Mountains makes it seem cooler. It may not be on your travel radar, but Andorra truly is one of the best places to travel in August.
There are plenty of things to see in this beautiful city, including the 12th-century Sant Esteve Church, Casa de la Vall, Carmen Thyssen Andorra Museum, and Lake Engolasters and its surrounding hiking trails. Andorra la Vella Village Festival takes place during the first week in August.
Croatia
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has steadily become a top travel destination in Europe. It gets hot in August, but the coast, which is the best place to spend your vacation, has those cool sea breezes that make it seem so much cooler. The water is warm too, so it’s the perfect destination for a beach vacation.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, Diocletian’s Palace, and Lovrijenac are just a few of the amazing attractions in the country. Sonus Festival and Outlook Origins Festival take place in August.
Whistler, British Columbia (Canada)
Located about two hours from the bustling city of Vancouver, Whistler is a nice escape from the city crowds where you can enjoy a peaceful mountain escape with warm temperatures and crisp mountain air, but still retreat back to a luxury hotel and a great Whistler restaurant at night.
This outdoor paradise is home to the Peak to Peak Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, and Whistler Mountain Bike Park. And if you’re into mountain biking or downhill biking you will 100% want to put Whistler in August on your travel radar. Soundwave, Squamish Arts Festival, and Crankworx are some events that take place in August.
Best Places To Visit in August FAQ
Where is the Cheapest Place to Go in August?
Montenegro, Cape Town, and the Baltic countries are all inexpensive places to travel. Especially when prices are sky high in destinations like Banff and the Amalfi Coast.
Where to Avoid Crowds in August?
Slovenia is a great European destination that sees fewer summer crowds than other destinations in Europe, while in North America, the Yukon is so remote it doesn’t get overcrowded!
When Should I Book my Flights for August Travel?
We recommend booking flights for summer travel six months in advance, and have found the best time to book August travel is in February and March.
Where is the Best Place to Travel in August for Cool Weather?
If you’re trying to escape the skyrocketing summer temps some fantastic destinations are the Yukon, Alaska, and Greenland. All these amazing places have pretty ideal summer weather!
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always ALLBIRDS! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See why you should get a travel credit card and how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
Best Places To Visit By Month
I hope you enjoyed this list of best places to visit in August. Here are some ideas for other months of the year!
- The Best Places to Visit in January
- The Best Places to Visit in February
- The Best Places to Visit in March
- The Best Places to Visit in April
- The Best Places to Visit in May
- The Best Places to Visit in June
- The Best Places to Visit in July
- The Best Places to Visit in September
- The Best Places to Visit in October
- The Best Places to Visit in November
- The Best Places to Visit in December
