August is the month meant for traveling. You can backpack through Europe which is a classic, have a laid-back holiday basking in the sun in some places of the world or see a transition from the sunny summer to the cool autumn in southern hemisphere.
While European places are too hot in August, South American places offer a sweet summer. There are so many best places to visit in August but we definitely want to avoid the crowd!
No matter what you’ve in mind, you will find a place to go on holiday in this list of Best Places To Travel In August.
The Best Places To Travel In August
1. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Temperature
Low Temperature: 18°C
High Temperature: 27°C
Season
Winter season with chilly breeze.
August in Ecuador is chilly. So it’s the best time to visit the dry amazon jungle. You can see a lots of exotic animals. Also, the clear skies in the mountains let you see the tall volcanoes and beautiful cities built by Spanish settlers.
As it’s a country with many different kinds of land. There are tall mountains, deep forests, and a coastline by the Pacific Ocean. In just a couple of weeks, you can see a lot of what makes South America special without needing to take a long break from work.
You can go to the coast for whale watching and visit the Isla de la Plata to see blue-footed booby birds, manta rays and green turtles.
Visit the Galápagos Islands. August is the busiest month tosee Galapagos wildlife. You can see California sea lions and Galapagos fur seals birthing and hummingbirds flying around and feeding on the flowers.
In August, the water around the islands is cooler, so it’s also a great time to enjoy snorkeling to see the rich marine life of these islands.
2. Switzerland
Temperature
Low Temperature: 9°C
High Temperature: 35°C
Tours & Things to do hand-picked by our insiders
Season
Peak Summer season.
Switzerland has two peak seasons: winter and summer. August is in the middle of summer and Europeans do Summer here.
If you want to go hiking, biking, or paragliding in the mountains, go to the Alps. The mountains in Bernese Oberland, Graubünden, and Valais are really beautiful in summer. You can see many tall mountains all at once when you hike or take a cable car up.
If you want a mix of active and relaxing things to do, go to Ticino, the Italian part of Switzerland. It offers excellent food interesting architecture and culture in the towns and cities,
3. Arachon, France
Temperature
Low Temperature: 18°C
High Temperature: 25°C
Season
Pleasant summer season with gentle breeze.
Arcachon allure is captivating. On one side, there’s the big Dune du Pilat, and on the other side, there’s the narrow Cap Ferret isthmus.
Arcachon Bay is wonderful a slice of France with so many soft sandy beaches, green pine forests, and clear blue waters. It’s the best place to travel in August for relaxing and unwinding.
But if you want more than just relaxing, there are lots of fun things to do in Arcachon Bay. You can learn to surf in the big waves of the Atlantic Ocean, ride bikes on trails near the villages by the beach, explore the bay by boat, or eat some of the freshest oysters you can imagine.
4. Isla Holbox, Mexico
Temperature
Low Temperature: 24°C
High Temperature: 32°C
Season
Summer season with sun shining bright all day.
Wondering where all the Instagrammers take relaxing photos in colorful hammocks, floating in a beautiful green sea? They probably took those on Isla Holbox.
Located at the meeting point of Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico this quaint island is at the top of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. This tropical paradise is off the grid (no cars, paved roads, or high rises) but travelers are calling it the new Tulum.
But Holbox is not crowded, this place is all about appreciating the beauty of nature and taking it slow.
You’ll find art studios, happy vibe , and a peaceful atmosphere everywhere. When you’re here, you’ll naturally slow down and enjoy the moment.
5. Napa Valley, California
Temperature
Low Temperature: 13°C
High Temperature: 33°C
Season
Fall season with sunny days and clear skies.
Napa Valley is a popular destination to visit in August because it’s harvest season (from August to October). It will be very crowded but to make your vacation luxurious and intimate we highly recommend the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley.
You can enjoy fun seasonal festivals such as harvest dinners, balls and even grape smashing. For a unique tasting experience, you can book The Legacy Tour on the Napa Wine Train.
You’ll get to try sparkling wine, go on a three-hour tour of the valley, and enjoy a fancy four-course meal.
Pro Tip: Because it’s the busiest month in Napa Valley, make sure to book your hotel, tours, and tastings at least four months ahead of time.
And no matter when you visit during this season, pack your jacket because it can get chilly at night, dropping into the 50s and 40s. Get the best deal on excursion!
6. Woodstock, Vermont
Temperature
Low Temperature: 16°C
High Temperature: 25°C
Season
Autumn season with warm weather and luscious wind.
August is best enjoyed in Woodstock, Vermont. It’s known as the Prettiest Small Town in America and is just a five-hour drive from New York City.
There’s so much to do here. Explore hiking trails in the Green Mountains, and the popular Mount Tom Trail. In Woodstock, there’s a charming downtown with cute shops and delicious food spots.
If you stay at The Woodstock Inn, you can easily walk there. Here you’ll can visit the Vermont Flannel Company and Farmhouse Pottery.
Woodstock is picturesque town and you can do a photo session in Sleepy Hollow Farm and Middle Cover Bridge.
There are farms nearby like Sugarbush Farm and Billings Farm offering maple syrup, cheese tasting, and historical exhibits.
Sugarbush Farm is a local favorite for cheese and maple syrup production. For an authentic farm to table experience dine at Cloudland Farm.
7. British Columbia, Western Canada
Temperature
Low Temperature: 14°C
High Temperature: 22°C
Season
Mid summer in Canada with cooler weather and bit of rain.
British Columbia is popular with ski season. But travel in August instead for a midsummer experience in British Columbia. As the city embrace summer, it’s perfect time for outdoor activities into nature.
You can learn about First Nations culture, go for epic hike, kayak along the coast, and enjoy patio dining. Head across the Rockies to Lake Louise and Banff to kayak in the bluest water.
Last but not least, explore the many beautiful white sand beaches and parks in British Columbia. Some of the best parks to visit this month are Elk Island National Park, Stanley Park, and the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Get the best deals tour in British Columbia!
8. Havana, Cuba
Temperature
Low Temperature: 24°C
High Temperature: 33°C
Season
Peak summer season with warmest weather and little chance of rain.
August evokes the perfect travel time in Cuba. August see the warmest weather here and busy time for local tourism.
Swim in the cool water of Cayo Coco to set the perfect summer mood. The tropical climate in Cuba is just right for sunbating in gorgeous white-sand beaches during the day.
You can join many cultural fdestivals and live music shoes in the vibrant streets of Varadero. Book a salsa lesson to polish your moves and join the dancing parade at the Havana Carnival.
Take a day to explore the colonial history of Trinidad by sightseeing and .visit local watering holes in the evening. Indulge in local drinks and cuisines and enjoy the liveliest atmosphere of Havana!
9. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
Temperature
Low Temperature: 20°C
High Temperature: 40°C
Season
Summer and the hottest month of the year with gentle breeze all day long.
August is the busiest month of the year in Sardinia. But this is the month you should go for a top tier vacation experience.
Costa Smeralda is destination with beautiful beaches with sublime luxury and exclusivity. Here all the rich and famous people come to vacation. So it can be expensive to stay within the boundaries of the Costa Smeralda consortium.
The beaches of Sardinia in August are extra beautiful with sunlight makes the water sparkel with colors. Take boat tour to visit multiple of the islands in the La Maddalena archipelago.
Take a swing at the Pevero Golf. Visit the ancient Punic-Roman ruins of Nora and Tharros.And tour the Capichera – first wineries in Sardinia. Sample the highest quality wine! Depending on where you stay, you can enjoy the nightlife see the celebrities.
Get a taste for the high life being around the Jet Set crowd in North of the island or in the Cagliari area. The best vacation with luxury resorts, hotels, beaches is what this beautiful island at the heart of the Mediterranean offers.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Temperature
Low Temperature: 14°C
High Temperature: 28°C
Season
End of summer, the city embraces the coolness of Autumn.
August is the month when the Dutch capital witness the trasition from summer to winter. It is the lively to visit Amsterdam. You can explore more in sunlight as the days are longer.
Cruise the historic Amsterdam canals which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can admire the architecture of the bulidings and life along the picturesque canals.
Join Grachtenfestival, Amsterdam’s biggest events in August. This music festival is to discover local fresh artists who performs classical musics. Amsterdam has some pretty cool museums.
The most popular Netherland museums are- Rijksmuseum, where you can see the thousands of Dutch artefacts, The Upside Down museum- where you can take coolest photos for you instagram, The Van Gogh Museum displays Van Goghs original paintings, drawings and letters. Best 2024 Amsterdam tours!
11. Edinburgh, Scotland
Temperature
Low Temperature: 11°C
High Temperature: 18°C
Season
Summer, warm weather and less rain.
August is perhaps one of the best months to visit Edinburg when the city comes alive with warm sunlight. The medival streets are filled with local artists and buskers in every corner, trying to make people laugh.
Walk down cobbled streets, sip some beers at the local pub, visit the ovecot Studios Ladies Baths, the Central Mosque or just simply appreciate the medival architecture buildings there’s so much to do in Edinburg.
In this month you can enjoy some of the biggest festivals! In Edinburgh International Festival you can attend any kinbd of show from classical and contemporary theatre, visulart arts, dance, opera music and more.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest art festival in the world and The Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo Festival where military bands perform each evening in front of Edinburgh Castle.
12. Kenya, East Africa
Temperature
Low Temperature: 17°C
High Temperature: 23°C
Season
Winter with relatively mild cold weather.
August is the secon coldest month in Kenya. It the perfect time for a beach vacation on the Kenya coast. You can see hump back whale off the coast. This is also the best time to watch The Great Migration which is one of the greatest nature shows on Earth.
Millions of wildebeest and zebras move from northern Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara Nature Reserve to satisfy the thirst for water and fresh grass.
You can also go for game viewing in the safari destinations. Join the Kenya’s International Camel Derby Festival held in the secon week of August. Here you can see ameture and professional camel riders. The festival displays cultural offerings that shows the life of the communities of the region
13. Madeira, Portugal
Temperature
Low Temperature: 17°C
High Temperature: 24-25°C
Season
Warm autumn with low precipitation.
Madeira is known as the land of eternal Spring. But going in August let you explore the city in summer. Warm sunlight bounces of off the mild sea creating a beautiful landscape.
This season gives the best opportunity to do a two-for-one. We recommend taking a short flight or a boat trip to the neighboring island of Porto Santo.
Here you can spend some lazy laying on the beaches of golden sand, enjoy the colorful summer festivals and then head back to the main island to explore more.
Madeira is known as the ‘Floating Garden of the Atlantic’. Where ever you go, you’ll be treated with full bloom in the nature and sweet smell of the flowers.
You can take a walking tour and explore the best strolls through Madeira’s magical paths. Indulge in the flavors of Madeira in the local restaurants.
You can also go for swimming, snorkeling with bird watching while kayaking and canoeing in Madeira sea.
14. Machu Picchu, Peru
Temperature
Low Temperature: 2°C
High Temperature: 20°C
Season
Summer season with bright sunny weather and little rain.
August is a fantastic month to travel to Machu Picchu. It’s the last month of high season with plenty sun hours and clear skies throughout the day. Take a city tour in Cusco to explore the magical place.
The sunny weather is perfect to explore the countryside attractions such as Saqsaywaman, Qenqo, and the Archeological attractions .
Take a day trip to the Sacred Valley. You will be amazed at the view of Pisaq market.
Discover the steep terraces of the Ollantaytambo and the circular terraces of Moray Maras. Its where the Spanish lost battels against Inca. Trekking is a popular activity in these ruins Sacred Valley. The Inca Jungle Trekwill give you jungle experience. While here hike the geological wonder- Rainbow Mountain
In August there are some mega ultra-traditional Andean festivals take place. The Pachamama Raymi happens in August 1st in honor of the Incan Mother Earth and the Willka Raymi celebrates life in Pachamama. You can enjoy tyraditional feasting, music and dance show in these events.
15. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Temperature
Low Temperature: 19°C
High Temperature: 30°C
Season
Hottest month of the year with high humidity.
Italy is a classic destination to travel to in August. It’s a peak traditional summer holiday month in the Amalfi Coast. Spend a day in the sun-drenched beaches.
Although high chances they will be filled with tourist. The weather is perfect for strolling by the coast and al fresco dining. There are water bike available from Amalfi and Positano to hit all the nearby beach clubs, restaurants. Check the best option to explore the city!
Explore Positano’s Cliffside streets adorned with bright pink bougainvillaea. You will find a lots of boutique selling hand made treasures. Take a boat trip to Atrani. It is one of the most picturesque villages on the Amalfi Coast. Here you can join the Pesce Azzuro festival.
It’s a festival to honor the sea and feasting in Sardines and anchovies. Hike the famous Sentiero degli Dei, or “Path of the Gods”. You will get a breathtaking view of the Amalafi coast landscape. In August, the Amalfi Coast has festive vibe in the air.
You’ll find DJ parties in all the beach clubs. Join the festival of Saint Maria Assunta on the 15th, in Maiori and Positano. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll surely have a blast in Italy!