best places to travel in august

August can be a tricky month to plan a trip. It’s right in the heart of summer—hot, crowded, and sometimes expensive. But here’s the good news: there are incredible places to travel in August that give you more than just heatwaves and hotel markups.

Whether you’re looking for a beach to stretch out on, a festival to dance through, or a mountain retreat to escape the summer swelter, August has a destination waiting for you. Some are cool and breezy, others are sun-drenched and lively, and all offer something unforgettable.

Let’s explore the best places to travel in August—and why this mid-summer month might be the sweet spot for your next adventure.

Scotland – Where Summer Meets Serenity

When much of Europe is sizzling, Scotland is refreshingly cool and green. August is one of the best times to visit, not just for the weather—but for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival.

Beyond the capital, Scotland offers:

• Lochs and castles that look straight out of a fairy tale
• Highland hikes through dramatic landscapes
• Quaint coastal towns like Oban and Ullapool

The days are long, the heather is blooming, and the rain is (mostly) cooperative. It’s the perfect place to wander without sweating through your clothes.

Expert tip: Take the Jacobite Steam Train (aka the Hogwarts Express) through the Highlands—it’s not just for Harry Potter fans, but for anyone who loves scenic rail travel.

Bali, Indonesia – The Island of Gods in Dry Season

August is peak dry season in Bali, which means warm days, cooler nights, and minimal rain. It’s the ideal month for everything from surfing to yoga to simply doing nothing on the beach.

Why Bali in August?

• Ubud’s rice terraces glow green and gold
• The waters are crystal-clear for diving in Amed or Nusa Penida
• Daily Hindu ceremonies make even the smallest villages feel festive

Yes, it’s a popular month—but Bali handles tourism with grace. Even during the busy season, you can find peaceful corners in jungle retreats, cliffside villas, or laid-back surf towns like Canggu.

Analogy time: If Bali were a smoothie, August would be the perfect blend—just the right sweetness, texture, and chill.

Alaska, USA – Wild Beauty at Its Peak

Think Alaska is all snow and cold? Think again. August is prime time to visit America’s last frontier. The weather is mild, wildlife is active, and the salmon are running, which attracts bears and photographers alike.

Top experiences in August:

• Glacier hiking in Kenai Fjords or Wrangell-St. Elias
• Whale watching in Juneau or Seward
• Road-tripping the Seward Highway for unreal landscapes

Plus, this is when Denali National Park is most accessible and visible—clouds part, and the mountain shows off in all its glory.

It’s not your typical summer getaway, but Alaska gives you adventure, peace, and epic photo ops all in one.

Iceland – The Land of Fire, Ice, and Midnight Sun

Iceland in August is like nature’s playground turned all the way up. It’s one of the warmest months (relatively speaking), and you still get long daylight hours—perfect for road trips and outdoor adventures.

Here’s what makes August special:

• Lupine fields still bloom in early August
• Fagradalsfjall volcano may still show signs of activity (check local reports!)
• Hot springs like Secret Lagoon are steamy without being crowded

Road tripping around the Ring Road in August is a bucket list experience. Waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches—it’s like flipping through a fantasy novel, page by page.

Metaphor moment: Iceland in August is like a live-action National Geographic spread—you’re in the middle of it, wide-eyed and amazed.

Portugal – Culture, Coastlines, and Cool Evenings

While much of Southern Europe scorches in August, Portugal stays (relatively) breezy—especially along the Atlantic coast. From Lisbon’s tiled streets to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, Portugal hits that perfect balance of culture and chill.

Why it works in August:

• Coastal towns like Lagos offer warm waters and golden beaches
• Fado music fills the alleyways of Lisbon and Porto
• You can escape inland heat with ocean breezes and fresh seafood

August also brings festivals like Lisbon’s Feast of Saint Anthony—a city-wide celebration with music, dancing, and grilled sardines on every corner.

If you want Europe without the crowds of Italy or France, Portugal is a summer sleeper hit.

Kenya – Safari Season in Full Swing

If seeing Africa’s Great Migration is on your bucket list, August is when to go. The wildebeest are crossing the Mara River, lions and crocodiles are on the hunt, and the Masai Mara is a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows.

Here’s why Kenya in August delivers:

• Dry season means animals gather near watering holes (hello, close-up shots!)
• Cooler weather makes for comfortable game drives
• Cultural experiences with the Maasai people deepen the journey

Whether you’re camping in luxury tents or staying in eco-lodges, a Kenyan safari in August feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary—with you as the guest star.

British Columbia, Canada – Outdoor Paradise Without the Chaos

August in British Columbia (BC) is an outdoorsy dream. While Banff and Jasper can get packed, BC offers equally jaw-dropping nature with more elbow room.

Top spots in August:

• Vancouver Island for kayaking and orca spotting
• Whistler for alpine hikes and mountain biking
• Okanagan Valley for wine tasting under the sun

If you love crisp lakes, pine forests, and blue skies, BC is the place. Plus, Vancouver’s multicultural food scene is reason enough to spend a few days in the city before heading into the wild.

Anecdote: A solo traveler once told me, “I came to BC for the views—but I stayed for the peace. It’s the kind of quiet that feels like a hug.”

The French Alps – Mountain Cool Without the Snow Crowds

Most people think of the French Alps as a winter destination. But August transforms this rugged region into a hiker’s paradise with wildflowers, lush meadows, and charming villages.

Here’s what makes it amazing:

• Towns like Annecy and Chamonix offer lakes, local markets, and mountain views
• Cable cars are still running, offering alpine vistas without the ski gear
• Fewer tourists than Paris or Provence during peak summer

And if you’re after wellness, many alpine resorts offer spas, yoga retreats, and nature walks, making it perfect for a mid-year reset.

This is where cool air and warm cheese fondues come together—deliciously unexpected.

Conclusion: Why August Deserves a Travel Rethink

August doesn’t have to mean sky-high prices, sweaty sidewalks, or overbooked hotels. With a little creativity, it becomes one of the best months to explore diverse and breathtaking places to travel—from remote mountains to tropical coasts.

Whether you’re seeking nature, culture, or adventure, the destinations we’ve covered give you options that are both refreshing and rewarding.

So next time you’re wondering where to go in August, remember: the world is still wide open—you just have to choose the experience you want.

FAQs

Is August a good month to travel?
Yes! With the right destination, August offers amazing weather, unique events, and beautiful natural scenery—perfect for both relaxation and exploration.

What are the cheapest places to travel in August?
Consider off-the-beaten-path spots like Albania, northern Portugal, or Eastern Europe. These regions offer great value without skimping on culture or beauty.

Where is it not too hot in August?
Scotland, the French Alps, British Columbia, and Iceland all offer cooler temperatures and stunning scenery—perfect for those avoiding summer heat.

What should I pack for an August trip?
It depends on where you’re headed, but layers are key! Even warm places can have cool evenings. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.

How can I avoid crowds while traveling in August?
Travel mid-week, visit early or late in the day, and choose shoulder season destinations or nature-focused regions over major cities.