Best Places to Visit in August 2023, Revealed (Updated)

When it comes to picking the best places to visit and spending your vacation in August, you will find it to be a difficult task. This is because the list of options is endless. August is a month when half of the world’s beauty is enhanced. So, we have compiled the best places to visit in August based on attractions, events, and weather (among other factors). From mountain retreats to lake getaways, there’s a destination on this list for everyone.

Best Places to Visit in August

In no particular order, here are some of the best places to visit in August.

Fiji

In August, Fiji is one of the most amazing places to visit. Although August is Fiji’s cooler, drier season, daytime temperatures are typically in the high 70s or low 80s, allowing you to spend the majority of your vacation sunbathing on its white sand beaches and swimming in its clear blue water. Furthermore, several of the country’s 333 islands, such as Taveuni, the Mamanucas, and the Yasawas, provide ample opportunities for water sports such as surfing and scuba diving. Fiji’s rich culture also includes a variety of unique traditions, such as kava and firewalking ceremonies.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia’s largest city (by population), is a vibrant destination with something for everyone. August is an excellent time to take it all in because it is one of the driest and warmest months (think: temperatures in the low 70s). Those looking for adventure can cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge or hike the arduous Grouse Grind (both just north of the city), while those looking for a more leisurely outdoor experience can take a Vancouver Harbour cruise or relax on some of the city’s beaches. The Vancouver Pride Festival, which takes place early in the month, also includes a parade and performances to celebrate the LGBTQ community.

Lake Como

While a quieter shoulder-season visit is possible, Lake Como is at its best during the summer. Visiting during the high season may mean more tourists and higher room rates, but you’ll be able to enjoy the lakeside towns, villas, and beaches at their best. Take a boat ride across the lake to visit the blooming gardens of iconic villas such as Villa Balbianello. Try peak produce at open-air markets or freshly caught fish at one of the many lakeside dining establishments. Alternatively, you can simply see and be seen at one of the area’s beaches or lakeside pools.

Rocky Mountain National Park

A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park in August ensures that almost all trails are open and that the weather is pleasant, allowing you to fully appreciate the park’s mountainous beauty. Wildflowers bloom in the meadows, and bighorn sheep are common this time of year.

To avoid the crowds that descend on the park every August, purchase a timed entry permit pass, which will be available on July 1 for all dates in August. You can also avoid traffic by taking the park’s shuttles rather than driving.

Cyprus

Beyond its beaches, the Mediterranean island of Cyprus has a myth-laden history to offer, but a visit during one of the hottest months of the year will make its sandy stretches look pretty enticing. Sunbathers can enjoy the clear skies, and when the temperatures rise above 90 degrees, visitors can cool off by Jet Skiing, swimming, or paddleboarding. Later, beachgoers and water lovers alike will want to indulge in some fresh Cypriot cuisine paired with wine (including some of the world’s oldest-named wines).

San Diego

In August, America’s Finest City is warm and dry, giving you plenty of opportunities to soak up some rays. If you want to spend some time at the beach, there are 70 miles of coastline to choose from, with activities ranging from surfing to swimming to paddleboarding. Away from the beach, there’s Balboa Park, where you can admire beautiful architecture, visit museums, and visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo. In addition, San Diego has an excellent dining scene and a plethora of live music venues to round out your trip.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations, particularly in August when wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent. The Great Migration, an annual migration of over 1 million wildebeest, zebras, and other animals from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park into Kenya’s Masai Mara, is usually best seen in August. Furthermore, the reserve is a year-round haven for other animal species, including the big five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes), earning it the title of one of Africa’s most diverse areas.

Rovinj

Summer is peak season in this Croatian town, so expect to rub shoulders with other visitors if you visit in August. However, the beauty of Rovinj will more than compensate for the influx of tourists. Due to daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, you can comfortably walk along the car-free cobblestone streets of Rovinj’s Old Town in August. This is also a good month to visit Grisia Street, which hosts an open-air art exhibition in August. If you want to get away from the crowds in town, take a day trip to one of the 14 nearby islands.

Kluane National Park and Reserve

If you want to spend an unusual summer vacation, go to Kluane National Park and Reserve in Canada’s Yukon region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the world’s largest nonpolar icefield and Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. Sign up for a flightseeing tour to see Kluane’s glaciers from the air or explore the park on foot during the warm, incredibly long summer days. A boat rides around Kathleen Lake or a rafting trip down the Alsek River are also enjoyable ways to take in the scenery.

Outer Banks

Plan an Outer Banks vacation in August to take advantage of the warm weather (average highs in the low 80s) and fun festivals such as the Outer Banks Watermelon Festival and the Outer Banks Pirate Festival. These barrier islands in North Carolina are ideal for a variety of beach activities, such as sailing, surfing, and sunbathing. Furthermore, some of them are historically significant. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills (where the famous pilots took their first flight) or Roanoke Island to see the exhibits about life in the 16th century at Roanoke Island Festival Park.

Interlaken

Why settle for one lake when you can visit two during your summer vacation? Interlaken, a picturesque Swiss town whose name means “between two lakes,” is nestled between the dazzling lakes Thun and Brienz and surrounded by mountains. Temperatures in the mid-70s in August allow you to enjoy the area’s natural beauty while hiking, boating, or paragliding, though you should bring rain gear in case of rain. Furthermore, if you visit around August 1, you’ll be able to take part in the area’s Swiss National Day celebration, which includes bonfires, a folk festival, and a parade.

White Mountains

Visit New Hampshire’s White Mountains in summer, when the area’s gorges, bike trails, and more than 100 waterfalls are at their most lush. Adventurers can scale Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, and be rewarded with views of five states. Meanwhile, those looking for a more laid-back summer afternoon can go for a scenic drive or relax with a cocktail on the Omni Mount Washington Resort’s terrace. With highs in the high 60s in August, the weather will be ideal for any outdoor adventure.

Portland, ME

Head to this coastal Maine city in August for a quaint New England getaway. Beachgoers can enjoy the warm weather at nearby beaches, and foodies can stroll through the Old Port to sample some of the city’s best restaurants. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts can visit the Portland Museum of Art to view its collection of over 18,000 works of art. Finish your day with a sunset stroll along the Eastern Promenade or The Portland Observatory.

Boston

While other Northern Hemisphere destinations experience high temperatures in late summer, Boston barely rises above 80 degrees, making it an ideal time for sightseeing along the Freedom Trail or relaxing in the Boston Public Garden. You should also plan on attending a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park or walking the grounds of Harvard University without the students. A trip to Boston would not be complete without sampling authentic Italian cuisine in the North End and fresh seafood in the Seaport district.

Curacao

Because of its location outside of the hurricane belt, Curacao is ideal for those looking for a late-summer Caribbean getaway. With daytime temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s, you’ll most likely spend your vacation lounging on the beach or scuba diving past marine life, coral reefs, and shipwrecks. But the charming, colorful Dutch colonial architecture found in Willemstad, the city’s UNESCO-designated capital, is also worth seeing. Curacao also has a more relaxed feel than other Caribbean destinations, with fewer mega resorts and more boutique resorts and bed-and-breakfast establishments.

Matera (Italy)

Matera is one of Basilicata’s most popular tourist destinations and was named one of the two 2019 European Capitals of Culture. A few days are the ideal amount of time to delve deeper into how Matera went from “Italy’s shame” to an “iconic cultural hot spot.”

Summer is the ideal time to explore its fascinating cave districts in the sun, enjoy the natural beauty of Polino National Park, Italy’s largest, and sample the region’s authentic cuisine, with highs of 29°C in August. Rent a car and drive to Pompeii, Sorrento, or the opposite direction to coastal Bari for a longer trip.

Medellin, Colombia

The weather in August in Colombia is hit or miss. Whether you get sun or rain depends on where you go, whether you want to go on a wildlife adventure in the Amazon or spend time in the city.

What does Medellin have in August to compensate for its occasionally overcast appearance? Feria de Flores (Festivals of the Flowers) is a spectacular 10-day celebration of nature.

Every August, the city comes alive with the vibrant colors of flowers that are paraded down the streets. Hundreds of concerts, craft fairs, and floral parades fill the streets and the city’s best venues. It should be on the bucket list of any nature lover.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn’s peach-colored Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, surrounded by droplets of crisp white snow, may come to mind when you think of the city.

We’re not surprised. Despite the cold, Estonia and its neighbors Latvia and Lithuania make excellent winter getaways. However, they should not be overlooked during the summer.

Walking through Tallinn’s extensive Old Town and taking in the atmosphere in Freedom Square is equally enjoyable in the sun. With so many steep hills to climb to get to the best city views, it’s almost easier without all the ice…

Guyana and the Guiana Islands

Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname, South America’s smallest wonders, are prime for visitors at the end of August. It’s the ideal time to visit Guyana’s breathtaking Kaieteur Falls, walk in Papillon’s footsteps in French Guiana, and sample Suriname’s tasty specialty rums.

For starters, the weather is always warm, but it’s dry season on the Guianan coast in August, and French Guiana, like Suriname, is drier and warmer in August.

Because all three countries are sandwiched between Venezuela and Brazil, we’d recommend extending your trip and visiting all three at once. At the very least, you’ll have the advantage of being as far off the beaten path as possible in South America.

Mongolia

At this time of year, you really can’t go wrong in Mongolia. During August, expect vibrant green steppes and temperatures that range between 20°C and 25°C.

If you go to the mountains, you’ll probably find it slightly colder than the rest of the country – arguably better conditions for longer treks that don’t require sweating it out in the heat. Other must-do activities in August include wild camping and cycling, as well as visiting the Gobi Desert in the south.

It’s also an excellent time to visit Lake Khövsgöl in northern Mongolia, close to the Russian border. The largest and most beautiful freshwater lake in the country glistens in the sunlight and appears to stretch for miles.

Kyrgyzstan

August falls squarely in the middle of Kyrgyzstan’s peak season (May to October), so certain areas will be overcrowded with both visitors and locals (look out, Lake Issyk-Kul).

It is, however, an excellent time to embark on the epic hikes that Central Tien Shan (the ‘Celestial Mountains’ in Chinese) has to offer. The highest peak, at 7,439m, is not for the faint of heart. To make the most of it, you must be an experienced walker with a high level of fitness.

India, Jodhpur

Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s Blue City, is a travel photographer’s (and Instagram lover’s) dream come true. There is a seemingly endless maze of blue houses, winding alleys, and colorful doors to explore.

Of course, there is a lot more to it. The renowned Mehrangarh Fort, built in the 15th century, is rich in history and art. Consider Jaswant Thada’s ornate decoration. Visit the impressive Mandore Sculpture Garden, get active with water activities in Lake Kaylana, or picnic at the 12th-century Balsamand Lake.

Visit in August for bearable heat (lows of 26°C and highs of 34°C) and a good chance of finding some good places for greatlodging deals. August is off-season, so while you won’t be the only visitor at any point, you may notice a little less of the usual bustle.

Malaysia, Langkawi

There is so much to see and do in Malaysia that it almost seems unfair to single out the Langkawi archipelago. Though, with more time, there’s nothing stopping you from venturing further afield…

It’s an appealing all-rounder for a sunny getaway without the ‘packaged holiday’ feel, with suitably warm temperatures (often around 28°C to 31°C), incredible natural beauty to marvel at, cable cars and boat trips galore, and unusual wildlife sightings practically guaranteed.

The Best Places to Visit in August for Arts and Culture

Edinburgh, Scotland

In August, most major British and European cities will host a variety of culture and entertainment festivals. The Scottish capital is the place to go for the best in summer fun.

Not only does the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with its world-class comedy and theatre, take over the architecturally stunning city for the entire month of August, but there are also a number of other major festivals.

Throughout the month, expect art exhibitions, orchestras, and dances at the Edinburgh International Festival, as well as performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival. On August 31, there will be a fireworks display in the city center, as well as a variety of multicultural events at the Edinburgh Mela Festival.

London, United Kingdom

Every month has something for everyone in London, but August really ups the ante in terms of arts and culture offerings for visitors.

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, as the name suggests, takes over southeast London. Indoors and outdoors, performance art includes everything from laser shows and colorful powder fights to stilt walkers and acrobats abseiling down historic buildings.

Classical music fans can enjoy BBC Proms performances throughout August.

As the month comes to a close, revel in the vibrant madness of Notting Hill Carnival. In the middle of the month, the London Craft Beer Festival takes place at Tobacco Dock, a former warehouse in Wapping.

In the summer, the many street food markets dotted across London will delight foodies – go beyond Borough Market and try Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle or Boxpark in Shoreditch.

Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Mount Hagen, in Papua New Guinea’s western province, comes alive in the middle of August for days of performances, feasts, and musical festivities hosted by locals during the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.

Drier than June and the coolest month of the year overall, the weather also makes August the best month to visit Papua New Guinea’s exotic cities and towns.

Of course, Papua New Guinea is a difficult destination that is well off the beaten path. As a result, only very experienced travelers should plan to visit, and they should also keep a close eye on the FCO’s Official Travel Advice before going.

Gua, Serbia

The Gua Trumpet Festival, also known as Dragaevski Sabo, is probably less well-known than the Edinburgh Fringe and Notting Hill Carnival.

Nonetheless, the small Serbian town of Gua comes to life for three days in early August for its annual festival, which features the best in brass music performances. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people attend.

Tunisia

Tunisia may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering a short break with an emphasis on the arts. August, on the other hand, offers a few opportunities to see a different side of this North African country.

The International Festival of Carthage, which began in 1964, is held every July and August and features live music, theater, opera, and even a bit of ballet.

Dougga International Festival is another chance to hear live music, this time in the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre in Dougga, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The festival will conclude during the first week of August.

The Best Places to Visit in August to See Wildlife

Birds and Monkeys in Northern Ecuador

Ecuador is located on the west coast of South America. It is home to many unique and colorful wildlife species and is a delightful combination of the Andes, Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands, to name a few. It’s no surprise that it’s become one of our most popular August wildlife trips.

Travel to the north of the country to increase your chances of seeing the cheeky squirrel monkey, marmoset, or tamarin in the wild.

Birders in Ecuador have the opportunity to see approximately 1,600 different species. It is undeniably one of the best birdwatching countries on the planet. Staying in the north, you’ll see rare macaws, the sleek Andean condor, a plethora of hummingbirds, and brightly patterned toucans (to name a few). Prepare your binoculars…
Continue reading for more incredible things to do in Ecuador.

Visit Arctic Canada to Watch Polar Bears

Summers in the Canadian Arctic are, predictably, brief. They’re also ideal for getting out on the water in a Zodiac and doing some polar bear spotting from your expedition boat.

Polar bears, as we all know, are best admired from a distance. They’re not nearly as cuddly as they appear. However, because the Zodiacs can get quite close, you may be able to get a little closer than usual.

Whale-Watching in Washington’s San Juan Islands

From Anacortes, take a Washington State Ferry to four of the 172 San Juan Islands. The weather is mild most of the year, but the best time to visit is in August, which is also the best time to see killer whales. This is one of the best places on the planet to see black-and-white beauty.

San Juan is the most visited island, thanks to its Whale Museum and numerous outdoor activities. If you want a more peaceful, wild experience, head to Orcas Island and climb Mount Constitution for 6 kilometers. On a clear day, you might be able to see Vancouver from the top.

Macaws Can Be Seen in Peru’s Manu National Park.

If you visit the southeast region of Peru in August, you will be astounded by the natural prowess of important places like Manu National Park. Its lush Amazonian jungle and the striking Andean Highlands will take your breath away. It is also a Biosphere Reserve.

It’s the ideal location for avid birdwatchers to see the awe-inspiring macaw in its natural habitat. These beautiful parrots, with feathers that are often a mix of red, yellow, blue, and green, can be seen collecting clay at ‘clay banks’ or ‘clay licks’ around the park to feed on later. It’s a breathtaking sight.

The month of August is typically the start of the season for the most sightings, with September and October also thought to be ideal.

In Borneo, You Can Find Orangutans

The orangutans of Borneo were in the spotlight when Dame Judi Dench visited an orangutan sanctuary while filming her ITV documentary, Wild Borneo Adventure.

August is one of the best months for non-knights to visit this South-East Asian island paradise in search of a wild sighting.

Danum Valley in Sabah (in the northern part of the island) has a 400-square-kilometer rainforest reserve where wild orangutans can swing. Travel along the Kinabatangan River to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The best places to see orangutans are revealed next.

Yellowstone National Park Is Home to Grizzly Bears.

We believe that, unlike polar bears, grizzlies appear to be aggressive. They’re also quite elusive: there are only about 150 bears in Yellowstone National Park, and another 700 in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

To see one roaming, you’ll need the right equipment. Wake up before sunrise or wait until sunset to scour the area with your telescope and/or binoculars.

Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are your best bets for sightings, but Dunraven Pass, Swan Lake Flats, and Gardiners Hole are also worth a look.

Best Places to Visit in August: References

TravelandLeisure