Where to travel in August

Find holiday inspiration with our guide to the best places to go in August. Hike across the rugged mountains of Montenegro, witness Kenya's epic wildebeest migration, or experience Iceland’s magical landscapes as summer gives way to autumn.

Montenegro

Montenegro is a popular Balkan destination in August, when at the height of summer, its warm dry weather has visitors flocking to its small coastline, in search of soft golden sands, water sports, and affordable food and drink. We’d recommend swapping your swimsuit for hiking gear, however, to make for the country’s spectacular mountainous interior. Considerably less crowded, it offers a blend of rugged peaks, glacial lakes and refreshing rainfall, with temperatures averaging between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Here, you’ll get to slow your pace as you enjoy some cooling respite, though do be sure to pack a raincoat just in case! Walk the forested trails of Durmitor National Park, dive into the history and folklore of Lovcen National Park, or conquer some of the most beautiful deep canyons in Europe.

Latvia

An underrated gem in Northern Europe, Latvia stuns and surprises at every turn. With temperatures between 14 and 22 degrees Celsius in August, it offers great balmy weather no matter your itinerary. Hiking opportunities are plentiful in the heart of its oldest and largest national park, Gauja, where you can amble along the river or go in search of natural springs and historical monuments. Up along the Baltic Sea coast, culture-packed capital Riga brims with chocolate-box character and concert hall music, while Jūrmala’s sanatoriums and sandy beach beckon for all-out relaxation. Then there’s the lesser-visited countryside, which offers a chance to slow down in seclusion, surrounded by ancient castles and grazing wild deer.

Norway

Scandinavia is always a good idea for vibrant summer getaways, and Norway in particular is one of our firm favourites at this time of year: pleasantly cool climes, temperatures reaching around 25 degrees Celsius (sometimes up to 30 degrees Celsius), and long days create the perfect recipe for outdoor escapism. Your trip will be made all the better by the truly laid-back atmosphere – whether you’re out exploring the twists and turns of its 63,000-mile coastline, sailing across breathtaking blue fjords, walking amidst the tall beech trees of Bøkeskogen, or flitting across vibrant cities (Oslo is always a must-visit, while Bergen’s picturesque wharf houses and Stavanger’s long white beaches aren’t to be missed).

Kenya

The best months for planning a trip to Kenya are between July and September, when cool and dry weather offers the best conditions for wildlife-viewing experiences. Between late July and August is also a likely time to witness the larger-than-life Great Migration, when more than two million wildebeest, zebras and other fascinating creatures journey from the Serengeti to the preserved savannah landscape of the Masai Mara. Cool nights and pleasantly warm daytimes are on the cards in August, hitting averages of 20-26 degrees Celsius in cities and highs of around 30 degrees Celsius along the Kenyan coast. Speaking of the coast, high sea temperatures and great snorkelling sites make Kenya a safe pick for beachgoers.

Scotland

One of our favourite European all-rounders, Scotland is a popular destination for August travel – and for good reason. You can expect the warmest temperatures at this time of year, with highs in the low- to mid-20 degrees Celsius, making for comfortable climes to explore the country from city to coast. August is a wonderful time of year for culture vultures to flock to Scotland, whose capital Edinburgh hosts a string of fun festivals, including the sought-after Art and Fringe Festivals and the International Book and Film Festivals. For the perfect cultural escape, why not combine your Scottish exploring with a visit to Ireland, the much-loved Emerald Isle?

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Perfectly paired with neighbours Slovenia and Croatia for a multi-destination adventure, Bosnia and Herzegovina has much to offer at any time of year, with August being an especially delightful time to visit. You can expect daytime temperatures of up to around 30 degrees Celsius, pleasant temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius at night, and very little rain – the perfect conditions for sunbathing before diving straight into an on-the-pulse nightlife scene. The natural landscapes are just as worthwhile making the trip over for, too, as adventurers will encounter gushing waterfalls, serene lakes, emerald-green rivers, and mountain villages brimming with character.

Indonesia

Thanks to ideal weather conditions and minimal rainfall in most parts of the country, August is a great time of year for travelling to Indonesia – and by skirting around tourist hotspots such as Bali and Java’s cities, you can easily plan a trip that combines wonderful weather with minimal fuss and frustration. During the dry season from April to October is the best period to plan a hike up Mount Bromo, to witness the breathtaking panoramas surrounding this active volcano. If you’d rather not challenge your fear of heights, take to the tropical terrain of Sumatra – an island rich in wildlife, traditional Batak villages, and jungle trekking tours that stray well off the beaten track.

Iceland

Iceland may be celebrated for its winter activities, from snowmobiling and glacier hiking to northern lights-chasing. Between the months of June and August, however, the temperatures are warm(er) and daylight hours stretch well into the evenings, as the midnight sun reigns supreme – these are excellent conditions for long and active days out. Tour the South Coast’s black sands and giant waterfalls, explore glaciers in sunny weather, or take to the waters for prime whale-watching during its peak season. For keen birdwatchers, August is also a good time to catch adorable puffins who arrive to nest in May and leave late-August.

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