Planning a summer getaway can get tricky, especially if you want a good mix of weather, fun, and something actually memorable. August is pretty great for travel. Plenty of countries crank up the excitement with festivals, gorgeous scenery, and outdoor adventures that just hit differently this time of year.
Whether you want to hike through ancient forests, lounge on a beach chair, or immerse yourself in local culture, August is the time to do it in these epic countries. With so many choices, figuring out which places really shine helps you narrow down your next trip, or at least daydream a little.
Kenya
Cool and dry, August is a great time of year to visit Kenya. It’s technically the winter season, but trust us – it doesn’t feel anything like winter! The sun is always shining and it’s still short weather.
The thing that makes Kenya so magical in August is the Masai Mara migration. Thousands of wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, bound through the park in search of fresh grazing lands and water holes.
If you travel to the coast you can also go on a whale watching tour in search of the majestic humpback whales that travel past Kenya’s coast this time of year.
Sweden
The weather is warm and dry in August in the south of Sweden. It’s a great time to visit popular cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. Sightseeing is always nicer when you’re not too sweaty!
We don’t recommend venturing to the north unless you’ve packed a thick coat – it’s much colder. The furthest north you should go is the breathtaking Tyresta National Park which is covered in ancient forest.
One of the coolest festivals in August is Stockholm Pride. The whole city is covered in rainbows and there are loads of free concerts. If you’re looking for something a bit more classical, you should check out the Baltic Sea Festival instead.
Seychelles
August is cooler than other months in Seychelles, so you can avoid the scorching hot weather and visit once the temperatures have dropped a bit.
It’s also when the Feast of the Assumption is celebrated. The biggest celebrations are on La Digue island, where there are huge religious processions and loads of lively street parties.
Before it’s a bit cooler, it’s also a great time of year to hike through the towering sea coconut trees in the May Valley or visit the giant tortoises on Curieuse Island.
Canada
Canada’s epic natural landscapes are pretty inaccessible in the cold, harsh winter months. But luckily for you, in August the temperatures are mild and sunny. It’s the perfect time of year to get outdoors and explore.
Banff National Park should be at the top of every hiker’s bucket list, where trails like Johnston Canyon and Tunnel Mountain stand out.
Make sure you set aside a day to go kayaking on one of the lakes in Jasper National Park too. The views of the snowy peaks all around you are hard to compete with!
Slovenia
Thanks to the mild summer temperatures and blue skies, August is the best time of year to visit Slovenia. Take our word for it, it’s pretty grey and rainy in other months.
While tourist flock to nearby Croatia in their masses, the stretch of Slovenian Riviera is still on the hush-hush. Come and enjoy the quiet beaches or go on a tour of the gorgeous local vineyards.
Of course, no trip to Slovenia would be complete without visiting Lake Bled. Rent one of the shabby wooden boats and row out to the little church on a tiny island in the middle of the lake.
South Africa
Sunny and mild, the climate in South Africa in August is perfect for long days on wildlife safaris and adventures in the bush. Avoid the scorching summer temperatures and visit during the country’s mild winter months.
Wildlife enthusiasts will fall head over heels for South Africa. In August you can kayak with whales in Hermanus’s Walker Bay, which should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Not a fan of the water? Then go on a jeep safari through Kruger National Park where you’ll get to meet elephants! Hikers should consider hiking Blyde River Canyon too or visiting the Namaqualand region, which is filled with colorful wildflowers in August.
Scotland
It’s no secret that Scotland is pretty wet and cold most of the year. But in August there’s a glimmer of mild and dry weather which you just have to take advantage of.
Edinburgh streets come to life with Fringe Festival celebrations, where you can catch your favorite comedians and wander around watching impromptu street performances.
You can wild camp anywhere in Scotland too, so if you’re outdoorsy then bring along your tent and spend some time hiking in the Glen Nevis Valley. Another must-do is a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the real-life Hogwarts Express!
Indonesia
Skip the monsoon season and visit Indonesia in August when the weather is hot and the sky is blue. It’s by no means a destination off the tourist trail, but for good reason. Indonesia is one of the most affordable Asian countries to travel to, and it’s full of surprises.
From picture-perfect tropical beaches to volcanic landscapes – Indonesia is packed with variety. One of the coolest things to do in August is to go island hopping off the mainland. Travel to Bali, where you can immerse yourself in the laid-back, hippie-dippie vibe in Ubud.
More keen to explore the wildlife? Then make the most of the warm ocean and go diving in the Coral Triangle in Raja Ampat.
Fiji
August is still the dry season in Fiji, so you can forget about getting caught in tropical storms and monsoons. Hot and sunny, it’s a great time of year for beach holidays.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are super popular in August because the sea isn’t too chilly so you can stay in for ages without getting cold. The Rainbow Reef off the coast of Taveuni should be at the top of your diving list.
If you’re curious about Fiji’s more authentic culture, you should visit Navala Village or Levuka Town. They do firewalking ceremonies in both towns where people walk over a pit of hot coals (barefoot!) without getting burnt! It’s out of this world.
Ireland
Ireland is unusually dry and sunny in August. We’re not going to pretend there aren’t any rainy days, it’s Ireland after all. Blessed with mild temperatures and (mostly) blue skies, August is the best time to explore Ireland’s remote landscapes.
Go on a trip to the Dingle Peninsula, walk along the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, and marvel at the ancient, Celtic Rock of Cashel.
Fancy a city break? Then visit Dublin which doesn’t get half as busy as some of Europe’s major cities do. Drink Guinness at local pubs and watch some live music at the iconic Temple Bar.
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