Summer is a dreamy time of year when life seems to slow down and we can put work on the back burner for a little while. Islands have always had a more laid-back atmosphere, which is why they’re the perfect place to escape to this August.


From Adriatic islands packed with medieval history to Caribbean islands with more beaches than you could visit in a lifetime – we’ve found all the best island getaways.
Let’s dive right in and find out about the unique summer festivals and gorgeous temperatures that make these islands so surreal.
Pico Island, Azores
Pico Island sits out in the Atlantic as part of Portugal’s Azores. August brings just the right weather—warm days and calm seas, perfect for getting outside and exploring.
The island gets its name from Mount Pico, Portugal’s tallest mountain. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike up to the summit, but there’s no shame in keeping it mellow and wandering through Gruta das Torres, Portugal’s biggest lava tube.
August is prime time for whale watching around Pico. The surrounding waters come alive with marine life. You can also wander through the UNESCO-listed vineyards, where locals grow grapes in black volcanic rock—wine tasting here is nothing like what you’ll get on the mainland. Need to cool off? The natural pools carved into the lava coastline are perfect for a swim.
La Digue, Seychelles
La Digue really hits its stride in August. Days hover around 81°F, and nights cool off to about 75°F—basically ideal. This little island moves at its own pace. Most folks get around by bike since cars are rare, so you can pedal from one jaw-dropping beach to the next without breaking a sweat.
Anse Source d’Argent steals the show. Think giant granite boulders, blinding white sand, and water so blue it almost looks fake. Seriously, bring your camera.
August falls outside the wildest tourist months, so you won’t be elbowing your way through crowds. Sure, there’s the occasional rain shower, but it usually passes fast. You’ll still get plenty of beach time and can hit the hiking trails without the December and July chaos.
Bornholm, Denmark
Bornholm floats in the Baltic Sea between Denmark and Sweden and keeps winning awards as one of Denmark’s favorite getaways. August brings warm weather that’s just right for exploring.
The southern beaches are sandy and great for swimming or just lounging around. Up north, you’ll find dramatic cliffs and rocky coasts worth a look. Those round churches scattered across the island? You won’t see those just anywhere. The fishing villages look like they belong on a postcard. Try the smoked herring from one of the local smokehouses—they’re easy to spot by their tall chimneys. The island’s size makes biking around a breeze.
There’s more than beaches too. Art museums, fortress ruins, and forest trails keep things interesting. The locals are friendly, the pace is easygoing, and it’s a solid spot to unwind in August.
Taveuni, Fiji
Taveuni Island pretty much nails the weather in August. Daytime temps hover between 26°C and 29°C, and nights cool off to around 24°C, so it never gets uncomfortably hot.
They call Taveuni Fiji’s Garden Island for good reason. You can wander through lush rainforests, swim under waterfalls, and dive into coral reefs that look like something out of a nature documentary. The scenery here is just unreal.
August lands right in the dry season, so you’ll get less rain and more time outside. Hiking, snorkeling, and exploring local spots all get easier without worrying about sudden downpours.
San Juan Islands, Washington
August is when the San Juan Islands really come alive. You’ll get warm, sunny days—usually in the upper 60s to low 80s—which is perfect for getting outdoors.
Whale watching is huge this month. Hop on a boat tour and you might spot orcas, humpbacks, or other marine life. If you’d rather stay closer to the water, kayaking gives you a front-row seat to seals and seabirds along the rocky coast.
The islands offer plenty beyond the water. Hike quiet forest trails, bike coastal roads, or poke around little towns filled with shops and cafes. History buffs can check out old sites scattered around the islands. Sure, summer brings more people and higher prices, but the weather makes up for it. Ferries run more often in August, so getting from island to island is a breeze.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
August is pretty much perfect for the Whitsundays. Temps stay around 23°C, and you’ll hardly see any rain—way better than the sticky summer months. It’s prime time for sailing and snorkeling without dealing with crazy humidity.
There are 74 islands here, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Whitehaven Beach is the big draw with its blindingly white sand, but don’t skip Hill Inlet Lookout for the views. The water’s clear enough in August that spotting marine life while snorkeling is a given.
Island hopping is easy—just catch a ferry or join a sailing tour. Hamilton Island works well as a base, or you can stay on the mainland in Airlie Beach. Fewer tourists show up in August, so you’ll have more space at the most popular spots.
Madagascar
Madagascar feels different in August. The weather stays cool and dry, with temps around 69°F across most of the island. Rain? Not really an issue—August is prime dry season.
This month is ideal for wildlife watching. Lemurs are active, and you can trek through rainforests without getting bogged down by mud. The beaches near Nosy Be stay warm, with water temps over 77°F year-round. Humpback whales migrate through Madagascar’s waters in August, so timing your trip right could mean some epic whale watching.
The cooler weather makes hiking and exploring way more comfortable compared to the muggy summer months. You can visit everything from deserts to beaches without sweating buckets. Just remember to pack some layers—nights inland can get pretty chilly.
Iceland
Iceland might sound like a weird pick for August, but honestly, it’s one of the best times to check out this wild Nordic island. The days stretch on forever—seriously, the sun barely sets—so you can squeeze in way more adventures than you’d expect.
August is prime time for spotting puffins before they bail for winter. You can head out whale watching, hike up to waterfalls, or wander around glaciers without fighting brutal cold. Plus, all the roads open up, even those Highland tracks that are usually off-limits most of the year.
The weather? It’s actually pretty nice, usually hanging out between 50 and 60°F. No need to drag heavy winter coats, but definitely pack some layers—the weather loves to switch things up. There’s always some festival or outdoor event happening, especially in Reykjavik. You’ll see locals and travelers hanging out together, making the most of the short Icelandic summer.
Korcula, Croatia
Nicknamed mini-Dubrovnik, this little island packs the best of Croatia’s most famous city but without the overwhelming amount of crowds. August is an especially great time to visit, as the weather is hot and dry.
Unlike the rest of Croatia there’s always a cool breeze in Korcula, which stops the August temperatures from getting over bearing.
Make sure you carve out time to explore the medieval streets in Korcula Old Town. The cobblestone streets and ancient city walls will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Make sure you don’t leave the island before you’ve watch a Moreska sword dance show which are performed throughout August!
Block Island, Rhode Island, USA
Block Island is blessed with blue skies and warm weather in August, so it’s a great place to escape to if you’re hoping to catch a tan.
August is a great month to visit Block Island if you’re a culture fan as they host the Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival. They also have a weekly Farmer’s Market during the summer so you can catch that too.
Like with any island getaway, make sure you carve out some beach time. Fred Benson Town Beach and Mansion Beach are some of the coolest!
Gili Islands, Indonesia
Situated just off the northwest coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands are hot and humid year round. While it can be too much for some travelers, anyone who loves the heat will come to life. Plus, you’re never far away from a refreshing dip in the sea.
If you want to experience the Gili Islands wilder side take yourself to a Gili Trawangan Full Moon Party!
You can’t visit the Gili islands and not go on a scuba diving adventure. August is a great time to go as it’s at the tail end of the dry season, so the visibility underwater is good. If you’re lucky you might even spot a reef shark.
Mallorca, Spain
It’s hard to escape the heat in Spain in the summer months, and Mallorca is no different. Pack your best sunhat and get ready for a scorcher!
There are loads of cool cultural festivals in August too, like the Night of the Pilgrims. Thousands of people gather to walk the 50 km trail from Palma to Lluc Monastery in the Tramuntana Mountains.
But don’t worry if you’re not a hiker, there’s also the Festes de Sant Bartomeu celebrations in Capdepera. The Pollenca Patrona, where locals dress up as either Christians or Moors and reenact the town’s historic battle is also spectacular.
Fire Island, New York, USA
There are some rainy days in August on Fire Island, but you can mostly expect blue skies and sunshine. Known for its iconic LGBTQIA+ scene, Fire Island is especially lively in August.
Get glittered up and ready to dance the night away at the annual Pines Party or catch the best acts at the BOFFO Performance Festival.
Not much of a party animal? Then make the most of the weather and laze your days away at Saltaire Beach or hike the Robert Moses Boardwalk to the Fire Island Lighthouse.
Zakynthos, Greece
Get ready for the heat if you’re planning a holiday to Zakynthos in August. There’s not a cloud in sight, so you can leave your raincoat at home.
The island comes to life with a mix of religious celebrations and more boozy parties for younger travelers in August. If you’re there to dive into the local culture, then go to the Agios Dionysios processions or the Dormition of the Virgin Mary festival.
Hoping to let your hair down and go wild? Then join one of the many boat and beach parties instead. In between partying, make sure you visit the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach.
Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA
With 18 hours of daylight in the summer, the days seem to stretch out forever in August. Chilly and fresh, Kodiak Island is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts who’d rather spend their holiday getting lost in the mountains than sunbathing on a tropical beach.
As the wildflowers come into bloom, nature seems extra vibrant on Kodiak in August. Some of the most scenic hiking routes are the Fort Abercrombie Cliff Loop, the different trails around Anton Larsen Bay, and the Monashka Mountain Trail.
If you want to meet some locals and dive into the local culture, then don’t miss the Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair.
Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
Tioman is an idyllic tropical island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia which is perfect for a summer getaway. Lots of travelers flock to the island in August because the weather is hot and sunny, with no clouds in sight.
It’s a great time of the year for snorkeling and scuba diving as the sea has been warming up all summer and is lovely and warm.
There aren’t any festivals in August, but that just means you have an excuse to spend more time lounging on the beach! Make sure you check out Juara Beach and Salang Beach.
Antigua, Caribbean
Antigua is mostly sunny and hot in August, with a few rainy days sprinkled in between. The island comes to life with Antigua Carnival celebrations. You’ll never forget the colorful parades and lively soca tunes, that’s for sure!
It’s hard to get away from the beach when you’re in Antigua. In fact, the island has around 365 beaches so you could visit one a day for a whole year! Since you won’t have time to see them all, make sure you put Half Moon Beach and Long Bay Beach at the top of your bucket list.
Enjoy the sunny climate and make the most of the weather by exploring the Rendezvous Bay or Nelson’s Dockyard National Park where you can wander through Georgian-era mansions.
Ischia, Italy
Hot and dry, Ischia is the perfect island getaway in August. It’s also when the Festa di Sant’Alessandro takes place! Hundreds of people take to the streets dressed in historical costumes and join the marching parade that ends near the island’s epic Aragonese Castle.
If you’d rather see the castle from the comfort of a reclined beach lounger, then head to Pescatori Beach!

Another unique thing you can do on Ischia Island is laze in thermal hot springs that are warmed by the island’s underground volcanic activity. Some of the best are the Negombo thermal pools.