The best places to visit in August stretch across the globe and offer a range of seasonal highlights. Africa’s dry winter season peaks in August, providing exceptional safari conditions, while Europe enjoys long, warm, sunny summer days. Across Asia and Australasia, August is the time for traditional festivals and outdoor adventures across natural wonders. And, in Latin America August reveals striking contrasts, from Patagonia’s snowy peaks to Colombia’s tropical warmth and lush green landscapes.
This curated selection of the best places to visit in August is designed to inspire you to travel with confidence and experience each region at its most rewarding.
The best countries to visit in Europe in August
Europe offers a wide variety of experiences under late-summer skies, making it home to some of the best places to visit in August. From the geothermal wonders of Iceland and the long coastlines of Turkey, to alpine trails in Slovenia and the design-forward cycling routes of The Netherlands, the continent invites you to travel at your own pace.

Iceland
Visiting Iceland in August is ideal for exploring the country’s spectacular summer scenery. Take advantage of mild temperatures, around 13°C (55°F), for glacier walks in Southern Iceland and hikes in the Icelandic Highlands.
This is also when Landmannalaugar hot springs are fully accessible after winter snow has melted away, an experience we highly recommend. August also marks the season’s final window for spotting puffins and the first glimpse of the northern lights.

Turkey
Turkey in August brings clear skies and sun-filled days. In Bodrum, warm temperatures last well into the evening, perfect for sunset sailing and seaside dining along turquoise Aegean shores. Stay at The Bodrum Edition for panoramic views and secluded luxury, and enjoy the refreshing coastal breezes that bring welcome relief during the hot August days.
Meanwhile, Istanbul buzzes with open-air concerts in traditional venues and European landmarks like Hagia Sophia, best explored during cooler mornings.

Slovenia
Travelling to Slovenia in August is a great time to explore the alpine landscapes. The cooler mountain temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59–77°F), are ideal for hiking, swimming and outdoor adventure. Around Lakes Bled and Bohinj you can trek through the Julian Alps, kayak along the emerald waters of the Soča River and swim in Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest lake.
In Ljubljana, the warm August weather means you can dine at riverside cafés, browse local markets and enjoy live music festivals in the city’s parks and squares.

The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a lovely summer (June to August) destination, and we particularly love visiting Amsterdam in August. In the capital enjoy leisurely canal cruises in the daytime sun and relaxed terrace dining along the waterways come evening. City beaches like Blijburg or Pllek offer a laid-back atmosphere with temperatures ranging between 20–25°C (68–77°F).
Beyond the capital, explore the manicured castle gardens of Utrecht or take in the welcome coastal breeze while cycling in The Hague, a wonderful way to experience the country’s beauty and character.
Where to stay in Europe in August
The best countries to visit in Africa in August
August marks the peak of Africa’s dry season (typically May to October in East and Southern Africa), providing some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Track the Big Five in Zimbabwe’s national parks and visit Zambia, one of the best places to visit in August for walking safaris. In Botswana’s Okavango Delta flood waters make for peaceful water-based safaris.

Botswana
Botswana in August showcases one of Africa’s most remarkable natural phenomena, as the floodwaters of the Okavango Delta reach their peak. Deep channels wind through the delta, perfect for silent, low-impact mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) trips. From the water you can peacefully observe hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants and diverse birdlife.
In the Linyanti, thirsty predators including lions and leopards gather around the lagoons and pools to drink, creating an extraordinary landscape teeming with life.

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe in August falls during the country’s dry winter season (May to October), bringing clear, sunny days, crisp mornings and sparse vegetation — perfect conditions for wildlife viewing. Hwange National Park is one of the best places to see the Big Five on game drives, while the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is known for sightings of the elusive “Little Six” antelope species.
At Victoria Falls, lower water levels in August reveal dramatic rock formations and deep gorges, offering an unobstructed view of this natural wonder.

Zambia
Zambia in August is one of the best times to visit for experiencing low impact walking safaris during the country’s dry season (May to October). The clear skies and sparse vegetation mean excellent visibility for wildlife viewing. We recommend a stop at South Luangwa National Park to explore the birthplace of walking safaris.
The lower water levels at Victoria Falls in August gives you the opportunity for guided swims at the famous Devil’s Pool, one of our favourite things to do. And, you can enjoy the bright blooming flame creepers that blanket the country in August.
Where to stay in Africa in August
The best countries to visit in Asia and Australasia in August
Asia and Australasia are among the best places to visit in August. Warm days and plenty of sunshine make destinations like Singapore and South Korea ideal for city exploration. In Australia, late winter brings mild days averaging 22°C (72°F) and crystal-clear waters, perfect for wildlife encounters while diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.

Singapore
August in Singapore is marked by festivities and hot weather. The island city-state comes alive annually on the 9th for National Day, while the Hungry Ghost Festival, a traditional Buddhist and Taoist celebration, typically falls in either August or September. Sentosa Island’s tropical beaches and family-friendly outdoor activities are particularly appealing in August, when temperatures average 27°C–31°C (81–88°F).
We recommend combining Singapore in August with other destinations in Southeast Asia: Thailand, which is quiet and peaceful during the rains, or Vietnam, where central regions enjoy the dry season from January to August.

South Korea
South Korea in August is peak summer, bringing hot, humid days with highs of around 30°C (86°F). The monsoon rains, known as jangma, usually cease by mid-August though short downpours are still possible, coming as a welcome relief to the humidity.
Boryeong Mud Festival falls in August and is one of South Korea’s top festivals, celebrating mud’s cosmetic and therapeutic properties with fun activities such as mud wrestling. Beyond the capital, Jeju Island’s inviting beaches, water sports and cooler volcanic trails are perfect during this summer month of August.

Australia
August is late winter in Australia and is also the dry season (May to October) in the tropical north. This is one of the best times to visit the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland as temperatures are comfortable, humidity is low and the water is at its clearest, great for snorkelling.
Further south, the Blue Mountains are much cooler and may even see snow. Tasmania also feels crisp in August, with farms hosting truffle foraging tours and paddock-to-plate dining experiences to coincide with the truffle season (May to August). We also recommend stargazing in Australia in August when the winter skies are particularly clear.
Where to stay in Asia and Australasia in August
Best places to visit in Latin America in August
This month reveals vivid contrasts across Latin America, offering some of the best places to visit in August. In Panama, lush landscapes set the scene for humpback whale sightings along the Pacific Coast. Chile’s final days of winter (June to September) bring clear desert skies for stargazing, while Colombia celebrates diverse regional festivals during its brief dry spell.

Panama
Panama in August is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 21°C—34°C (70°F—93°F). This lush green season (May to November) is often a little quieter, perfect for peaceful experiences and discovering the abundant wildlife. August is also the peak of humpback whale season along the Pacific Coast, when these gentle giants gather to breed and calve between July and October.
In Panama City, clearer mornings offer the best window for sightseeing before the tropical rains arrive later in the day. And for cooler air and lower humidity, the Chiriquí Highlands provide a welcome contrast to the coast’s tropical heat.

Chile
Winter draws to a close in August across Chile, bringing dry, sunny days of around 22°C (72°F) in the Atacama Desert. This is also the final month for prime stargazing (generally June to August), with clear night skies over the desert. Further south, the Lake District offers daytime temperatures of 8°C (46°F), when volcanoes blanketed in snow, ancient forests and thermal springs create a picturesque winter landscape.
Torres del Paine National Park remains open and quieter than in peak months, and while some trails stay snow-covered, the dramatic scenery and wildlife opportunities make it a rewarding time to explore.

Colombia
August falls within Colombia’s short dry season (July to August), bringing clear sunny days. Along the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is warm, averaging 31°C (88°F) with only occasional rain. In the Coffee Triangle, lower humidity and temperatures around 24°C (75°F) create excellent conditions for visiting farms, walking scenic trails and trying hot air balloon rides.
Colombia in August is also known for Medellín’s Flower Festival and the Wind and Kite Festival in Villa de Leyva, both adding bursts of colour and tradition to the month’s calendar.
Where to stay in Latin America in August
FAQ section
August is a fantastic month for families. In Australia, enjoy sunny days on the Great Barrier Reef and wildlife encounters in the Daintree Rainforest. Latin America offers exclusive family retreats in Colombia and outdoor adventures in Chile’s Lake District that the whole family can enjoy. In Botswana spot incredible wildlife on safari, a thrill for children and adults alike. South Korea also comes alive with regional festivals and playful activities perfect for little ones.
Discover more with our Australia Family Trip guide, Family Fun in Beautiful Colombia, Chile Family Explorer, Botswana Family Trip and our Family Vacation guide to South Korea.
August offers some incredible destinations for couples. In Europe, the warm summer days are perfect for sailing into sunset in Turkey’s Bodrum or exploring Iceland’s glaciers and waterfalls. In Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe promise wild romance with safaris and Victoria Falls, while Latin America shines with gorgeous weather for stargazing in Chile’s Atacama Desert or relaxing in private haciendas in Colombia’s Cartagena.
Explore more with our Romantic Things to Do in Turkey guide, Iceland Winter Discovery trip, Zambia and Zimbabwe Honeymoon, Colombia Honeymoon and Chile Honeymoon trip inspiration.
August is a spectacular month for wildlife lovers, especially in Africa, where dry weather and peak floodwaters create perfect conditions for these encounters. In Botswana, you can see elephants, hippos and antelope as you glide through the Okavango Delta on a mokoro safari. Experience a walking safari in Zambia with chances to spot leopards, giraffes, and wild dogs under clear skies, while Zimbabwe’s big game viewing is at its best, with thirsty lions, rhinos and buffalo gathering around shrinking waterholes. Across the globe in Panama, August brings humpback whales to the Pacific Coast, alongside monkeys and sloths in lush rainforests.
Get inspiration from our Wild Adventure to Zambia and Zimbabwe itinerary and our Costa Rica and Panama Highlights trip.
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Whatever you want from your experience in August, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.