The Best Places to Visit in August

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.