13 Best Secret Spots to Visit in August
Wondering what the best places to visit in August are? Here are 13 of my favourite destinations to visit in August for the perfect summer trip!
August is an incredibly popular month for travelling, so it makes sense that you’re wondering what the best places to visit in August are. In fact, August is often the highest month for tourist visits to many popular travel destinations in Europe and around the globe.
This is due to a combination of school holidays, beautiful summer sunshine and the fact that people need a break from work! But when it comes to actually picking a destination, what are the best places to go?
The trick is to choose a bit of a hidden gem – somewhere that’s not too crowded but has perfect weather. It needs to be suitable for your needs but isn’t overpriced and tacky.
But, if you choose carefully, there are some brilliant places to visit in August that still provide an escape from the everyday routine, a feeling of relaxation, a sense of adventure and some of that much-needed Vitamin D!
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The best places to visit in August
When it comes to where to go in August, booking early is the key to bagging a good deal, especially if you’re travelling on a budget.
Start thinking ahead of time to prevent the seats from selling out on the cheapest flights and being left with pricey accommodation choices!
So, whether you need a long weekend or 2 weeks by the beach, if you need some inspiration for the perfect August getaway, here is a selection of the best places to travel in August.
1. Northern Italy
Temperature: 30°C high; 16°C low
Now, Italy might seem like an obvious choice, but hear me out. Whilst cities like Rome, and Venice and popular coastal locations like Cinque Terre will most likely be scorching and slightly unbearable in the heat, heading north into the lakes and mountains will give you a summer to remember.
Some of the best places to visit in August in Italy are the Dolomites or, the lakes like Lake Garda or Lake Como. The mountainous South Tyrol region in the far north of Italy is much more tolerable in August with daytime temperatures typically in the low 20s, and the evenings and nights can be cool enough to require a light jacket or sweater.
Towards the end of August, you could even pay a visit to cities like Milan or Verona as temperatures are creeping down towards the mid-’20s.
You could also head to Florence for the New Generation Festival. This is a brilliant three-day celebration held in the gardens of the Palazzo Corsini, featuring a mix of opera, DJs and drag acts. The crowds are electric!
Yes, it’ll be hot and yes it’ll be sunny, but you’ll definitely be glad you were there.
2. Indonesia
Temperature: 31°C high; 26°C low
Who hasn’t dreamed of zipping out over Bali’s lush rainforest for a chance to snag one of Instagram’s most popular swing pics of all time? Don’t deny it! And you may be surprised to hear that August is actually a great time to go.
While most of Southeast Asia is under a sweltering cloud of humidity and being battered by monsoons, Indonesia is surprisingly pleasant in August. If you’re a fan of heat, culture, and delicious street food, then Indonesia is one of the best places to travel in August.
There are paddy fields to explore, plenty of ornate temples, and gorgeous white sand beaches. Temperatures hover around 27 degrees and skies are generally clear – what could go wrong?
And whilst most travellers don’t venture beyond Bali, there are 17,000 islands in Indonesia. Bali will undoubtedly be busy, so if you’re looking for a little slice of the slow life, don’t be afraid to step off the tourist trail.
Visiting some of the country’s hidden gems can be the best way to see the authenticity of the destination. And, who knows, you might even find another swing and start a new trend!
3. Greece
Temperature: 33°C high; 21°C low
Of course, Greece isn’t exactly a European hidden gem and popular destinations like Athens, Santorini and Rhodes will undoubtedly be busy in the summer months.
But, if you’re looking for the best places to visit in August and Greece is tempting you, then there are many destinations a bit off the beaten path that are perfect for a summer escape.
Islands like Milos, Kos, Koufonisia, Kefallonia, Hydra, Kalymnos or even Crete if you avoid the developed northern coast, are great for avoiding the crowds and finding your own little sliver of paradise.
With some of these islands, you won’t find extravagant 5-star hotels or crazy nightlife. But that’s ideal if you’re looking for an escape!
Instead, you’ll find unspoiled paradises full of clean, beautiful beaches, local parties and festivals (especially in August), and picturesque landscapes untouched by mass tourism.
Absolutely ideal if you’re looking at where to go in August. Plus, everywhere in Greece sells souvlaki, so there’s an instant win right there!
4. Ecuador
Temperature: 18°C high; 8°C low
Many people only pass through a tiny section of Ecuador on their way to the incredible Galapagos Islands (which are way up on my bucket list!). However, Ecuador is a wonderful country to explore and one of the best places to visit in August.
There are breathtaking wildlife experiences, sandy beaches, and the finest 16th-century Old Town in Latin America. If that’s not enough, you can also climb a snow-tipped volcano, hike through the Amazon rainforest, surf around the Pacific coast or zipline through the forest.
Although it’s a little country, it’s packed full of extremes and the perfect place to blow off steam.
The summer months are the best time to visit because they are the driest, both in the highlands and the Amazon. It’s also a surprisingly cheap travel destination (although perhaps not when it comes to flights!), so ideal if you’re travelling on a budget.
5. England
Temperature: 28°C high; 12°C low
England can have some pretty random temperature drops and spikes. I’ve literally seen it reach 38 degrees one week and then drop down to 18 the next.
Although somewhat unpredictable, when it comes to the best places to visit in August, the summer months are generally the hottest.
There are so many different places to visit in England. From London, with its iconic landmarks such as the Eye, Big Ben and red telephone boxes, to the cosy Cornish coast with its rolling moorland and beautiful country houses.
The Jurassic coast is a great place to visit to explore Dorset’s Durdle Door and the pretty riverside city of Cambridge never disappoints (and has the best brunches!).
August is also a great time to travel to England if you’re a music fan, with popular festivals such as Reading, Leeds and Creamfields being held in the summer months.
Plus, London’s Notting Hill Carnival is always worth a trip and elsewhere in the city you’ll find outdoor drive-in cinema screenings, rooftop pop-ups and gigs in the glorious sunshine.
6. Iceland
Temperature: 16°C high; 10°C low
Famous for its plethora of natural wonders including the infamous Aurora Boralies, Iceland’s beauty is at an all-time high in August.
Everything is green and the days are long and sunny. The summer months — July and August — are Iceland’s warmest. But, with highs of just 18 degrees, you may still need to wrap up warm.
The roads are drivable and not covered in ice and there’s an impressive 16-18 hours of daylight. When it comes to where to go in August, then you will likely hit a jackpot with Iceland.
As driving conditions are ideal it’s also a great time for an Icelandish road trip, with plenty of glaciers, waterfalls and beautiful lagoons to spot.
Boat trips are also popular at this time of year which coincides with the animal breeding season. The waters offshore around Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland are teeming with whales, and it’s your last chance to see the colourful colony of nesting puffins before they fly out to sea.
As well as natural wonders, August is also a great time to mingle with the locals. All sorts of peculiar festivals occur in the warmer months from the European Swamp Soccer Championship to The Great Fish Day!
You can also visit the Gay Pride Festival in Reykjavik and see the glorious annual firework show at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The only thing you won’t get to see is the Northern Lights, which only occur in the colder months, but that just gives you a great excuse to return for a winter getaway!
7. Pacific Northwest USA
Temperature: 27°C high; 14°C low
With hip and happening cities like Seattle, Portland, and Washington, the USA’s northwest boasts an impressive list of the best places to visit in August. There are also countless activities and you won’t get sweltering heat like you will in New York.
Foodies will love it there as the food scene is really exciting. There are some incredibly talented chefs creating a multitude of delicious dishes and you’ll find everything from food trucks to Michelin star diners.
You can also take a journey back to nature with some stunning hikes and national parks. Of course, Mount Rainier dominates the landscape in central Washington State and the nearby Olympic National Park’s nearly million acres provide plenty of paths to explore and spot flora and fauna.
With pleasant temperatures (instead of winter’s chill) and plenty of room to escape the bustle of city life, the Pacific Northwest is one of the best places to visit in August.
Plus, head over to Portland’s annual Pickathon, a sustainable music festival held every August, for some good music and even more delicious food.
8. Norway
Temperature: 21°C high; 11°C low
With the beautiful Scandinavian capital of Oslo, breathtaking fjords, and some of the best hikes in Europe, Norway is a wonderful summer travel destination.
When it comes to where to go in August, get a map of Norway, close your eyes and point to a spot on the map. I’m not even joking – all of Norway will be a great place to visit!
Of course, some areas (such as Oslo), will likely be rather touristy. But for lesser-visited destinations or hidden gems, head to the beautiful city of Stavanger. The Lofoten Islands archipelago above the Arctic Circle is also great for hiking trails, farmland, and peaceful beaches.
You can also explore the rugged Svalbard island chain if you dream of spotting polar bears in the wild. August makes this possible when the ice melts enough to allow ships through.
Also, for even more weird and wonderful festivals, Norway holds an annual Bergen Beer Festival (a two-day event that features brews from across the globe), a Shellfish Festival and the Oslo Jazz Festival, featuring funky tunes from as early as the 1920s.
9. Kenya
Temperature: 25°C high; 11°C low
If you’ve ever dreamed of sun, safaris and sensational wildlife experiences, then a trip to Keyna might just be one of the best places to visit in August for you.
For a chance to experience one of Mother Nature’s greatest spectacles, Keyna (or Tanzania for that matter) are the place to be this summer.
The Great Migration is in full swing across Eastern Africa in August, and a trip there will provide the wildlife experience of a lifetime. You’ll have a chance to see the ‘Big 5’ – the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo.
It’s also the perfect time of year for spotting silverback gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda and for spectacular marine life on Pemba Island or off the coast of Zanzibar.
Admittedly, it will be expensive. It’s a popular time to visit so it might be crowded. And you will have to book in advance. However, if you’re asking yourself where to go in August, then this once-in-a-lifetime experience should be one to add to your bucket list.
10. Canada
Temperature: 26°C high; 18°C low
Pretty much all of Canada is a wonderful August travel destination. From the glorious city of Vancouver to the thundering Niagara Falls, the country has something for everyone.
You can discover picturesque seaside villages, go whale watching for humpbacks on the Bay of Fundy and hike dramatic cliff-top trails.
Newfoundland and Nova Scotia are also great for escaping the crowds and Jasper National Park is always a wonderful visit.
There are over 40 different summer events and festivals throughout July and August in Toronto, plus the city has the largest number of sports teams in Canada.
From the pristine lakes in the west to family getaways out east, there are plenty of options for the perfect Canadian summer trip.
11. Scotland
Temperature: 18°C high; 11°C low
A visit to the gorgeous city of Edinburgh is a win most of the year, however, it really livens up in August with buskers, actors and street artists vying for your attention down its medieval streets. Of course, this is due to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world that spans almost 2 months.
Wander down almost any cobbled street in Edinburgh and you’ll find traditional pubs and restaurants – Scotland’s food scene is on fire.
Of course, don’t forget the highlights outside the capital: the ever-popular Cowal Highland Games, The Gin & Rum Festival, the men’s 10k run in Glasgow, and the Largs Viking Festival are just a few of what the country has to offer.
With glorious highlands, fantastic medieval cities, lakes, and islands and don’t forget all that wonderful road trip potential, Scotland is definitely one of the best places to visit in August.
12. Croatia
Temperature: 29°C high; 16°C low
Although it’s no longer a European hidden gem, Croatia remains less crowded than the likes of Spain or France during the summer months.
Plus, there are plenty of unspoilt locations and hidden islands. Take Obonjan for example; have you heard of it? Exactly!
With breathtaking natural beauty and offering unspoilt views of the Adriatic Sea, Obonjan is one of the most scenic and charming travel destinations in Europe.
An Instagram-lover’s paradise, you’ll find glorious harbours, secluded pine forests perfect for hiking, plenty of beaches, and a cosy glamping site and yoga retreat.
The rest of Croatia is stunning at this time too of course, with its picture-perfect medieval cities and extraordinary coastline. Game of Thrones fans will love exploring Dubrovnik whilst lovers of beautiful nature will crave a trip to the extraordinary Plivitz Lakes.
From Split to Pula, Croatia will welcome you with open arms and is definitely where to go in August.
13. Netherlands
Temperature: 25°C; 13°C low
With gorgeous architecture, windmills and wildflowers, the Netherlands are a wonderful place to travel in August. Ideal for a European weekend break, the city will most likely take your expectations and knock them out of the park as its wacky, weird yet wonderful attractions befuddle and amaze you.
In Amsterdam, explore the sobering house of Anne Frank before heading to the Heineken Experience for a pick-me-up. Chill out in the sun at Vondel Park and explore the canals on a nostalgic boat ride.
If you’re travelling with children, a trip down to the Efteling Theme Park will be a treat for the entire family. While, for sightings of traditional windmills, head to Zaanse Schans, roughly 15 km north of the capital.
Plus, with the new Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Amsterdam, you can take a much more economically friendly route into the country.
The Netherlands are a great place to visit all year round but truly comes alive in the summer months making it one of the best places to visit in August.
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