Where to Travel in August 2025Eyes to the sky or feet to the ground for a month of unique adventures
When do you want to go?
2024
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Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Where to go on holiday in August
August is peak holiday season, with the Northern Hemisphere enjoying their summer break. If you're looking for good weather and plenty of history, then Europe is a brilliant option. Turkey, Greece, and Croatia are particularly good if you fancy a beach break or a cruise.
For wildlife enthusiasts, you're pretty much guaranteed superb safari opportunities across Africa. And if natural wonders are more your thing, it's a good month for visiting Victoria and Iguazu Falls.
Stargazers will want to head to Jordan to make the most of the annual Perseids meteor shower, while in Sri Lanka the elephant migration to Minneriya National Park continues.
To help decide where to go in August 2024, here are our recommended destinations and experiences.
Top Destinations and Experiences in August
Iceland in summer
By August, Iceland boasts 16–18 hours of daylight per day, meaning travellers have plenty of time to take in its stunning landscapes. Waterfalls are bolstered by meltwater, fields are lush green, and the coastal waters are brimming with whales. Puffins too are living and breeding in good numbers on the Westman archipelago and the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Perseids Meteor Shower in Jordan
Each year from mid-July to the end of August, a stream of galactic debris known as the Perseids Meteor Shower graces the skies of the Northern Hemisphere. It's believed the particles of this shower date back thousands of years, and from ground-level it's quite a spectacle, with long, bright trails of colour and light tracing an arc against the night sky. The vast desertscapes of Jordan are the ideal spot to witness this, and if you're lucky, you may see 50 or more meteors per hour.
Into Italy
August is Italy's peak season, with warm weather across the country, long summer nights, and little rain. The big cities like Rome and Venice can be extremely expensive in August, so you may want to wait until European summer holidays end in September to visit here. But August can be a great time to get off the beaten track in Italy. The southern island of Sicily and the rural delights of Puglia are both great options for August if you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy an authentic Italian summer!
Visiting Iguazu Falls
Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are a spectacular force of nature. Between April and September is considered a good time to visit, as the winter months mean less rainfall, which means the falls are not obscured by cloud cover. The water levels of the actual falls may be lower than at other points of the year, but views and photographic options will be much better, and more walking trails are open along the foot of the falls.
Best City Breaks in August
Quito, Ecuador
While August is peak season, Ecuador sees far fewer visitors than other countries in South America. However, with its colonial towns, the Amazon rainforest, and an array of white sand beaches, it is a fantastic destination to explore at this time of year. Visit the capital Quito and explore the 16th-century Old Town, which is the largest and best preserved on the continent. Stroll down its cobblestone streets and discover the photogenic plazas, architectural treasures, and teeming bars that lure both travellers and locals alike.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s attractions make it a worthy destination at any time of year. However, August is by far one of the most exciting months to visit, as the city’s medieval streets are filled with performers for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. From little-known acts to world-famous comedians, you’ll find performances in every kind of venue Edinburgh has to offer. And the nightlife comes into a world of its own, with extended licenses allowing bars and clubs to stay open until dawn. Scottish weather isn't known for its sunshine, but in August you are far more likely to enjoy sunny and warm days than at other times of the year.
Brussels, Belgium
Similarly to Quito, August marks peak tourist season for Brussels. But there are still many reasons to visit this charming city, even if there are a few crowds. Every other summer, the flower carpet is created in the central square. Consisting of more than half a million flowers, this carpet is a stunning spectacle surrounded by beautiful gothic architecture. Stroll by and take in the scent of begonias, then check out the city’s museums, galleries, and eateries.
Nha Trang, Vietnam
The final month of summer in Nha Trang, August, offers sizzling temperatures perfect for enjoying the city’s coastal setting. A sublime stretch of white sand offers plenty of water sports, boat trips and snorkeling or scuba diving. Then in the city itself you’ll find a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene, with local mud baths being a popular spot for a bit of pampering. There’s also several historic sites to explore, including the ancient Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda, with its towering white Buddha.
Best Festivals and Events in August
Every month of the year holds its own unique offering of special events and festivals. August is no exception, with festivals and events popping up left, right, and centre. If you're trying to decide where to go in August, then why not time your trip with one of these amazing annual events?
Tango Festival
The seductive capital of Argentina plays host to the biggest tango festival in the world every August. That should come as little surprise considering Buenos Aires gave birth to the highly sensual dance that captivates audiences all over the world. Over the course of two weeks various performances and competitions are held in venues across the city, and there are also plenty of opportunities for beginners to have a go in class.
Obon Lantern Festival
The Buddhist-Confucian festival of Obon is a time for Japanese families to pay their respect to their ancestors. The graves and tombs of deceased relatives are cleaned, and food offerings are made. In order to guide spirits on their journeys, lanterns are hung outside of homes and floated down rivers. For visitors, a highlight of the festival is the colourful dances and parades held in cities and towns across Japan. It falls in mid-August.
Indian Independence Day
Ever since India gained independence from Great Britain in 1947, the 15th of August has been celebrated across the country. Now a celebration of all things India, the country comes alive to celebrate. Parades and ceremonies run throughout the country, and many Indians decorate their clothing, cars, and household accessories with the national flag. Expect sizzling temperatures as this is peak Indian summer, but be rewarded with a country that comes to life.
Best Beach Destinations in August
It's still summer and peak holiday season in the Northern Hemisphere, with much of Europe blessed with good weather and schools on holiday. This means the Mediterranean and Croatia's Adriatic coast are the best choices for a beach holiday. Southeast Asia is still caught in the wet season, with rainfall and winds picking up across Central America, specifically the Caribbean coast. Temperatures are unbearable across the Middle East and north Africa, but countries along the equator are still a good bet with a climate that varies little during the year.
Best Wildlife Destinations in August
It's winter in southern Africa, which means it's dry and sunny—perfect for safari. The Great Wildebeest Migration is in full swing, so East Africa is also a great option, with a more consistent climate during the year typical of equatorial conditions. Here's our selection of some of the best wildlife destinations around the world in August.
Recommended Tours and Holidays for August
If you're still struggling to decide where to travel in August, then check out our selection of recommended tours for the month, from cosmic marvels in the desert to cultural cities and rural countryside.
See more of our Travel Calendar
Tours for different traveller types
We offer hundreds of tours, and there are some tours that are best suited to certain travellers. To help you, we've put together guides to travelling in your 30s, 40s and seniors, plus tours for solo travellers, families, couples and private groups. You can thank us later!