Where to Travel in August 2025Eyes to the sky or feet to the ground for a month of unique adventures

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.

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.

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!

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.

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’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.

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.

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.