Crowds may be sardined in Europe’s cities and beaches, but there are still plenty of destinations that deserve some attention in August.
With summer and school holidays in full swing in the northern hemisphere, August is when many folks take a couple of weeks off work for a much-needed holiday. The same goes for Aussies and Kiwis looking for some winter sun. Crowds flock en masse to Europe to enjoy its ancient sites and sun-kissed shores – especially around the Med – so you may need to be a bit savvier to avoid peak season queues and costs.
But what about if you’re not keen on crowds or prefer wide open spaces to stuffy cities? Look no further. From wildlife-filled calderas in Tanzania to vibrant tango scenes in Argentina, here are seven destinations to consider this August.
1. Tanzania
- Why go? See the Big Five and climb Mt Kilimanjaro
- Season: Dry
- Temperature: 28°C (82°F) high, 21°C (70°F) low
Whether you’re intrigued by extraordinary landscapes, local cultures or wildlife, you’ll find it all (and then some) in Tanzania. August is smack dab in the middle of the dry season, making it an excellent month to go on safari. Vegetation is thin and animals are easier to spot as they gather around rivers and waterholes. If you’re really lucky, you might witness wildebeest charging through the Mara River in Serengeti National Park during their annual migration.
Ngorongoro Crater is another top safari destination. This 20-kilometre-wide caldera is a natural zoo (minus the cages) filled with over 30,000 animals. When you’ve spotted the Big Five, head to Lake Eyasi to learn about the ancient culture of the Hadzabe people, who live traditionally without modern influence.
August is also a good month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. There are several routes, each varying considerably in terms of ease and price. Take the Rongai Route (the easiest), the Marangu Route (the only trail with hut accommodation), or the Machame Route (longer and more arduous, but the most popular). Which will you choose?
2. Great Britain
- Why go? Get active in the great British countryside
- Season: Summer
- Temperature: 18°C (64°F) high, 9°C (48°F) low
If there’s one month to gamble on getting good weather in the UK, it’s August. Okay, you might need to keep an umbrella handy, but mild temperatures are ideal for basking in the beauty of the English countryside. Punting through Oxford or cream tea in the Cotswolds, anyone? It’s also the best month to follow in the footsteps of the Romans along Hadrian’s Wall trail or enjoy Wales’ striking scenery on a hike through Snowdonia National Park.
But if it’s scenery you’re looking for, Scotland takes the cake. Toddle along towering sea cliffs on the Shetland Islands, tackle Ben Nevis (the UK’s highest peak) or uncover myths and legends on the Isle of Skye. Throw in a medieval castle (or 10) and a whiskey tasting, and you have yourself a bonnie adventure indeed.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Why go? Learn how to tango in the birthplace of the dance
- Season: Winter
- Temperature: 17°C (63°F) high, 10°C (50°F) low
From its subtropical north to its subpolar south, Argentina is a true year-round destination. But we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a soft spot for August. Why? Tango, baby! You’re never too far from this sensuous dance in Argentina’s lively capital – whether it’s the music of Astor Piazzolla blaring from bars in La Boca or couples twirling around the historic Plaza Dorrego – but in August, the city turns up the volume for the annual Festival de Tango. People travel from near and far to enjoy two weeks of tango competitions, live tango bands and late-night milongas (dance parties).
When you’re all danced out, head to Mendoza to soak your muscles in its thermal baths. Then, enjoy a spot of wine tasting overlooking the snow-capped Andes.
4. Borneo, Malaysia
- Why go? Hike Mt Kinabalu and search for wildlife in the jungle
- Season: dry(ish)
- Temperature: 31°C (88°F) high, 22°C (73°F) low
Malaysia is a melting pot of languages, cultures and cuisines, and its multi-ethnic makeup is part of what makes it such a fascinating place to visit. Picture: soaking up Hindu history at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, before marvelling at the modern architecture of the national mosque and then dining on dumplings in Chinatown.
While the western side of the peninsula is battered with monsoonal rains in August, the tropical island of Borneo sees its driest and hottest weather. It’s the perfect time to summit Mt Kinabalu or cruise the waterways of the Kinabatangan River. With some luck, you might see a wild orangutan swinging between the trees or a pygmy elephant bathing in the muddy banks. Diving and snorkelling conditions are also at their best thanks to low rainfall.
5. Alaska, United States
- Why go? Take advantage of long days and seasonal foliage
- Season: Summer
- Temperature: 21°C (70°F) high, 12°C (55°F) low
August in Alaska is all about being active. Long days with up to 18 hours of sunlight offer ample opportunity to enjoy the pristine Alaskan wilderness. The first colours of fall which arrive mid-month also make it an extra scenic time of year to hit the trails.
Weave through wildflowers along tundra trails in Denali National Park, kayak alongside sea otters in Resurrection Bay or walk across the ancient ice of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Wildlife activity also peaks as animals fuel up with food ahead of the long winter. It’s not uncommon to see black and brown bears fishing for salmon along the riverbanks.
6. Iceland
- Why go? Explore areas that are inaccessible in winter
- Season: Summer
- Temperature: 14°C (57°F) high, 9°C (48°F) low
Have you always pictured Iceland covered in, well, ice? Think again. August might be one of the busiest months to visit, but that’s because it’s arguably when the island’s beauty is on full display. The midnight sun, which lingers until mid-August, paints the sky in splendid streaks of pink and purple, the pastures are brilliantly green and wildlife is abundant. It’s also the last month to roam free before the weather turns and makes some parts of the island inaccessible.
Experience Iceland’s dramatic scenery as you touch the tongue of Europe’s largest glacier, stroll along Diamond Beach where chunks of icebergs are washed up on the black sandy shores and bathe in geothermal pools. If seeing the Northern Lights is a non-negotiable for you, consider visiting between September and March when the dark skies offer better viewing conditions.
7. Turkey
- Why go? Visit Turkey’s major attractions while tourists flock to the coast
- Season: Summer
- Temperature: 33°C (91°F) high, 21°C (70°F) low
Given the heat, you might think the suggestion of travelling to Turkey in August is a slightly silly one. But while the package holiday tourists bolt to coastal resorts, you’ll get to visit the country’s big-ticket sites alongside fewer snap-happy tourists.
People will tell you there’s nothing quite like the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, and they’d be right. Amble through its underground cities or admire its fairy chimneys from the sky on a sunrise balloon ride. Then swap calm for chaos in Istanbul as you lose yourself in its mosques, teahouses and spice-scented bazaars.
If you fancy a few days of R&R by the sea minus the crowds, Kas is a great option. The crystal-clear waters here make for excellent snorkelling or kayaking over its ancient sunken city.
Not set on an August adventure?
Check out our recommendations on where to travel in September and October, or explore our last minute deals.
