Wondering where to go in August? Whether you want to party in bustling beach towns or get off the beaten track for a nature-based adventure, this is peak travel time for a reason.
By August, school’s out for summer, and everyone is looking for the perfect place to go on holiday. While understandable, this is why it’s one of the most expensive times of year to travel. For most holiday destinations, especially in Europe, we are firmly in peak season by this time of year. But there are still bargains to be had if you’re willing to go off the beaten path a bit. Why not look to northern Europe and the southern hemisphere, where temperatures are a little cooler and the tourist crowds are thinner?
| Country | City | Average temperature in August |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | Bornholm | 20°C / 68°F |
| Slovenia | Ljubljana | 27°C / 80°F |
| Vietnam | Da Nang | 34°C / 93°F |
| USA | Seattle | 22°C / 71°F |
| Poland | Gdańsk | 22°C / 71°F |
| Kenya | Maasai Mara | 25°C / 77°F |
| Portugal | Madeira | 19°C / 82°F |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo | 30°C / 86°F |
| Italy | Turin | 27°C / 80°F |
Where else is good to go in August?
For us, the joy of heading abroad during late summer is the chance to discover new places. This time of year doesn’t always mean jetting off on a beach break – although we love those too. The UK is (hopefully) quite hot in August, so you don’t have to go far this month to soak up the rays. A trip to Newquay will give you beach vibes, while a city break in Edinburgh gives you the chance to enjoy the buzz of its famous Fringe Festival.
So, where to go in August? As temperatures soar across the northern hemisphere, Scandinavia and the Nordic countries become a lot easier to explore (without packing your woolly jumpers). Southern Europe sizzles, with destinations like the Algarve, Benidorm and Mallorca drawing a mix of sun-seeking families and party-goers.
It’s winter in the southern hemisphere, so a good time of year to find great deals to Australia and South Africa. Be wary of great deals to the Caribbean, however – August is peak hurricane season. For adventurers, August is one of the best times of year to fly into Nairobi for a Kenyan safari holiday. As well as being cool and dry, it’s right at the northern peak of the Great Migration. So expect to see lots of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle.
1. Gdańsk, Poland
It’s summertime in Gdańsk, and the perfect time to explore this pretty Polish city on the Baltic coast. Take a stroll around the picturesque, UNESCO-listed old town and admire the quaint boutiques – some selling the city’s special amber jewellery. Finish your wander in Long Market with its colourful buildings, before settling in for a cool drink at a pavement café.
One of the best reasons to visit Gdańsk in August is the chance to get out of the city and explore some of Poland’s underrated beaches. For example, the resort town of Sopot is just 15 minutes away by train. It has a wide sandy beach to bask on, stretching for 2.4 miles and backed by dunes, swaying grass and wildflowers. This popular seaside getaway is also famous for its health spas, so book yourself in for a treatment.
The nearby Wyspa Sobieszewka is another gem, and less crowded. Hire a bike and go for a cycle on the nearby trails, or just grab an ice cream and look out at the shimmering Baltic Sea.
In August, the city buzzes as Gdańsk’s biggest event – St Dominic’s Fair – takes over town. This annual gathering has been running since 1260, and it’s now one of Europe’s largest festivals. Haggle at the craft stalls, grab a snack from the food trucks and soak in the live music.
2. Bornholm, Denmark
If you fancy an island break this August, but don’t fancy the sweltering heat of southern Europe, Denmark’s Bornholm is for you. Temperatures are a comfortable 18°C to 24°C, perfect for exploring the island’s dramatic coastline and strolling around its quaint fishing villages.
There are exceptional beaches here. Dueodde Beach has sand so fine it was once used to fill hourglasses, and the long stretch of Antoinette Beach always has space to spread out. Then, there are plenty of hiking trails in the Døndalen rift valley. Climb to the Amtmandsstenen viewpoint at the top of the waterfall for views across the treetops to the Baltic Sea. For something more adrenaline-pumping, you can go mountain biking in the old Vang Granitbrud quarry.
As well as its natural attractions, Bornholm also boasts plenty of culture. The Bornholms Kunstmuseum (art museum) showcases works by artists attracted by Bornholm’s unique natural light, and has a free sculpture park. Another arty cred to Bornholm’s name is that it became Europe’s first World Craft Region in 2017, thanks to its pottery and glass blowing. And where else in the world can you find a beach shack with a Michelin star? At Kadeau, you can splash out on fine dining based on local Bornholmian cuisine.
3. Da Nang, Vietnam
While north and south Vietnam are right in the middle of monsoon season, Da Nang and the rest of Central Vietnam remains dry and sunny during August. Temperatures tend to sit between 24°C to 34°C, perfect for lazy days on the beach or mornings exploring the nearby attractions.
Da Nang is famous for its beaches. Soft golden sands, clean crystal waters and lots of chances to enjoy watersports make the city one of Vietnam’s best beach destinations. Start at the long span of sand at My Khe Beach, or Non Nuoc Beach, which has calm waves perfect for swimming. One of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, it sits in the shadow of the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone hills near the city. Take a day to explore the area with its network of natural caves, Buddhist pagodas and Hindu grottoes. It’s also a wonderful place to stop and watch the famous sunset.
Laid-back Da Nang also makes a great jumping off point for day trips. The port city of Hội An, with its perfectly preserved Ancient Town, is around an hour away by car. Or, head north to the imperial city of Huế for a visit to the Đại Nội Citadel – once home to the last Vietnamese dynasty, Nguyễn.
Can’t wait until August?
Take a look at where’s hot in July including Okinawa, Chengdu and Montenegro. Or, check out our latest deals to find some last-minute sunshine.
Where to go in August: FAQs
Where to go in August really depends on what you want from your holiday. If you’re looking for buzz and beaches, anywhere on Europe’s Mediterranean coast is bound to impress. For outdoorsy adventures, head to mountainous regions like the Alps. There’s no snow and popular ski resorts transform into excellent hiking bases. It’s low season in the southern hemisphere, so if you don’t mind cooler weather this is the time to find cheaper deals to Australia.
Northern Europe, Alpine regions and countries in the southern hemisphere all have cooler temperatures in August.
You don’t have to go far to find blissful sunshine in August. For island vibes look to Cyprus, the Canaries, the Balearics and Malta. Spain, Portugal, Greece and the south of France are all well-trodden summer holiday destinations for a reason. Just stick to the coast, as inland cities can become very hot. Eastern European destinations like Croatia and the continent-spanning Türkiye are also a good call. If you’re planning a long-haul adventure, Sri Lanka and Indonesia are both dry and sunny during August and have some truly exceptional beaches to explore.
