Are you planning a holiday in August but aren’t sure where to go? See our best places to visit in August below.
About your August holiday: With the summer holidays in full swing in Europe and North America, it can be difficult to pick less travelled destinations. Naturally, you should be prepared that even shoulder and off-peak destinations are likely to be busier than usual.
1. Masai Mara, Kenya
Masai Mara is one of the most sought-after nature reserves in all of Africa. This is because of the excellent wildlife spotting opportunities visitors get all year round. It’s home to all of the “big five” and you can witness the annual Great Migration in the Masai Mara. The famous migration of the wildebeest takes place from July through to October. This easily makes it one of the best places to visit in August.
2. Croatia
Stretching along the Mediterranean coast and world-famous for its beautiful sand beaches, it’s not a surprise that Croatia is one of the most popular destination amongst Europeans in August, the peak of the European summer. With mostly dry weather and temperatures in the high 20 degrees Celsius, you can fully enjoy your trip to Croatia in good weather. Whether you want to enjoy one of the many islands or explore historical sites on the mainland, Croatia is one of the best places to go in August.
3. Amazon Jungle, Brazil and Peru
Whether you choose to go to the Peruvian Amazon Jungle on one of our group tours, or you choose a Tailor-made tour to the Brazilian Amazon Jungle, it’s one of the best places to visit in August. This is because it’s the dry season which brings stunning days and blue skies to the jungle. Whether you’re going to spot exotic wildlife or you’re an explorer who enjoys hiking amongst the wilderness of the jungle, the Amazon Jungle delivers.
4. Iguazu falls, Argentina and Brazil
Located at the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are a spectacular destination that shouldn’t be missed if you’re visiting either country. You can enjoy the falls all year round, however, August is in the dry season when there are less crowds around. And although the falls are less powerful, they’re actually easier to view in the dry season and nonetheless spectacular, making it one of the best places to visit in August.
5. Peru
Stunning colonial-style cities, rich in culture, the incredible Andes and breathtaking sites like Machu Picchu. Peru is a destination that simply makes it impossible not to fall in love. The winter in Peru runs from June through to September. Although temperatures are cooler, it aligns with the dry season which makes it by far the most popular time to visit the country. It’s also the time of year when you’re the most likely to catch Machu Picchu in front of clear blue skies, making Peru one of the best places to visit in August.
6. Latvia
Mystic countryside, baroque architecture and cobbled streets in the cities. Europe is the perfect destination in August for anyone who likes to explore in warmer weather. In the capital Riga in August you can expect temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius and mostly clear days. Latvia’s neighbours Lithuania and Estonia are experiencing similar weather, why not make a Baltic Adventure out of your trip? The region is definitely amongst the best places to visit in July.
7. Bolivia
Similar to Peru, the South American winter brings calm and dry weather to Bolivia. It’s ideal weather for exploring the highest capital on earth at 3,640m altitude and, of course, it’s also one of the best times to visit Bolivia’s most popular attraction, the Uyuni Salt Flats. As it’s the dry season you can expect to see the white salt flats as far as the eye can see. Depending on whether you want to see the dry salt flats or would like to experience “the infinity mirror effect”, you may prefer to travel during the wet season. Either way, the Salt Flats remain a view that is worth visiting no matter your preference.
8. Cambodia
Due to the country’s location, temperatures in Cambodia remain fairly stable all year round. However, August is in the middle of the wet season and therefore falls into Cambodia’s low-season. If you’re not going to Cambodia for a beach holiday but want to explore historic sites such as Angkor Wat then it may be one of the best places to go in August for you. Considering it’s August (peak travel time for European and North American tourists), there are relatively few crowds. On top of that, you’re likely to welcome the sudden flashes of rain that will cool you down while exploring one of the many ancient temples. With temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, there is no danger of getting cold.
9. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the few places on earth where you have the chance of spotting all of the “big five”. A safari in Kruger National Park also has the benefit that it can be combined with a trip to Cape Town and its surrounding highlights, such as Robben Island and Table Mountain. August falls towards the end of the dry season and with the scarce vegetation and few places for wildlife to hide, it’s the perfect time to be wildlife spotting in Kruger National Parks. This makes it one of the best places to visit in August.