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August is a great month to travel. Though it is one of the busier tourism months, it’s less busy than July and still has excellent summer weather and sunshine. It’s also a little cooler than other summer months, so you won’t be overwhelmingly hot if you spend time outside.
12 of the Best Places to Travel in August
There are tons of great August vacations around the world, but based on crowds and weather, these 12 fantastic destinations are our top picks. Let us be your guide!
1. Glacier National Park, Montana, United States
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August is one of the best months to visit Glacier National Park. Montana is cold for most of the year, and July and August are some of the only months that remain comfortable for camping overnight.
Glacier National Park has more than 700 miles of trails that weave through some of the Rocky Mountain Range’s finest views. Visitors can also enjoy boat tours, bus tours, or scenic drives through the park’s byway.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Glacier National Park in 2023
2. Oslo, Norway
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Summer is far and away the best time of year to visit Oslo. The rest of the year, temperatures can be freezing cold, but in summer, you’ll be able to enjoy the area’s incredible tourism without hats and mittens.
The area around Oslo is home to some of the world’s most scenic fjords and landscapes, which makes the city popular for hikers and nature lovers. However, Oslo is a metropolis that urbanites will also enjoy.
The city of Oslo is packed with historical buildings, fine dining, bars, art galleries, and more. Oslo is also known for its incredible museums like the Norsk Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Ski Museum.
3. London, England
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London sees more than 30 million tourists annually. It is known for its rainy weather and consistent temperatures. Summer, especially July and August, is the best time to visit to avoid the rain.
Many visitors to London stop and see Buckingham Palace — the home residence of King Charles III- the Tower of London, and other royal historical sites.
The London Eye, which is a large Ferris wheel that offers fantastic views of the city from the top, is also a popular attraction. London is also home to incredible museums, art galleries, historic churches, sprawling parks, and some of the world’s best shopping.
After a long day of exploring one of the world’s biggest cities, you can stop for dinner at restaurants from around the world, from Indian food to traditional British cuisine.
Read Next: Where to Stay in London in 2023
4. Fiji Islands
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August is in the heart of Fiji’s dry season, and though nights can be slightly chilly, the days are warm and sunny. August is also the best month to island-hop the more than 300 islands that make up Fiji because storms are unlikely to interrupt ferry travel.
Travelers often spend their days lounging on beaches, sipping cocktails, or swimming in crystal blue waters, but many other activities are also available.
The country is home to magnificent tropical views, so it’s a perfect place to hike and soak up your unique surroundings. Finally, the islands also host tons of hot springs, nature walks, and waterfalls. Many visitors explore the water by kayaking or snorkeling along the reefs.
5. Lake Como, Italy
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The Lake Como area is known for its classic Italian architecture, winding streets, crystal blue waters, and mountain views. Summer is one of the best seasons to visit the area, with warm weather, sunshine, and plenty of daylight.
Tourists that come to the Lombardi region can visit the Piazza Duomo, local basilicas, museums, boat tours of the lake, or just take in the great blue skies and mountain views. Many other traditional Italian tourist activities are also available, including wine and alcohol tastings.
6. Berlin, Germany
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Berlin is a perfect summer vacation destination. As one of Germany’s biggest cultural hubs, Berlin hosted more than five million tourists in 2021, many of whom came during the busy months of July and August.
Berlin is home to many of the world’s most important historical sites, including the Berlin wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Charlottenburg Palace, and many others. Visitors will also find the Berlin Cathedral, holocaust memorials, and dozens of museums.
After seeing crucial moments in history commemorated in memorials and museums, visitors can take in Berlin’s fine restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
The Mall of Berlin, which has more than 300 stores, is also a popular destination for visitors. Germany’s excellent transportation and rail system also makes it easy for Berlin tourists to visit surrounding small towns and gorgeous countryside.
7. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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August is the perfect time to visit Amsterdam, the capital city of The Netherlands. Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals, historic buildings, and picturesque streets.
It has also been a cultural center for a long time, so there are plenty of old buildings sitting side by side with modern skyscrapers. Visitors to Amsterdam often stop by the iconic Anne Frank house to pay respects.
There are other museums in the city as well, including the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, which hosts some of Europe’s most famous artists.
Amsterdam is home to many luscious green parks, tulip fields, botanical gardens, and other curated nature experiences, so just getting from one place to another can be an enjoyable experience.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Amsterdam in 2023
8. Kyoto, Japan
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Kyoto is a hub for visitors that want to experience traditional Japanese culture. The city is packed with temples, shrines, and ancient architecture that feel like a step back in time. August in Kyoto sees warm weather and is a popular month for tourism.
Many visitors to Kyoto stop by the iconic old temples such as the Higashiyama Jisho-ji or Nijō Castle. You can also make friends with local monkeys at the Arashiyama Monkey Park.
After you’ve thoroughly explored the old capital of Japan, you can visit the iconic bamboo forests just outside the city.
These woods are densely packed with towering bamboo trees and are considered some of the prettiest places on Earth. The most popular sites are the Arashiyama forest and the Take-no-Michi walking path.
9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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August is the perfect time to visit Brazil. Temperatures are warm but not oppressive, and crowds begin to thin out at the end of the month. Of all the places you might stay in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (or just Rio) is one of the most fun for tourists.
Most visitors to Rio take the time to admire Christ the Redeemer, which is the fourth largest Jesus statue on Earth. Christ the Redeemer sits on a mountaintop overlooking the city and is considered one of the world’s seven wonders.
Many visitors to Rio also take the journey to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. This peak rises above the city and covers panoramic views of the ocean, city, and surrounding jungles. You can climb the mountain or take a gondola ride to the top.
10. Montreal, Canada
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Montreal is the biggest city in Quebec, the French-speaking province of Canada. It is known for its history, modern architecture, and culture. As Canada is cold for most of the year, Summer is the most popular time to visit.
The top tourist destination in Montreal is the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal. This fantastic cathedral is often lit with unique light shows to create a memorable experience for visitors.
Visitors to Montreal also stop by the city’s many museums, markets, restaurants, and bars. The Montreal Botanical Gardens are one of the city’s most famous attractions, with more than 70 hectares of curated gardens to explore.
If you prefer less curated nature, you can head out of town to hike in the fantastic Gault Nature Reserve, which has more than 15 miles of beautiful hiking.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Montreal in 2023
11. Chicago, Illinois, United States
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Chicago is the third largest city in the United States, and it has perfect weather and lots to do in August. The area is known for its Lake Michigan views, windy weather, and bar and restaurant scene.
Visitors to Chicago’s iconic downtown, often referred to as The Loop, can take a ride up to the Skydeck in Willis Tower, which lets you stop out onto clear glass and look at the city from above.
Nearby, you can stop at Navy Pier, a classic pier with shopping, dining, a Ferris wheel, and fireworks every Saturday in summer.
Of course, no visit to Chicago would be complete without a stop at The Bean (formally known as Cloud Gate), a large metal bean that reflects the city’s skyline located in the heart of Millenium park.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Chicago in 2023
12. Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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Nashville is a vibrant, up-and-coming city with an active music scene and tons of fun activities for tourists. August is one of the best months to stop by because the weather is warm, and activities in the region are in full swing.
Nashville is the birthplace of many famous musicians, and so one of the most popular stops for visitors is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Visitors of the Music Hall of Fame often also take the time to visit the iconic Johnny Cash Museum and Tootsies Orchid Lounge — an iconic honky-tonk bar.
Nashville is also a popular hub for hikers because it is surrounded by beautiful nature sites such as Radnor Lake State Park, the Fontanel Trails, Oakwood Park Trial, and many others.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Nashville in 2023
Things to Consider
August is one of the year’s hottest months in the Northern hemisphere, just after July. If you’re sensitive to heat, try traveling farther north or heading into higher altitudes to cool off.
Oceanside towns also tend to have more mild temperatures due to the effect of sea winds.
If you want to plan a trip in August but are concerned about travel costs, consider booking closer to the end of the month. Many students return to school for the last week of August, reducing tourism numbers and bringing travel costs down.
Frequently Asked Questions
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These are some of the most popular questions about traveling in August:
Where is the best place to go in August?
The best place to go in August depends on the kind of vacation you want. Camping and hiking in the Rockies are popular, while many take beach vacations in Oceania and the Pacific islands during August.
What state is best to visit in August?
August can be hot in most of the United State’s more touristy states, so August is the perfect time to head up into mountainous states such as Colorado or Montana. Maine and North Carolina are also popular summer travel destinations.
Where is the cheapest place to go in August?
Many of the hottest vacation spots lose visitors in August because of high temperatures. Las Vegas, Mexico, and the Caribbean are all great, inexpensive August trips.
Where can I avoid crowds in August?
You can avoid crowds by traveling to hot-weather places in August because many are at peak temperatures during late summer. Tropical vacations and the southern half of North America tend to have smaller crowds in August than other places.
Is August a good month to travel?
While August is convenient for many families because school is out and the weather rarely interferes with plans, it is also very hot, and prices tend to be high. August is not the best month to travel if you want to save money on hotels and flights.
So, Where Should You Visit in August?
The best vacation in August will depend on the kind of trip you want to take. Many travelers head to Europe to see historic sites and old cities, while others head into the mountains to enjoy hiking and camping.
Meanwhile, the Pacific and Oceania are home to some of August’s finest tropical vacations. August is one of the busiest travel months of the year for a reason.
The weather is nice and rarely rainy in most places, making transportation easier than at any other time. No matter where you decide to go, you’re sure to find warm sun and fine weather on your side in August. Happy travels!