Finish Summer Strong: Top 10 Places to Travel in August
August is calling. Whether you’re chasing island sunsets, mountain adventures, or city vibes, here are the best places to travel in August that’ll make this summer unforgettable.
August gets a bad rap. Too hot, too crowded, too expensive. But here’s what the naysayers are missing—August is actually one of the best months to travel if you know where to go. The days are long, the energy is high, and some of the world’s most incredible destinations are at their absolute peak. From sun-drenched Greek islands to wildlife safaris in Kenya, August travel inspo is all about finding the places that come alive when summer hits its stride.
So if you’re wondering where to travel in August, we’ve got you covered. These are the best places to travel in August, and they’re all part of EF Ultimate Break itineraries designed to help you make the most of every moment.
Exploring Ireland's serene lakes and green valleys.
Ireland
Why August? Ireland in August means the countryside is at its greenest, the weather is as mild as it gets (yes, pack a rain jacket anyway), and festival season is in full swing. From traditional music sessions to food festivals, August brings a cultural energy that makes the island feel even more alive.
Whether you’re exploring on Grand Tour of Ireland or ringing in the new year early on a special departure, Ireland delivers. You’ll see the Cliffs of Moher at their most dramatic, wander through colorful villages, and probably end up in a pub listening to live traditional music. August is when Ireland’s outdoor beauty is at its peak—rolling green hills, coastal cliffs, and that impossibly fresh air that makes you want to take a million deep breaths.
The Greek Islands
Why August? This is when Greece is fully in its element. The Aegean Sea is warm enough for all-day swimming, beach clubs are buzzing, and the sunsets in Santorini hit different when you’re watching them with a cold drink and new friends. August is prime time for island hopping, and the energy is unmatched.
On The Greek Islands trip, you’ll bounce between Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini—three islands, endless memories. Think whitewashed buildings, turquoise water, and nights that turn into mornings. The summer vibe here isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the whole experience. You’ll tour the Acropolis, dance on Mykonos beaches, and watch the sun dip below the caldera in Santorini. August brings the heat, the crowds, and the kind of energy that makes you feel alive.
Enjoying golden hour along Copenhagen's colorful Nyhavn harbor.
Scandinavia
Why August? August in Scandinavia means nearly 20 hours of daylight in some places, warm (by Nordic standards) weather, and a landscape that’s impossibly green. This is when locals are out in full force, enjoying outdoor festivals, waterfront dining, and the fleeting warmth before winter returns.
Denmark, Sweden & Norway takes you through three countries where summer is a celebration. Copenhagen’s colorful Nyhavn harbor is perfect for afternoon drinks that stretch into evening (which stretches into more evening—the sun barely sets). Stockholm’s archipelago is dotted with islands waiting to be explored. And Norway’s fjords? They’re dramatic any time of year, but August brings calm waters and clear skies that make them even more stunning. The pace is relaxed, the days are long, and the vibe is all about soaking up every minute of summer.
Sailing the stunning Adriatic coastline in Croatia.
Croatia
Why August? While Croatia is stunning year-round, August offers the warmest water temperatures and the longest days—perfect for cruising the Dalmatian Coast. The Adriatic is calm, the islands are accessible, and the coastal towns are in full summer mode.
Cruise Croatia: Split to Split is one of those trips that sounds too good to be true but absolutely delivers. You’ll sail from island to island, wake up to new views every morning, and spend your days swimming in hidden coves and exploring charming port towns. The cruise format means you unpack once and let the boat do the work. August is when this trip shines brightest—the weather is perfect, the water is crystal clear, and you’ll have that golden-hour light for days.
Capturing memories at Rome's iconic Colosseum.
Italy
Why August? Yes, August in Italy means tourists. But it also means long, warm evenings perfect for aperitivo, gelato that tastes even better in the heat, and a slower pace that invites you to linger over every meal. The countryside is lush, the coastal towns are vibrant, and the cities are buzzing with summer festivals.
Whether you’re exploring Venice, Florence & Rome or cruising the Amalfi Coast, Italy in August is all about embracing the chaos and finding your rhythm. Wander through Florence’s wine windows, eat your weight in pasta, and soak in the history that’s literally everywhere. The summer heat might be intense, but so is the experience.
Capturing Madrid's golden light at Retiro Park.
Spain
Why August? Spain practically invented the art of summer. August brings beach season to Barcelona, outdoor festivals across the country, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t even get started until midnight. The Mediterranean is warm, the tapas are endless, and the energy is infectious.
On trips like Madrid to Barcelona: Sangria, Sunsets & Siestas, you’ll experience Barcelona at its most vibrant. Park Güell, Gothic Quarter walks, and beach days that stretch into sunset. August is when Spain’s laid-back summer culture is on full display—late dinners, later nights, and a pace that reminds you to slow down and savor it all.
Exploring Bangkok's ornate temples with new friends.
Thailand
Why August? Okay, hear us out. August is technically monsoon season in Thailand, but that doesn’t mean what you think it means. You’ll get occasional afternoon showers, sure, but you’ll also get fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more authentic experience. Plus, the rain cools things down and makes the jungles even more lush.
Thailand Getaway and North Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Rai are perfect for August travelers who want to see Thailand without the peak-season chaos. Bangkok’s night markets are still buzzing, the islands are still gorgeous, and you’ll have more space to breathe. The occasional rain shower? Just an excuse to duck into a street food stall or a beachside bar.
Walking through the famous torii gates of Fushimi Inari.
Japan
Why August? Summer in Japan means festival season. From fireworks displays to traditional matsuri celebrations, August brings a cultural energy that’s hard to find any other time of year. Plus, it’s the perfect time to escape the heat in mountain towns or explore Japan’s stunning coastline.
Japan: Tokyo & Beyond and Highlights of Japan take you from the neon streets of Tokyo to the historic temples of Kyoto. In August, you might catch a summer festival, complete with yukata (summer kimono) and street food. The weather is warm, but the experiences—from ramen tastings to bullet train rides—make it all worth it.
Soaking in Bali's infinity pool views overlooking the ocean.
Bali
Why August? August is peak dry season in Bali, which means sunny skies, perfect beach weather, and ideal conditions for exploring rice terraces and waterfalls. The island is vibrant, the surf is up, and the sunsets are the kind you’ll screenshot and set as your phone background.
Bali: Tropical Escape is designed for August travelers who want that perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. You’ll visit ancient temples, chase waterfalls in Ubud, and unwind on Seminyak’s beaches. August brings the best weather Bali has to offer, and the island’s laid-back energy is exactly what summer should feel like.
Safari adventures and giraffe sightings in Kenya.
Kenya
Why August? August is one of the best months for safari in Kenya. It’s the dry season, which means animals gather around water sources, making wildlife spotting easier and more dramatic. Plus, you might catch the tail end of the Great Migration—one of nature’s most incredible spectacles.
Kenya: African Safari brings you face-to-face with elephants, lions, and giraffes in their natural habitat. August’s dry conditions mean better visibility and more active wildlife. You’ll stay in safari lodges, go on game drives at sunrise, and experience a side of travel that feels truly once-in-a-lifetime.
How to make the most of August travel
Book early: August is a popular travel month, and the best trips fill up fast. Locking in your spot early also gives you more time to pay with EF Ultimate Break’s interest-free payment plans.
Embrace the energy: Yes, popular destinations will have crowds. But they’ll also have energy, festivals, and a buzz that makes travel feel electric.
Pack smart: Sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and layers for air-conditioned spaces are your friends. And don’t forget a portable charger—you’ll be taking a lot of photos.
Stay flexible: August weather can be unpredictable in some places (looking at you, Thailand and Ireland). But a little rain never hurt anyone, and it often leads to the best stories.
Where to go in August? Anywhere you want.
Whether you’re drawn to the Greek Islands’ party-meets-paradise vibe, the endless daylight of Scandinavia, the cultural richness of Japan, the green landscapes of Ireland, or the wild beauty of a Kenyan safari, August is your month. It’s when the world feels wide open, when summer is at its peak, and when the best travel memories are made.
So stop overthinking it. Pick a destination, book the trip, and let August show you what you’ve been missing. The best places to travel in August are waiting—and they’re even better when you’re experiencing them with a group of people who are just as excited to be there as you are.
Key takeaways
August isn’t just a fallback month—it’s when certain destinations hit their stride, offering long days, warm weather, and the kind of energy that only comes when summer is in full swing.
From sun-soaked Greek islands to the endless daylight of Scandinavia, the best places to travel in August thrive in the heat and crowds, turning potential drawbacks into part of the experience.
Whether you’re chasing festivals in Ireland, island-hopping in Croatia, or spotting wildlife in Kenya, August rewards travelers who embrace the season instead of avoiding it—and with EF Ultimate Break handling the logistics, you can focus on the memories, not the stress.
Know before you go
From the ins and outs of our trips to finding the one that fits you best—here’s what you need to know.
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