The VERY Best Places To Visit in August – Summer Getaways and More

We know that a lot of you guys are based in the States and prefer a domestic August getaway. With that in mind we will kick off the very best places in the USA to visit in August.

Alaska

Pristine Alaska is the perfect place for nature lovers who want to escape the summer heat. The Northern territory stays cool throughout the summer but the mountains and forests are a sea of green. An Alaskan road trip is the perfect way to explore the state!

The untouched state boasts some of the most perfect wilderness that the great nation has to offer and is a joy for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. In Alaska, during August you can try some hiking, fishing, or just wildlife watching. You may also catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you’re lucky.

However, guys, it’s very important to note that Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable and tends to vary greatly depending on the region (the state is BIG). As such, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Oh and keep in mind that some tourist attractions and businesses may start to close down for the season in August. So check ahead!

Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park is hands down one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA (And there are a lot to choose from). While it is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and cartoon bears, there is much more to Yellowstone than the headline sites.

August is the perfect month to visit Yellowstone because the weather is decidedly pleasant and there are plenty of animals active during daylight hours (but please observe from a safe distance and give them the respect they are due).

In terms of downsides, the park is busy in August but of course, pretty much everywhere is busy in August and it’s big enough to find somewhere quiet. Oh, and even though the weather will probably be just fine, it always pays to bring some rain gear when you visit Yellowstone!

Maui, Hawaii

Maui, Hawaii is a popular tourist destination year-round due to its beautiful beaches, scenic drives, and abundance of outdoor activities – as such, there is never a bad time to go! The island offers a truly diverse range of activities, from hiking to water sports (you HAVE to try surfing when in Hawaii). Other than that you can explore the legendary Road to Hana or simply relax on one of the island’s many stunning beaches. There are heaps of things to do in Maui for your summer trip!

August is an especially great time to visit Maui, as it is one of the warmest months of the year with loads of sunshine and warm ocean temperatures.

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For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, the weather is generally at its best during August so travelling purely for some good weather isn’t quite the driving factor that it becomes by September! Still, if you are seeking some perfect August weather then these are the places to go…

Costa Rica

The Central American paradise that is Costa Rica is a true dream destination for adventure seekers. Adrenaline-thirsty visitors flock to Costa Rica to savour some white-water rafting, zip-lining, or simply some hiking in the lush green forests.

Costa Rica is also famed for Yoga retreats and meditation workshops many of which are happening throughout the buzzing August summer season. There are also plenty of incredible national parks in Costa Rica to explore too.

August in Costa Rica is also a great month for wildlife watching, as it is the peak of the turtle nesting season. The only downside is that Costa Rica is not the budget-friendly destination it used to be, and August prices are amongst the highest.

Ibiza, Spain

In case it needs an introduction, Ibiza is a blissfully beautiful Spanish island that has long been established as Europe’s summer capital of hedonism. The party island is famed for its super clubs, some of which remain open 24 hours per day during the peak season.

August is peak season in Ibiza and the island becomes seriously busy with sun seekers chasing their fix of Balearic beats. Away from the noise, Ibiza also has some fine beaches, a few fishing villages and even offers opportunities for hiking in the hills. There are some epic Ibiza festivals in August to check out too.

Keep in mind that August in Ibiza is manic so if you don’t like crowds, maybe come in May or September. It’s also a pretty chill place to visit come October too. Also, be sure to book your Ibiza accommodation well in advance of your departure.

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August in Europe is the peak season and it sometimes, like the entire continent on holiday, is basking in the great weather. However, these are the best places in Europe to visit in August.

Paris, France

Paris is a popular destination all year round – in fact, it is one of the most visited cities in the world and with bloody good reason.

Visiting Paris in August, however, tends to divide opinions. On one hand, the weather is hot and many Parisians vacate the city and head to the coast meaning that the place can be a bit quieter. On the other hand, the August heat can sometimes turn oppressive and the Parisian exodus also means that some places close down for the month.

Still, I have visited Paris in August multiple times I still highly recommend it. Summer is the perfect time for having picnics in Montmartre or sharing a bottle of wine beside the Seine.

Barcelona, Spain

August is a great time to visit Barcelona for many reasons. Firstly, the Catalan city is bursting with life and there are a range of outdoor events and festivals taking place. Including the Festa Major de Gracia that sees the streets of the Gracia neighbourhood decorated with colourful displays.

Another top reason to visit Barcelona during August is the warm and sunny weather. Average temperatures of around 80°F (27°C), make it perfect for outdoor activities such as exploring the city’s many parks, visiting the beach or climbing the Tibidabo and watching the sunset over the city.

August is a cracking time to take full advantage of the city’s restaurants, cafes, and bars. The city is well known for its culinary scene and during August, many establishments open up outdoor, street seating.

Matera, Italy

Matera in Italy is a beautiful, but lesser-known, classical city renowned for its historic architecture and stunning vistas. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (no shortage of them in Italy!) and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and it’s a proper insta ready location!

In August, you can soak in the warm, pleasant weather and explore the city’s ancient caves and rock-cut churches. Matera also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Matera Jazz Festival which takes place in August.

August is peak tourist season across Italy and so there will be crowds and prices will be at their highest. Still, it is the perfect time to visit for all the festivities and of course, the weather!

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With the long days and warm weather, August is a prime month for festivals. If you are after a fix of culture, then these are the best places to travel in August for festivals.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The Scottish capital of Edinburgh is a truly beautiful and mythical city famed for its Medieval architecture and rich history. There is never a bad time to visit Edinburgh although spring and summer do offer visitors a fighting chance of avoiding a rain storm!

The city is also world famous for its annual Fringe Festival in August, – it is the largest arts festival in the world and the entirety of Edinburgh comes alive with live theatre, comedy, literature readings and of course some live music. Again though, Edinburgh’s Airbnbs book out 11 months ahead so be sure to bag yours as early as possible.

Estonia

The former Soviet Baltic nation of Estonia is fast earning its reputation as one of the most progressive countries on earth and is well established as a true hub of digital nomadism.

Estonia’s summer roster is full of festivals and fun-filled happenings. Try Tallinn Old Town Days, where the historic streets come alive with live music, exhibitions and other performances. Or Night Song Festival Free Estonia on August 20th, which is a communal sing-along marking the country’s independence.

But perhaps most culturally relevant of all is the Night of Ancient Lights on August 28th, which sees beaches along the Baltic coast lit up with a string of bonfires and local merry-making. There are plenty of awesome Tallinn hostels too, making it super budget-friendly.

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Honestly, August is not really a cheap month to travel. As we said, it seems like the whole world is on holiday and as such, prices can soar. Still, we have found a few destinations that avoid the seasonal price madness.

Medellin, Colombia

Colombia’s second city of Medellin is a vibrant, modern and pleasant metropolis celebrated for its beautiful architecture, lively culture, and stunning landscapes. If you needed a reason to visit Medellin, the weather is warm and dry in August, and the city does not get the summer crowds that Europe and North America attract.

If you are flying from the US then flight prices can be very reasonable and once you are on the ground, you will find Colombia a very budget-friendly destination. There are some really great neighbourhoods to stay in Medellin too with something for everyone.

Albania

Albania is one of the world’s hottest up-and-coming destinations and August is a fantastic time to visit. The average temperature during this month is around 80°F (27°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking the mountains and checking out the country’s many (many) beaches – Albania has a beautiful, under-rated coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas which offers stunning views and crystal-clear waters.

Another reason to visit Albania in August is to experience the country’s vibrant festivals and cultural happenings including the Tirana International Film Festival, which takes place in the capital city of Tirana in late August.

Albania is a great budget destination all year round and remains seriously affordable even during the August high season making it one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe.

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In case you are still looking for somewhere to go in August, we have a few destinations left for you to look at.

Tanzania, Africa

For those of you who fancy a trip to Africa, then Tanzania in August is a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts who want to witness the Great Migration! August is the best month to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti National Park and you can even have a go at climbing Kilimanjaro. If you fancy the beach then you can also visit Zanzibar Island for some beach relaxation.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a perfect blend of modern and traditional Japanese culture and a trip here is guaranteed to blow your mind. In Tokyo, you can explore the bustling streets, high-tech gadgets, and check out the truly delicious, richly varied cuisine. There are literally so many different things to see in Tokyo.

August in Tokyo offers decent weather, acceptable numbers of visitors and it is also a great month to visit the city because of the fireworks, and the Obon festival.

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Fancy a trip to Albania to see some pristine, budget-friendly beaches? Or perhaps you’ll pay a visit to the lesser-visited European gem of Estonia.

Either way, you’re bound to have an awesome time. Yes: there may be crowds and the hotels may be more expensive than usual, but that’s not the case everywhere. Once you’ve honed in on your destination of choice, do some digging and you’ll find something that’s perfect for you.

Do you have a go-to destination that’s a yearly tradition for you in August? Share your wisdom with the world, and let us know all about it in the comments below!

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂