21 Best Places to Travel in August

August is for adventure! There are so many beautiful destinations around the world for outdoor activities like hiking and diving, or cultural and arts immersion opportunities like museums and festivals. The choice is yours as you plan your next amazing solo female trip.

Here are our recommended 21 best places to travel to in August:

The Best Places to Travel to in July Quicklist

Southeast Asia

1. Kuta, Lombok, Indonesia

Laid-back and uncrowded, Kuta is an off-the-beaten-path destination. You’ll find charming bungalows and coffee shops, Mediterranean-inspired food, and eco-friendly bamboo straws.

As for things to do, the best pastimes here include watching the sunset, relaxing on pristine beaches, exploring neighboring islands, practicing yoga, and discovering unique rock formations. What’s not to love?

It gets even better, because August is the dry season, which means sunny and warm weather. Because there are more popular tourist destinations in Indonesia (like Bali, for example), Lombok will be less crowded than those during one of the most gorgeous times to visit.

2. Phong Nha, Vietnam

Phong Nha Ke Bang, a national park known for its caves, is home to one of the largest in the world, Son Doong. It is accessible by kayak or swimming to the opening, but you can reach others, like the unspoiled Paradise Cave, from dry land. The best way to explore the national park is by motorbike (make sure you have travel insurance), but you can also go on a tour.

While most of Vietnam experiences heavy rains in August, you’ll be safe from them in Phong Nha. This is actually one of the best months here, because the area is green and temperatures are in the upper 70s F.

Here’s a complete packing list for Vietnam to help you plan your trip!

North America

3. The Great Blue Hole, Belize

Forming almost a perfect circle in the middle of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the 400+-foot Blue Hole in Belize attracts divers from all over the world. At the bottom lie ancient and rare stalactites that date back over 150,000 years. You can swim in it without a wet suit, and if you’re a recreational scuba diver, you can go down 130 feet.

If you take a tour to the Blue Hole (for example, this 10-day guided tour of Belize), you’ll likely visit at least two other sites in what is easily considered one of the best diving destinations in the world.

August is a less crowded time to visit the Blue Hole (April to June are the most popular months), and the water is also at its warmest then. This summer month is also a good time to see the rest of Belize, because it is hurricane season, so most people don’t go then. Hurricanes are predictable, however, and you can easily reschedule your flight and get discounted accommodations due to bad weather. Just be sure to get travel insurance before you go.

4. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Churchill is located in Manitoba, which is known for its golden prairies, huge number of lakes, dramatic skies, and lack of crowds. It could very well be one of the most underrated places in Canada.

What makes August a great time to visit Churchill is that this is the best month to spot beluga whales. About 60,000 swim to the slightly warmer, brackish water in Hudson Bay because the temperature is better for their calves there.

Churchill is also the place to go if you want to see the northern lights (yes, even in summer) and encounter polar bears. While in the region, you can also get a dose of climate-change awareness by checking out these amazing murals.

August is peak season in Canada, because it’s easy to travel across the country. The roads aren’t closed due to snow, and the temperatures are pleasant for enjoying the outdoors. Manitoba, however, is considered off the beaten path. This means you’ll have plenty of room to breathe in the 60–80-degree weather.

5. Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

August can be a very hot and sticky month in the US, but you can find mild temperatures and picturesque views in Montana’s lovely Glacier National Park.

Given its over 700 hiking trails, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by all the lakes, lookouts, valleys, and glaciers. Here are the top ten best trails to hike to help you get started. While you’re at the national park, check out some of these things to do, including rafting and driving an ATV, among other fun activities.

The weather in Montana is top-notch in August. Daytime temperatures will be in the 80s before dipping to the 40s at night, so it’s best to pack lots of layers. One of the perks of visiting during the busy months is that the tours, shuttles, and accommodations are all fully operational, but this is also peak season. To avoid the crowds, plan an earlier start to your day in the busier areas, like Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass.

6. Lanai, Hawai’i, USA

The Big Island and Maui are highly sought-after destinations in Hawai’i, but Lanai could be your own slice of paradise. Instead of lots of resorts, you’ll find an abundance of jeeps to go on your own rugged adventure.

You can take in picturesque bays, untouched beaches, historic shipwrecks, and beautiful drives. Even though it’s remote, there are still comfortable lodigings and places to eat. The award-winning Nobu restaurant, for example, has sushi you simply have to try.

Because of the trade winds, Lanai is relatively cool and breezy during August, with temperatures in the comfortable 70s (here’s our packing list). It’s also a dry month and one of the best times to visit Hawai’i. The crowds draw way back with the start of the shoulder season.

Check out our complete Hawai’i guide for solo female travelers before you go!

Europe

7. Salzburg, Austria

Aptly called a hub for music, Salzburg is Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for The Sound of Music. It also hosts the Salzburg Festival, which first started in the 1920s and includes concerts and drama but is mostly known for opera. The best part is, it runs for the entire month of August! So if you want to see the Mozart house and museum or take musically inspired day trips to surrounding areas, like the Alps, why not visit during one of the most important music festivals in the world?

August is a comfortably warm month in Austria, with temperatures in the 70s. It’s mildly humid, so wear light and comfortable clothing (though if you’re going to a concert, it’s recommended to wear summer dresses or evening attire).

8. Berlin, Germany

While Berlin, Germany, may be dark and gloomy during the winter, it blossoms into a super sunny city, and perhaps one of the coolest places to explore in the summer. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in all the best things to see and do (like free activities, unique neighborhoods, street food cuisine, and rich arts and culture), then here’s our ultimate guide to Berlin. There’s plenty to do indoors when it rains and outdoors when the weather is good.

But in August, the weather will be as perfect as it’ll ever get, with temperatures in the 70s and an average of only eight days of slight rain. Long days and pleasant evenings also make summer a popular time to visit Germany’s capital. If the crowds start cramping your style, though, you can always take a day trip to nearby sights, landmarks, and destinations.

9. São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

São Miguel is one of the first islands in the Azores that people explore when they get to this paradise in the Atlantic. It’s loaded with stunning viewpoints, invigorating hikes, great thermal baths, lovely villages, spectacular waterfalls, and beautiful coastlines.

August is one of the most wonderful times to visit the Azores in terms of weather. It’s usually rainy a good bit of the time in this region, but summer is the driest season and the least cloudy time of the year. It’s also the busy tourist season, so be sure to book accommodations and activities well in advance.

Here’s a helpful guide on how to explore São Miguel’s nearby islands. Also, make sure to check out our packing list and guide featuring the dreamiest places to stay in the Azores.

10. Dolomites, Italy

The spectacular Dolomites in northeast Italy are one of the best places to travel in August in Europe, especially for lovers of the outdoors. You can go on hikes, cycle around, paddle in lakes, visit castles, or simply enjoy what nature has to offer. If you want to avoid crowds on the trails, try lesser-known ones, like Val di Funes, Alta Pusteria, and Alta Badia.

The summer is the best time to visit, as this is when the weather is at its best. August is the ideal time to spend time outdoors and enjoy the lush scenery. This is also the high season, though, and the Dolomites are a popular travel destination, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance.

Africa

11. Chobe National Park, Botswana

One of the safest countries in Africa, Botswana is an amazing location for a first-time solo traveler who wants to go on a safari and see wildlife. In Chobe National Park, you can expect to see elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and birds. This is also a gorgeous spot for a photo session.

August is a great month to visit if it’s your first time on safari. It’s right in the middle of the dry season, the temperatures are on the rise, and wildlife is out and about. Just be prepared for busy lodging, and because it’s a desert, nights are chilly. Be sure to read up on what to pack for such a trip.

12. Tofo, Mozambique

Are you looking for a place that nobody really knows about but fits the bill for a vacation in paradise?

Check out Tofo, Mozambique, where you’ll find soft beaches, warm waters, and spectacular wildlife viewing. Mozambique flies under the tourist radar — in other words, be prepared to go on an adventure without the traps, but this also comes with fewer tourist amenities.

Breezy and warm conditions characterize August, meaning excellent beach weather. Because it is cyclone season, accommodations will be cheaper, and there will be even fewer people here. Just keep an eye on the weather, and be sure to get travel insurance in case there’s a cyclone in the forecast.

13. The Orange Dunes of Sossusvlei, Namibia

Imagine hiking in the dark beneath the light of the Milky Way, trekking with a group of people to the summit of Dune 45 in the Sossusvlei, just in time to watch the sun rise over the orange horizon. You’ll sit in awe as the sun shifts the sand from yellow to red. There’s nothing quite like this place — it’s a bucket-list item to explore!

It’s good to know that, while you’re in Namibia, it’s also worth going on a safari, visiting the Fish River Canyon, and sandboarding in Swakopmund.

Because August is actually mid-winter in Namibia (which is in the Southern Hemisphere), you can enjoy dry weather and temperatures in the 70s. On top of that, winter is also a wonderful time to see wildlife during a safari. You won’t be disappointed!

14. South Africa (for budget travelers)

South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation because of its diversity, rich cultural history, and gorgeous landscapes. You can easily have an incredible time meeting residents and exploring the country (check out some of these hikes and treks).

It’s quite possible to take a trip to South Africa on a budget. If you’re up for an amazing experience, you can plan your days with this road-trip itinerary.

August is an ideal time to visit South Africa if you’re looking to explore the country on a budget. This is winter and also the off-season (except for safaris). Because it has such a varied geography, you’ll find varied conditions in different parts of the country. On average, temperatures are in the 60s-80s during winter, so bring layers!

15. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Don’t worry if you can’t decide between beaches or hills for this season’s vacation, because in Zanzibar, Tanzania, you can have both.

On this island’s beaches, you can gaze at the endless ocean and sideways sailboats, wave to the super hospitable locals, dive with octopuses and wrasses, and simply land in the present moment. (Don’t forget to check out our guide to Zanzibar clothing style before heading there!)

The hills, located in the north, are home to lush green scenery and endless hikes. This is a great region to head to enjoy nature for a while.

August is the dry season on the island, and since the humidity will be low then, this is when you’ll have the best weather to relax and spot wildlife (the animals will be searching for water). The gentle breeze will keep temperatures cool. Just be prepared for other tourists to be out and about enjoying the sights and activities as well.

If you’d like to explore the rest of Tanzania too, August is also a good month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and head to Lushoto and the Usambara Mountains.

South America

16. Iguazú Falls, Argentina

Honestly, any part of northern Argentina will be beautiful in August, but breathtaking Iguazú Falls (twice as large as Niagara) is a must-see if you’re in the area. On top of that, you can easily get there by bus.

Solo female travelers often get some catcalls here, but this is common in most of South America. That said, Argentina is still very safe, and there’s so much to appreciate here, like the rich culture, amazing food, stunning landscapes, and exciting soccer games.

You can skip the crowds but still have mild and comfortable weather in this last full month of Southern Hemisphere winter. While northern Argentina is pretty sunny and pleasant, the rest of the country is still a snowy wonderland, making it possible to hit the slopes before it gets too warm.

17. Chile

Chile is a place of extremes: it’s one of the longest countries, it has the driest desert and the most remote island on earth, and it also includes a piece of the third largest body of frozen freshwater on the planet.

If you’re a first-time traveler to South America, Chile is a great place to start because of its prosperity and peacefulness. Here’s a wonderful road-trip guide to see the most of what this spectacular country has to offer.

If you visit Chile in August, you’ll have the best weather for snow sports in the north and the start of milder weather in the south (Patagonia). This is the beginning of shoulder season, so crowds will be smaller and rates will be more affordable.

18. Flamingo Island, Aruba

If you go to Aruba, you have to see the famed Flamingo Island, where you’ll see those fiery birds against a backdrop of gorgeous Caribbean blue waters.

You don’t want to miss the rest of Aruba either; here you can fill your days with fun activities, beaches, and road trips. If you’re traveling alone, we’ve got you covered with this solo female guide, and for inspiration, here’s a great five-day itinerary for Aruba!

This country is hot in August, but the trade winds cool things down tremendously. It’s the off-season, but Aruba is clear of the hurricane belt, so you don’t have to worry about these storms. Prices are lower, crowds are smaller, and the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy your stay. What’s not to love about Aruba in August? 

Oceania

19. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Home to six of the world’s seven sea turtle species, living coral (yes, there’s also a lot of dead coral out there), and incredible species diversity, the largest barrier reef on the planet is a must-see for any water lover.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is visible from outer space. It’s possible to see a good amount of the reef by snorkeling, but if you know how to scuba dive or free dive, you’ll be even more amazed.

If you visit the Great Barrier Reef in August, you’ll avoid jellyfish season and see the humpback whales on their migration. This is the dry season, so you’ll have better underwater visibility and warmer weather. You’ll also avoid the strong currents and potential for bad thunderstorms.

20. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Most people consider Tahiti a stepping stone to the more popular Bora Bora. However, this island has its own unique flavor and activities. It’s worth exploring, especially if you’re drawn to the idea of fewer crowds.

Some of the best things to do in Tahiti are shopping at fresh markets, hiking to waterfalls, observing sea creatures, and relaxing on beaches.

French Polynesia is simply exquisite in August. In fact, this month is one of the most incredible times to visit Tahiti in terms of weather. Because it’s peak season, you can expect prices to be higher, though. It’s worth the compromise, however, because the dry season makes it possible for all activities to be doable.

21. South Island, New Zealand

If you’re looking for an invigorating winter sports destination, consider a trip to New Zealand. Here’s a list of good ski resorts on South Island, which is where you’ll want to go.

August has some of the best coverage on the slopes, but if the weather isn’t cooperating or you need a break, you can check out some indoor activities, like museums and galleries, or lounge in a hot spring. There’s also dolphin and whale watching, and cruises still abound in the colder temperatures, because the scenery is just so darn beautiful.

In August, South Island is cold just like North Island, but it’s less wet, because most of the rain turns into snow as it goes over the mountain range (pack warm clothing). Peak season in New Zealand is typically during the (Southern Hemisphere) summer, but any crowds that do flock to the slopes will go to South Island, because of the better conditions compared to North Island.

Make sure to check out our solo female traveler’s guide to New Zealand before your trip!

***

As you can see, there are plenty of places to travel in August, and you probably couldn’t go wrong with any of them!

What’s your favorite or ideal destination?