August Leave List
Big adventures.
Where to travel in August ?
August is the month for big global adventures.
While much of Europe is in the middle of its summer holiday season, some of the world’s most spectacular destinations are experiencing their ideal travel conditions. From hiking ancient trails in the Andes to following the Great Migration across Kenya, August is made for trips that feel like a real adventure.
You can trek through mountains, explore remote wilderness, experience incredible wildlife or escape to tropical islands. You can also discover vast landscapes and unique cultures in destinations like Mongolia and Georgia, or head north to Sweden for long summer days and outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or simply somewhere spectacular to explore, August gives you plenty of reasons to go further.
Best Places to Visit in August
Mountains, hiking & epic landscapes
Peru
Perfect for: Hiking, ancient ruins, mountains & adventure
Average temperature: Around 10–25°C depending on altitude
Season: Dry season
The dry season transforms the Peruvian Andes into a trekker’s paradise, with clearer skies and excellent visibility across the mountains. It’s an especially exciting time to tackle the Inca Trail, when the conditions are ideal for combining ancient ruins with spectacular high-altitude scenery.
Best things to do: Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, explore Cusco, discover the Sacred Valley, visit Ollantaytambo, hike around Rainbow Mountain or explore Lake Titicaca.
Ecuador
Perfect for: Wildlife, islands, volcanoes & adventure
Average temperature: Around 15–25°C depending on altitude
Season: Dry season in the Andes / cooler season in the Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands are a major reason to put Ecuador on your August Leave List. Cooler waters bring nutrient-rich currents and excellent underwater visibility, creating fantastic conditions for getting into the water and encountering the islands’ extraordinary marine life.
The mainland adds another layer to the trip, with volcanoes, colonial cities and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Best things to do: Explore the Galápagos Islands, snorkel with sea lions and turtles, hike around Cotopaxi, visit Quito’s historic centre, explore volcanic landscapes or cycle around the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Georgia
Perfect for: Hiking, mountains, villages & culture
Average temperature: Around 20–30°C depending on altitude
Season: Peak summer hiking season
For mountain lovers, Georgia offers a completely different side of summer travel. The high Caucasus is accessible, the landscapes are lush and the weather is generally clear enough for long days of hiking between remote villages and dramatic mountain valleys.
It’s an especially appealing destination if you want serious mountain scenery without travelling to one of the world’s most obvious trekking destinations.
Best things to do: Hike around Mestia and Ushguli, explore the Svaneti region, trek through the Caucasus, visit Gergeti Trinity Church, discover Tbilisi or experience Georgian food and wine.
USA : Pacific Northwest & National Parks
Perfect for: Road trips, hiking, national parks & wilderness
Average temperature: Around 20–30°C depending on region
Season: Peak summer
If you’re looking for a classic American road trip, the Pacific Northwest delivers huge landscapes without needing to cross the entire country. Long summer days open up the region’s national parks, mountain trails, forests and coastline, making it possible to pack a lot into one adventure.
Best things to do: Explore Olympic National Park, hike around Mount Rainier, discover North Cascades National Park, visit Seattle and Portland, drive along Oregon’s dramatic coastline or continue towards Crater Lake.
Sweden
Perfect for: Hiking, lakes, archipelagos & outdoor adventure
Average temperature: Around 15–22°C in southern Sweden
Season: Peak summer
August is a beautiful time to explore Sweden’s great outdoors, with long daylight hours, lush forests and comfortable temperatures for hiking. From peaceful lakes and rugged national parks to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago, it’s a great choice for an active summer escape.
Best things to do: Hike through Swedish Lapland, explore the Stockholm Archipelago, kayak between islands, discover Abisko National Park, swim in forest lakes or take a road trip through the Swedish countryside.
Wildlife & once-in-a-lifetime adventures
Zambia
Perfect for: Walking safaris, wildlife & wilderness
Average temperature: Around 25–30°C during the day
Season: Dry season
Zambia’s dry season creates some of Africa’s most rewarding safari conditions. As water becomes scarce and vegetation thins, wildlife concentrates around rivers and permanent water sources — while the dry bush makes walking safaris particularly rewarding.
A walking safari offers a completely different perspective from a traditional game drive, bringing you much closer to the sights, sounds and details of the African bush.
Best things to do: Take a walking safari in South Luangwa, explore Lower Zambezi National Park, watch elephants and big cats, experience a night safari or visit Victoria Falls.
Kenya
Perfect for: Safari, wildlife & the Great Migration
Average temperature: Around 20–27°C
Season: Dry season
The Maasai Mara becomes one of Africa’s great wildlife theatres during August. Huge herds of wildebeest move through the region as part of the Great Migration, creating the possibility of dramatic river crossings alongside excellent opportunities to see Kenya’s resident wildlife.
Best things to do: Follow the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, watch for river crossings, see lions and elephants, visit Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilimanjaro or spend time with local Maasai communities.
Mongolia
Perfect for: Wilderness, nomadic culture, road trips & adventure
Average temperature: Around 15–25°C
Season: Peak summer
Few destinations feel as vast and untouched as Mongolia in summer. The grasslands are green, temperatures are comfortable and the country’s remote landscapes are easier to explore, whether you’re travelling by road, horseback or staying with nomadic families in traditional gers.
This is a destination for travellers who want to get seriously off the beaten track.
Best things to do: Stay with nomadic families, explore the Gobi Desert, ride horses across the steppe, visit ancient monasteries, sleep in traditional gers and explore the Flaming Cliffs.
Sunshine & warm waters
Turkey
Perfect for: Sailing, beaches, history & coastal road trips
Average temperature: Around 28–35°C on the coast
Season: Peak summer
The Turquoise Coast is at its most inviting in August, with warm Mediterranean waters, long sunny days and ideal conditions for getting out on the sea. A sailing trip is one of the best ways to experience this spectacular stretch of coastline, combining hidden coves with ancient ruins and small coastal towns.
Best things to do: Take a gulet cruise, explore the Turquoise Coast, swim in secluded bays, visit ancient ruins around Antalya and Fethiye or explore the streets and markets of Istanbul.
French Polynesia
Perfect for: Tropical islands, diving, lagoons & adventure
Average temperature: Around 23–28°C
Season: Dry season
Think turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see. August falls within the dry season, making it an excellent time to explore Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora both above and below the water.
But there’s much more to the islands than luxury resorts. Volcanic mountains, tropical forests and spectacular lagoons make this an adventure as much as a beach escape.
Best things to do: Explore Tahiti, hike through the interior, snorkel around Moorea, swim in turquoise lagoons, dive with marine life or spend a few days on Bora Bora.
Why travel in August ?
August is the month for big adventures and unforgettable experiences. While much of Europe is enjoying its traditional summer holiday, some of the world’s most exciting destinations are at their best.
You can:
- Trek through ancient mountains and spectacular landscapes
- Go on safari during incredible wildlife-viewing conditions
- Explore remote wilderness far from the usual tourist trail
- Follow the Great Migration across the African savannah
- Escape to tropical islands and turquoise lagoons
- Discover unique cultures and vast landscapes far from the usual holiday destinations
August is particularly good for travellers who want their annual leave to feel like a real adventure rather than simply a week away.