Top destinations for August 2024

Looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure? Prefer to unwind by the ocean? Or are you eager to immerse yourself in cultural festivities?

August is the perfect month for an unforgettable getaway. Explore our top picks for travel this August and begin planning your next adventure.

What are the best spots to visit in August for some relaxation?

Northeast Sri Lanka

Why visit now? Relax or catch some waves on the sunny shores of the Indian Ocean.

There’s a trifecta of good news for Sri Lanka’s northeast in August: fantastic weather, low prices, and serene beaches. Unlike the rainy southwest, the northeast coast enjoys blue skies and warm waters this month, especially at Arugam Bay, which offers great surfing. Following years of civil unrest, this region has remained largely undeveloped, allowing you to discover quiet stretches of sand at Nilaveli, Uppuveli, and Passekudah. The central area is also pleasantly dry in August, perfect for exploring the rock fortress of Sigiriya and the vibrant spiritual hub of Kandy, which comes alive with the colorful Esala Perahera festival celebrating the Sacred Tooth relic of Buddha each summer.

Find all the information you need to plan your trip on our Sri Lanka hub.

Cyclades, Greece

Why visit now? To swim among hidden gems.

Let’s be honest: August in this breathtaking Mediterranean archipelago isn’t exactly peaceful. The weather is irresistibly hot and sunny, and popular spots like lively Mykonos and picturesque Santorini are bustling. However, smaller islands such as Schinousa, the deserted Fidousa, and rugged Iraklia offer a much more tranquil experience. Plus, you can escape the crowds by diving into the crystal-clear blue waters. Consider booking an open-water swimming holiday to explore bays, coves, and beaches at your own pace—rather than hordes of tourists, you’ll discover sea caves, rock formations, towering cliffs, and vibrant marine life.

Discover everything you need to plan your trip on our Greece hub.

What are the top destinations for wildlife and nature travel in August?

Sweden

Why now? For an exciting foraging experience.

The concept of Allemansrätt is remarkable. This “Right of Public Access,” enshrined in Swedish law, grants everyone the freedom to explore the countryside—visiting any beach, swimming in lakes, fishing from the coast, camping on nearly any land, and foraging wherever they like. With Sweden's vast wilderness, the options are limitless, and even in busy August, there's room for all. It’s an ideal month for foraging: keep an eye out for wild mushrooms and bushes laden with blueberries, raspberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries. Wondering where to go? Consider a wild camping kayaking adventure in the Stockholm Archipelago, a hike on the Kungsleden (King’s Trail) in remote Swedish Lappland, or berry-picking in the forests of Skuleskogen National Park.

Find all the information you need to plan your trip on our Sweden hub.

Ecuador

Why now? Ascend volcanoes, explore the rainforest, and shop at local markets.

This small nation of Ecuador offers the finest experiences of South America in a compact format. It boasts stunning architecture in Quito and Cuenca; ancient Inca sites at Ingapirca; vibrant Indigenous markets in Otavalo, Saquisil, and Zumbahua; breathtaking volcanoes (including the iconic Cotopaxi) along the famed “Avenue of the Volcanoes”; and an abundance of wildlife in the Amazon, the Galápagos, and the northern cloud forests. August is ideal for exploring both highlands and rainforests when they are driest, making it perfect for cultural immersion and outdoor adventures like climbing and whitewater rafting. Plus, Ecuador is budget-friendly, offering excellent accommodations.

Discover everything you need for planning your journey on our Ecuador hub. Alternatively, you can follow our writer Chamidae Ford's trip with Elsewhere.

What are the best cultural travel destinations in August?

eSwatini

Why now? Experience vibrant natural and cultural celebrations in Africa’s small cultural capital.

Nestled in southern Africa, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland until 2018) boasts the wildlife charm you’d expect, and August marks the peak of the dry season. With 17 game-rich protected areas across its diverse landscapes of bushveld, highveld, and subtropical forests, ranger-led excursions in Hlane Royal National Park are particularly exciting. However, the standout experiences are the cultural ones. Governed by one of the world’s few remaining absolute monarchs, eSwatini showcases its rich cultural heritage in spectacular style during the Umhlanga Reed Dance, held in late August or early September (this year's event is on September 4, so consider extending your stay). This grand festival in Ludzidzini features up to 40,000 vibrant, elegantly dressed girls performing for the king and queen mother, accompanied by stoic warriors, creating a breathtaking display of movement, song, color, and sound.

Discover everything you need to know for your journey on our eSwatini hub.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Why now? Dive into tango lessons in the birthplace of the world’s most passionate dance.

Few places intertwine a city and a dance like Buenos Aires does with tango. The rhythm of this passionate dance resonates throughout the Argentine capital, where the melodies of Carlos Gardel echo from countless windows. Visiting in August is not only delightful; it’s when the city immerses itself in the annual Festival de Tango, showcasing top-notch performances and concerts. Throughout the year, you can catch various tango shows at clubs and theaters, or enjoy the lively Sunday sessions in Plaza Dorrego. To truly experience the dance’s essence, take a lesson at a San Telmo milonga and join the late-night gatherings with seasoned Porteños, all fueled by exquisite Argentine red wine.

Explore everything you need to know for your adventure on our Buenos Aires hub.

What are the top destinations for food and drink in August?

Singapore

Why now? For lush landscapes and culinary delights.

Singapore is a vibrant destination that tempts visitors year-round. Positioned near the equator, it boasts a consistently warm climate, complemented by a food scene that ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling street stalls. August, when school holidays wrap up and rain is minimal, is particularly enticing. The city is increasingly embracing local and sustainable practices, highlighted by a revival of its hawker market culture and beloved comfort foods (like laksa, hokkien mee, and fried kway teow). Emerging “hawkerpreneur” chefs are bringing a modern twist to these traditional offerings while tackling food waste. Singapore is also committed to a greener future, with plans to double its nature parks and plant over a million trees by 2030.

Discover all the information you need to plan your journey on our Singapore hub.

Portland, Oregon

Why now? For outdoor dining and drinks.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its wet and misty climate. However, August is your best chance for drier weather, making it perfect for enjoying Portland’s outdoor summer food scene. This is the time to explore the city’s unique neighborhoods, relax on patios, sample offerings from food trucks, visit farmers' markets, and enjoy brews at the local microbreweries (of which there are about 70 in the city). Portland boasts the highest number of coffee roasters and cafes per capita in the USA, treating coffee with the same reverence as fine wine. A coffee crawl might include renowned spots like Stumptown, an iced cold brew from Courier, and a visit to Bison, the city’s sole Native American–owned coffee shop.

Discover all you need to plan your visit on our Portland hub. Also, check out local writer Margot Bigg's favorite dining spots in Portland.

What are the top destinations for adventure travel in August?

Caucasus, Georgia & Armenia

Why now? Experience an extraordinary and eco-friendly hiking trail.

Once finished, the Transcaucasian Trail will be an incredible 3000 km (1864-mile) route traversing the less-explored mountains of Georgia and Armenia, stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. Launched in 2015, this initiative seeks to protect the nature and culture of the Caucasus by establishing a premier hiking trail and promoting sustainable tourism along the way. Hikers can follow ancient shepherd paths, explore monasteries and historic villages, stay in family-run guesthouses, enjoy home-cooked meals, and sip on exceptional local wines. Hundreds of kilometers have been mapped, including a complete north-south crossing of Armenia, featuring the peaks of Azhdahak and Khustup, Lakes Arpi and Sevan, and the national parks of Dilijan and Arevi. A segment through Georgia’s Upper Svaneti is also prepared, although the high-altitude paths remain snow-covered until July.

Discover everything you need to plan your journey on our Georgia and Armenia hubs.

Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Why now? Pleasant temperatures for exploring.

The jagged, saw-toothed peaks of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia are truly ancient. Formed over 600 million years, this area houses some of the oldest multicellular fossils on the planet – the Nilpena Ediacara National Park, established in 2021, is perhaps the world’s richest and best-preserved paleontological site. Human presence here stretches back 49,000 years, with Aboriginal narratives intertwined with every rock and outcrop. August offers a great opportunity for your own Flinders adventure: although there's more rain, it fills the creeks and pools, drawing wildlife. Cooler winter days make animals more active – hikers might spot yellow-footed rock wallabies, emus, grey kangaroos, and flocks of galahs. The rugged northern section of the 1200 km (750-mile) Heysen Trail (starting on the south coast) runs through this region, concluding at Parachilna Gorge, winding through Mt Remarkable, Alligator Gorge, and the crater-like Ikara (Wilpena Pound). An epic hiking destination.

Find all the information you need to plan your trip to Australia on our Australia hub.