Where to go in August: 18 destinations without the crowds
Where to go in August: 18 destinations without the crowds
August is the busiest and most expensive month of the year. The real question is not just where to find sunshine, but where to find it without the saturation of the Mediterranean coasts.
Two strategies work. Head north, where Iceland and Norway experience their only favorable weather window. Or leave Europe for the Southern Hemisphere, where Indonesia and Peru are in the middle of their dry season.
| Type of August trip | Example destinations | Average temperature | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great outdoors in the north | Iceland, Norway, Scotland | 13 to 20 degrees | Only viable window of the year |
| Beach and warm sea in Europe | Croatia, Greece, Corsica | 28 to 32 degrees | Water at 25 degrees, but high crowds |
| Southern Hemisphere dry season | Indonesia, Peru, Costa Rica | 22 to 30 degrees | Best time of year there |
| Areas to avoid in August | Southeast Asia, India, Caribbean | Variable | Monsoon and hurricane season |
Where to go in August to avoid the crowds
Northern Europe is the most effective answer to summer saturation. Iceland, Norway, and Scotland experience their best month in August, with still very long days and open infrastructure that is not available the rest of the year.
Iceland is the ultimate summer destination for those seeking landscapes rather than a beach. August is the only month when the highland roads are passable, with temperatures of 13 to 15 degrees, full-flowing waterfalls, and enough darkness returning by the end of the month to hope for the first auroras.
Norway offers a milder alternative, around 18 to 20 degrees in the fjords. Hiking, cruises, and coastal villages are accessible without the tourist density of the south. Scotland completes the trio, with lush green Highlands and more affordable prices than Scandinavia.
Areas to avoid in August
Southeast Asia is in the midst of its monsoon season, with daily rains on Thailand's west coast, central Vietnam, and much of Malaysia. India and Nepal experience their peak rainfall, which blocks many Himalayan treks.
On the other side of the globe, the Caribbean and the southeastern United States enter the most active part of hurricane season. Bali is an exception in the region: the island is in its dry season and remains excellent in August, as detailed in our guide on the best time to visit Bali.
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Where to go in August for sun and beach
For a classic seaside stay, the Mediterranean certainly delivers in August, with water temperatures between 25 and 27 degrees. The price to pay is the crowds, which are at their peak during the first two weeks of the month.
Croatia offers the best compromise between clear water and diversity. The Dalmatian coast and its islands offer coves that are still accessible away from major centers like Dubrovnik or Split. Greece remains unbeatable for the number of islands, allowing you to escape the busiest ones for secondary options.
The Canary Islands are an underestimated option in mid-summer. Thanks to the trade winds, the archipelago rarely exceeds 27 degrees when mainland Spain surpasses 40 degrees, making the stay much more comfortable with children.
Where to go in August in France
Corsica and Brittany represent the two extremes of France's offerings for the month, one for warm seas, the other for cool temperatures and coastal landscapes.
Corsica combines beaches, mountains, and water at 25 degrees, but also experiences its annual peak in visitors: ferry and accommodation reservations are essential several months in advance. The southern beaches are the most saturated, while the interior and Cap Corse remain significantly quieter.
Brittany and Normandy offer the opposite: 22 to 24 degrees, remarkable light, and long days, without the oppressive heat of the south. It's also the best French region for a road trip in August, when the Autoroute du Sud is congested.
For the mountains, the Alps and the Pyrenees are at their peak. Refuges are open, passes are accessible, and temperatures are ideal for high-altitude hiking, with a welcome nocturnal coolness.
Where to travel far in August
The Southern Hemisphere and Latin America offer the best conditions for the month, counter to the European calendar. These destinations are in their dry season while Asia is under the monsoon.
Peru is experiencing its best month. The dry season guarantees clear skies over Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, with sunny days and cold nights at high altitudes. It's also peak season, so Inca Trail permits sell out well in advance.
Indonesia is in its dry season, in Bali as well as in Java or Sulawesi. Costa Rica experiences the *veranillo*, a lull in the middle of its wet season, which makes August much more feasible than one might think. Namibia and South Africa, in their austral winter, offer optimal safari conditions.
Before any distant departure, entry formalities and health recommendations should be checked on the website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs' travel advice.
Where to go in August on a budget
August is the most expensive month of the year, which makes choosing the destination more crucial than booking tricks. The difference in the cost of living at the destination weighs more heavily than the ticket price.
Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, and Georgia form the most accessible group, with coastlines comparable to Greece's for a significantly lower budget. Portugal remains the best value for money in Western Europe, by favoring Alentejo over Algarve.
- Go during the last week of August, when prices start to drop
- Favor Balkan countries, where the on-site cost makes all the difference
- Avoid very touristy islands in favor of lesser-known neighbors
- Book ferries and rentals far in advance, as prices only go up
- Travel carry-on only on short flights to avoid checked baggage fees
Which suitcase to choose for an August trip
August is the month of long vacations, and therefore bulky luggage. Two to three weeks away require a larger format than a simple one-week trip, especially for family travel.
For these durations, the stay format remains the base. Our guide on what to pack in your suitcase for a week provides the basis to multiply according to the actual duration, knowing that laundry can be done on site beyond ten days.
For Nordic destinations like Iceland or Norway, the constraint changes: you need space for technical and waterproof clothing, which is bulkier than summer outfits. For family departures, a set of suitcases is easier to handle than a single large, heavy suitcase. If you're planning a staggered departure, our guide for traveling in July allows you to compare conditions and crowd levels.
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Frequently asked questions about August travel
What is the best sunny destination to visit in August?
Croatia, Greece, and Corsica offer water temperatures between 25 and 27 degrees. The Canary Islands are the most comfortable option, with 27 degrees tempered by trade winds when the mainland exceeds 40 degrees.
Where to go in August to avoid crowds in Europe?
Northern Europe is the best answer. Iceland, Norway, and Scotland experience their only favorable weather window, with spectacular landscapes and tourist density incomparable to the south.
What are the best destinations for a family trip in August?
The Canary Islands and Brittany avoid the intense heat, which can be difficult with young children. Corsica and Sardinia are suitable for beaches, provided you book ferries and accommodation several months in advance.
Where to go in August on a budget?
Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, and Georgia offer coastlines comparable to Greece's for a much lower budget. The last week of August also marks the beginning of price decreases.
Which destinations to choose for a couple's trip in August?
The less-known Greek islands, the Dalmatian coast outside major centers, and the Norwegian fjords allow you to escape the saturation. In Corsica, Cap Corse and the interior remain much calmer than the south.
Where to go in August outside Europe?
Peru and Indonesia are in their dry season, their best time of year. Namibia and South Africa, in their austral winter, offer optimal safari conditions with little rain.
Which countries should be avoided in August?
Southeast Asia and India are in the midst of monsoon season, with daily rains. The Caribbean and the southeastern United States enter the most active part of hurricane season.
Is Iceland worth it in August?
It's the best month to go. August is the only period when the highland roads are passable, with temperatures of 13 to 15 degrees, very long days, and the first auroras appearing by the end of the month.
