Everyone wants an August holiday, but we all have different ideas. Looking for the perfect destination? In this guide “August Holidays: 10 Best Places for Your Holiday” we’re happy to help, whether you dream of sun-drenched beaches with azure seas or majestic mountain panoramas. In August, you can practically do anything you set your mind to. We’ve prepared 10 destination tips for your August holiday.
August Holidays: 10 Best Places for Your Holiday
If you’re planning your August holiday, we’ve put together 10 tips for August destinations, including recommendations for great and well-rated accommodation in each location.
TL;DR
- Greece: Crystal clear sea, white villages, temperatures 30-35 °C, ideal for families and couples, excellent gastronomy
- Cape Verde: Exotic destination with African and Portuguese influences, consistently sunny weather, temperatures around 28 °C, a surfer’s paradise
- Croatia: Accessible by car, crystal clear sea, historic towns, national parks, temperatures around 30 °C
- Turkey: Top all-inclusive services at favorable prices, sandy beaches, temperatures up to 35 °C, rich history
- Maldives: Luxury islands with white beaches, turquoise water, rich underwater life, temperatures around 30 °C
- Italy: Diversity from beaches to lakes, excellent cuisine, historic cities, temperatures 30+ °C, easy accessibility
- Northern Thailand: Authentic culture, temples, mountain villages, night markets, temperatures 30-32 °C with occasional showers
- Sri Lanka: Combination of beaches, safari, historic cities and nature, temperatures around 30 °C, rich culture
- Iceland: Ideal for nature lovers, waterfalls, geysers, thermal springs, pleasant 14 °C, long days
- Montenegro: Beautiful beaches, dramatic mountains, historic towns, favorable prices, temperatures around 28 °C
- For families with children, we recommend Croatia or Italy; for an active holiday, Iceland or Northern Thailand; the cheapest options are Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
💡TIP: If you’re looking for a great package tour with a travel agency, check out the Invia portal.
Greece
Greece is a summer holiday classic, and it’s no wonder. The combination of crystal-clear seas, idyllic white villages, rich history, and excellent gastronomy makes it a destination that has something to offer all types of travelers. August is the peak tourist season in Greece, when you can expect high temperatures, minimal rainfall, and perfect conditions for swimming.
Whether you choose mainland Greece or one of the islands like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Skiathos or magical Santorini, you can expect local hospitality, excellent food, and unforgettable experiences.
August temperatures hover around 30-35 °C, and the sea is a pleasant 26 °C. If you’re drawn to a mix of relaxation and exploration, don’t miss out on ancient sites or traditional Greek villages hidden in the mountains.
Accommodation Tip: Try Skiathos Holiday Resort or Arina Beach Resort
Cape Verde
The Cape Verde islands are an ideal destination for an exotic August getaway. While European coastal destinations tend to dominate the summer, Cape Verde offers a refreshing change. These islands off the coast of West Africa are a year-round paradise thanks to stable sunny weather and a warm ocean.
Each of the islands has its unique character – from the sandy beaches of Sal island, through the mountain scenery of Santo Antão, to the vibrant cultural scene of Santiago island. Cape Verde is also known for its cultural mix of African and Portuguese influences, which is reflected in music, food, and architecture.
August temperatures here hover around a pleasant 28 °C, with ocean temperatures reaching 25 °C. Thanks to the constant wind, Cape Verde is also a paradise for surfers and windsurfing enthusiasts.
Accommodation Tip: Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa
Croatia
Croatia is a perennial favorite among summer destinations, and in August, it truly offers the best: crystal-clear seas, pebble beaches with turquoise waters, historic towns, and national parks.
Croatia’s advantage is its accessibility – you can comfortably drive here, which is ideal for families with children or those who want flexibility during their holiday. Whether you choose Istria, Dalmatia, or one of the beautiful islands like Hvar, Brač, or Korčula, you can expect a combination of nature, history, and excellent gastronomy.
August temperatures in Croatia hover around 30 °C, and the sea is a pleasant 25 °C. If you’re looking for a more active holiday, you can combine beach relaxation with trips to national parks like Plitvice Lakes, Kamenjak, or Krka.
Accommodation Tip: Try Locus Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik), Lakeside Hotel Plitvice (Plitvice Lakes), or Residence Kamenjak Premantura (Kamenjak).
Turkey
The Turkish Riviera is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations. Turkey offers a combination of beautiful beaches, rich history, luxurious hotels with all-inclusive services, all at very favorable prices.
Areas like Antalya, Alanya, Belek, or Bodrum are known for their sandy beaches and crystal-clear seas. Turkish hotels boast top-notch services, excellent all-inclusive concepts, and a wide range of activities for children and adults alike.
In August, you can look forward to temperatures around 35 °C in Turkey and the sea warmed to a pleasant 27 °C. Besides relaxing on the beach, it’s worth going on one of the organized excursions, whether to historical monuments, natural beauties, or traditional Turkish markets.
Accommodation Tip: In Antalya, we recommend Mediterra Art Hotel Antalya, and in Alanya, Oba Star Hotel.
Maldives
The Maldives are synonymous with luxury and the perfect exotic holiday. Although often associated with honeymoons, this archipelago in the Indian Ocean offers unforgettable experiences to all travelers. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and incredible underwater life make the Maldives a true paradise on Earth.
August in the Maldives is the period of the southwest monsoon, which means occasional showers, but also fewer tourists and more favorable prices. Temperatures hover around 30 °C, as does the sea temperature, meaning ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Each resort in the Maldives is located on its own island and offers a unique experience – from overwater bungalows to top-notch spa services and culinary delights. For lovers of underwater life, there’s an incredible diversity of corals, tropical fish, turtles, rays, and other marine creatures to see.
Accommodation Tip: Kandima Maldives
Italy
Italy in August embodies the Mediterranean summer with everything that comes with it. Beautiful beaches along the coast, historic cities with rich culture, excellent cuisine, and the “dolce vita” approach to life.
Italy offers incredible diversity: from the sandy beaches of Sardinia and Sicily, through picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast, to northern lakes like Lake Garda, where you can swim, go hiking in the mountains, or visit the Gardaland amusement park. Easy accessibility by car is also an advantage, especially appreciated by families with children.
August temperatures in Italy reach 30 °C and higher, and the sea is pleasantly warm at 28 °C. Keep in mind that August is the month when many Italians take their holidays (especially around the Ferragosto holiday on August 15th), so some local businesses might be closed and tourist spots more crowded.
Accommodation Tip: Try Palace Hotel near Lake Garda or Hotel La Ninfa on the Amalfi Coast.
Northern Thailand
While southern Thailand, with popular beach destinations like Phuket or Koh Samui, experiences its rainy season in August, the northern part of the country offers a more pleasant climate and unique cultural experiences. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or the former capital of the Lanna kingdoms are ideal places to explore authentic Thai culture.
Northern Thailand will charm you with ancient temples, traditional mountain tribal villages, rice terraces, and beautiful nature. In August, you can expect temperatures around 30-32 °C with occasional afternoon showers.
Don’t forget to visit the night markets in Chiang Mai, where you can taste Thai specialties at very favorable prices. Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity for treks to the Karen or Hmong mountain tribes, or a visit to elephant sanctuaries.
Accommodation Tip: Riva Vista Riverfront Resort Chiang Rai or Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island of contrasts, offering an incredible diversity of experiences within a relatively small area. August is an ideal time to visit the southern and western parts of the island, where you can combine relaxation on beautiful beaches with exploring nature and rich cultural history.
In Sri Lanka, during one holiday, you can experience a safari in Yala National Park, where you’ll spot elephants, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, climb the sacred Adam’s Peak, explore the ancient city of Kandy, or simply sunbathe on the sandy beaches of the south coast.
August temperatures in Sri Lanka hover around 30 °C, and the sea is a pleasant 28 °C. Air humidity is higher, but it’s mitigated by a pleasant sea breeze on the coast.
Accommodation Tip: Ravana Garden
Iceland
If high summer temperatures don’t suit you and you long for an active holiday in nature, Iceland is the perfect choice in August. This Nordic island offers beautiful views you won’t find anywhere else in the world – from mighty waterfalls, geysers, and thermal springs, to glaciers and volcanic black sand beaches.
August is one of the best months to visit Iceland – days are long, temperatures are pleasant (around 14 °C), and most roads and hiking trails are accessible. You can fully enjoy exploring this country, whether you’re driving along the famous Ring Road or embarking on treks into the interior.
Don’t forget to visit iconic waterfalls like Skógafoss or Gullfoss, relax in the thermal springs of Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon, and go whale watching off the north coast. Lovers of endless adventure will enjoy hiking in national parks like Þórsmörk or Landmannalaugar.
Accommodation Tip: Hótel Vellir
Montenegro
Montenegro is a small country with enormous potential for an unforgettable holiday. It offers a perfect combination of beautiful Adriatic beaches, mountains, and rich history. August weather here is ideal for both swimming and hiking.
Montenegro’s coast offers a number of beautiful beaches and historic towns, such as Budva with its Old Town or the Bay of Kotor, which is Europe’s southernmost fjord. If you venture inland, you’ll find the Durmitor Mountains with their national park, the Tara River Canyon, and many other natural beauties.
In August, temperatures on the Montenegrin coast hover around 28 °C, and the sea is a pleasant 25 °C. Another advantage is the favorable price level compared to other European destinations.
Accommodation Tip: Casa Mia (Budva)
FAQ
What is the best destination in August for families with children?
For families with children, Croatia or Italy are ideal in August. Both destinations are accessible by car, offer quality family-friendly accommodation, clean seas, and plenty of attractions for children. In Italy, the Lake Garda area with the nearby Gardaland amusement park is particularly popular. In Croatia, the resorts in Istria or northern Dalmatia are ideal.
Where to go for an active holiday in August?
For an active holiday in August, we recommend Iceland or Northern Thailand. Iceland offers endless possibilities for hiking, cycling, Icelandic horse riding, or whale watching. Northern Thailand, on the other hand, is ideal for jungle treks, visiting mountain tribes, or cycling. Both destinations offer a unique experience in beautiful nature.
Where is it warmest in August?
The highest temperatures in August can be expected in Turkey, Egypt, or the Middle East, where daily temperatures commonly exceed 35 °C. If you’re looking for warm weather but not extreme heat, Greece, Italy, or Montenegro are ideal choices, where temperatures hover around 30 °C.
Where is it cheapest in August?
Among the most affordable destinations in August are Bulgaria, Montenegro, or Turkey. All these countries offer quality services at favorable prices. Turkey, in particular, is known for its excellent price/quality ratio for all-inclusive resorts. If you travel outside the main tourist season or last minute, you can find advantageous offers in other destinations as well.
Is August suitable for visiting exotic destinations?
Yes, some exotic destinations are ideal to visit in August. These include, for example, Cape Verde, Northern Thailand, Sri Lanka (southern and western coasts), or the Maldives. For exotic destinations, it’s always important to check the current climatic conditions, as the rainy season can vary slightly from year to year.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
