When deciding on a place for summer vacation, it can be difficult to find a place that is unique, not crowded, or has peak summer pricing. These are some of the best countries to visit in August that will make your summer vacation enjoyable with less crowds and tons of amazing things to see.
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Best Countries to Visit in August: North America
Barbados
By Shar of Sightseeing Shar
Barbados is one of the smallest Eastern Caribbean islands, but it packs a punch! It is well-known for its glistening beaches and breathtaking sunsets. It is also Rihanna’s birthplace and is one of the best countries to visit in August.
Barbados is the best beach destination to visit in August because it is one of the flattest islands, resulting in a constant island breeze that keeps locals and visitors from getting too hot. Key things to do include exploring its many beaches (Miami Beach is my favorite!), booking a catamaran ride, visiting the animal reserve, and exploring the Animal Flower Cave, where visitors can swim in a rock pool. If you visit at the end of July, you may also catch the Crop Over festival, where everyone parades through the streets with music, dancing, and elaborate costumes.
Spending a week in Barbados to make the most of your time and enjoy the country. Though there are public buses, they are often unreliable, so renting a car is the most convenient way to get around the island. The best area for most tourists to stay is the south of the island since the waters there are calmer and showcase that million-dollar sunset the island is known for.
Barbados can be anything from a luxury to a budget-friendly destination, with luxury villas going for $1,000 a night to hostels and 3-star hotels going for $70 a night. One of the best things about Barbados is that all the island’s beaches are public, and the food is relatively cheap, making it easy to explore on a budget!
Belize
By Annie of Your Friend the Nomad
Looking for a lesser known tropical place and one of the best countries to visit in August? Consider exploring Central America’s most vibrant country, Belize. August is a low season for travel, so Belize is less busy and prices are at their lowest. That being said, it certainly gets hot this time of year, but thankfully there are some cooler parts of Belize you can visit if you’d like.
Most people split their time in Belize between the islands or beaches and the mainland. If you want to do both, be sure to give yourself at least 6 days, though 7-9 days is ideal.
For your time on mainland Belize in August, consider staying in Mountain Pine Ridge, which is situated at a higher elevation than most of the country, so it’s much cooler and more comfortable in the summertime. It’s also not too far from most of Belize’s most popular jungle adventures like the ATM Cave, the Hummingbird Highway, Xunantunich, and popular spots for cave tubing. Plus, Mountain Pine Ridge is full of waterfalls, caves, natural swimming holes, and other hidden gems. Renting a car during your time on the mainland is ideal, but you can also arrange transportation with your hotel.
After immersing in Belize’s nature in the Mountain Pine Ridge, it’s time to relax at the Caribbean! Choose between island life on Caye Caulker, Belize’s offbeat island near the famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or Hopkins, which was named the friendliest village in Belize and is located on the beach. Hopkins is ideal if you’re looking to get further off the beaten path and mingle with local Garifuna culture, but Caye Caulker is a tourist favorite and is still full of local charm. The best things to do in both places are to slow down, relax by the water and go on a snorkel tour.
It is worth noting that Belize is a bit more expensive than other Central American countries, but still less than a lot of Caribbean islands. There are plenty of luxurious resorts on private islands, but also a generous amount of more budget-friendly stays. English is the official language of Belize, so if you don’t speak Spanish but want to experience Central America, Belize is the place to go.
Canada
By Joanna of The World in My Pocket
In August, there is no better destination to visit the beautiful Nova Scotia province of Canada. The weather is just perfect for taking a road trip and experiencing everything this beautiful area has to offer. This makes it one of the best countries to visit in August.
To see the most interesting areas in Nova Scotia, you would probably need around two weeks. You can start with exploring Halifax for a couple of days, then hire a car and head over Cape Breton, the Annapolis Valley, and Lunenburg. As the public transport in Nova Scotia is not great, it’s best to hire a car to move around. This way you can have the freedom of exploring at your own pace, and go off track when you get the opportunity.
Halifax is a great city with a fantastic waterfront where you will find a lot of restaurants and café. It is home to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which hosts an exhibition about the Titanic, with original pieces that have been recovered when the famous ship sank. Halifax was the nearest harbor to the catastrophe. Don’t forget to visit the impressive Citadel, which stands on a hill above the city, and offers fantastic views at sunset.
Drive to the Annapolis Valley to learn more about the history of Nova Scotia and the Acadians, and to discover the wonderful vineyards of the province. Don’t miss trying the Tidal Bay wine, which is made by several vineyards, so it tastes different from one to another.
Next, head to Digby, to taste the best scallops in Canada at the Crow’s Nest restaurant. Whale watching in Digby is another great activity which brings visitors to this small city. During the summer months it’s almost guaranteed that you will see whales on a tour.
Don’t miss spending one day in Kejimkujik National Park, to experience the tranquility of the trails and, maybe see a bear or two. The end of the trip will take you to Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove – the most photographed lighthouse in Canada.
Nova Scotia is not a cheap destination, so prepare for spending quite a bit by traveling here. Budget hotels and motels cost around 150-200 Canadian dollars a night, whilst a meal in a restaurant ranges from 30-40 Canadian dollars per person.
Costa Rica
By Lucy and Dan of Thoroughly Travel
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and one of the best countries to visit in August. August is off-season for Costa Rica, meaning there are fewer crowds and cheaper prices. But this is also the middle of the wet season. While it rarely rains constantly (more likely you’ll experience infrequent showers), it’s worth noting that the Caribbean side of the country gets wetter weather at this time.
August is also the perfect time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife. This is the middle of turtle nesting season and the start of whale season as humpbacks begin to complete their migration from Antarctica. Other animals you can see in Costa Rica in August include sloths, monkeys, armadillos, agoutis, coatis, spiders, snakes and lizards.
The best place to go for wildlife in Costa Rica is one of many national parks and wildlife reserves. Manuel Antonio National Park is very popular with wildlife lovers and Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to a variety of unique plants and animals. Arenal Volcano National Park is also worth visiting for volcanic landscapes and the charming town of La Fortuna.
Costa Rica is easily accessible via its main international airport in the capital San Jose (SJO), as well as land borders from Nicaragua and Panama. 7 to 14 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Costa Rica, although more adventurous travelers may wish to stay for up to a month and camp around Costa Rica. It is possible to get around via public transport, although it is limited and fairly expensive. It’s best to hire a car for true freedom and flexibility. Costa Rica is more expensive than other countries in Central America but is still affordable. Depending on your travel style, a week in Costa Rica costs between $500 to $1500.
Best Countries to Visit in August: South America
Brazil
By Danae of Danae Explore
Brazil is great year-round, and is one of the best countries to visit in August. In August, Brazil enjoys good weather throughout the country! However, August is particularly favorable as it’s considered the low season: Brazilians have their school holidays in July, so there’s a good chance you’ll have the most beautiful villages and beaches to yourself in August.
As one of the largest countries in the world, Brazil boasts attractions that could keep you occupied for months. However, to visit 2 or 3 highlights of the country, ten to fifteen days should suffice. If you wish to explore the best of what the country has to offer, consider planning a trip lasting between 5 to 8 weeks.
The most famous areas of the country are often distant from one another, requiring air travel between them. Once you reach a particular area of interest — for example, a beach village in the northeastern region of the country — having a car provides the flexibility to explore the region more thoroughly.
When it comes to a trip to Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and beaches are usually unmissable, as well as Iguazu Falls in the south of the country. My favorite beach villages are Paraty (close to Rio), Porto de Galinhas, Morro de São Paulo and Pipa (on the northeast coast). The Amazon Rainforest is also a must-see.
Mother nature spares no effort in Brazil, the culture is rich, the people are hospitable and friendly, and the food is delicious. Big cities offer the best of art, museums, and nightlife. In short, Brazil has it all.
Although it is one of the countries with the highest cost of living in Latin America, traveling in Brazil is cheap compared to any destination in Europe or North America.
Don’t worry if you don’t know a word in Portuguese (the official language of Brazil): people are super receptive, love “gringos,” and go above and beyond to make you experience the best time of your life.
Peru
By Phillip of Jaywalk the World
Even though August is considered winter in Peru, Peru is one of the best countries to visit in August because it’s also the dry season. This means there will be little worry if the weather will be bad for all the hikes and adventures!
Peru is a big country with lots to see. Fitting an itinerary here in under two weeks is nearly impossible or simply stressful. I suggest three weeks here if you truly want to do it all!
Traveling around Peru on a budget and without a car is a breeze! There are numerous buses that operate daily, connecting major towns. Plus, every town has affordable transportation options known as ‘colectivos,’ making your travel within Peru both economical and convenient. These colectivos can take you from town to a hike’s trailhead or a town two hours away for a few dollars!
Surf at the beaches of northern Peru in Mancora, hike to Laguna 69 in the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz, go sandboarding in the dunes of Huacachina, Machu Picchu, and explore one of the most historically significant cities in the world, Cusco. Peru has it all. Some say Peru is the cheapest country to visit in South America. At the end of the day, you can travel here for as cheap or luxuriously as you want. There’s something for everyone.
During my many trips to Peru, I found that the best towns to visit were Huaraz, Cusco, and Arequipa. If city travel piques your interest more, Lima and especially the Miraflores district, has a lot to offer travelers!
Best Countries to Visit in August: Europe
Iceland
By Victoria of Iceland Trippers
One of the best countries to visit in August is Iceland. Iceland in August means days are longer and temperatures are mild during the summer. So, you can spend your time outside exploring magnificent waterfalls and doing fantastic local hikes to Reykjadalur Hot Springs and Glymur waterfall.
It’s also a great time to plan a trip along the Ring Road since you don’t have to worry about adverse road conditions. So, after arriving at the international airport in Reykjavík, spend a few days in the capital before renting a car and doing an amazing two-week road trip through the country. You can stop in many different places and soak in hot springs/hot pots like Seljavallalaug, Hrunalaug, and the Reykjadalur Hot Springs
Plan to spend around $300 to $400 per person per day on your trip. However, if you travel in Iceland on a budget then you can spend as little as $150 per person per day. But, this is definitely not a budget-friendly destination.
If you can, try and attend Þjóðhátið. This is the biggest festival of the year in Iceland and it takes place during the first week of August. It’s technically a music festival on an island off the coast, but is very much about three days of partying.
However, if you’re not into drinking, partying, and camping outdoors then you can always attend the Innipúkin Music Festival in Reykjavik. This event is more about the music and is a very toned-down version of the Þjóðhátið festival.
Depending on your itinerary, you can spend a few days at Center Hotels Laugavegur in Reykjavik and do day trips from there. Otherwise, rent a car and drive the Ring Road. You can stay at various hotels along the way like Hotel Ranga in Hella, Höfn Guesthouse, and Hafdals Hotel in Akureyri.
Albania
By Sean of Extended Getaway
Albania is one of the most underrated countries to visit in Europe, and one of the best countries to visit in August. It attracts just a fraction of travelers nearby Greece and Croatia, meaning your experience in the country will likely be more authentic and budget friendly!
In August, the weather is fantastic, and prices don’t rise too much – making it a great summer getaway. Two weeks in Albania to a full month is the perfect amount of time to discover what the country has to offer.
So, what is on offer in Albania? Albania is such a diverse country – with something for everyone. But in my opinion, the “bucket list” things you need to see are:
- The Albanian Alps: Valbone to Theth Hike
- The Blue Eye: a beautiful water spring in Sarande
- Tirana: Here, you can check out history museums including BunkArt2, which is inside a nuclear bunker
- Gjirokaster: ‘The Stone City’, a beautiful historic city
The best way to get to Albania is to fly into Tirana. Many countries in Europe offer direct flights here as well! If you’re traveling around the Balkans, you can get to Albania by bus through Montenegro or North Macedonia. There is no “best” place to stay in the country, but if you love a beach holiday – focus on the Albanian Riviera. For nature enthusiasts, staying in Shkoder means you’re just a stone’s throw away from gorgeous mountains.
For history nuts, Tirana is great for communist history and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Gjirokaster and Berat and great places to stay. Arguably, the best part about visiting Albania is that it’s really affordable. For budget travelers, it’s possible to visit for under $25 a day or if you prefer a little more luxury, $90 a day.
Malta
By Robyn of Two Empty Passport
Malta is one of the best countries to visit in August. With its warm weather, crystal waters, and charming towns, it’s no wonder this Mediterranean gem is gaining popularity.
The island of Malta comes alive in August. Whether you enjoy hiking beautiful landscapes, exploring ancient ruins, or visiting charming towns, Malta has more than enough to keep you entertained. The Delicata Wine, PINTA Beer, and International Food Festivals also take place in August and offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the unique Maltese food and culture.
A can’t miss activity in Malta is to hop on a boat tour and explore Comino island, the Blue Lagoon, and surrounding sea caves. Discover hidden lagoons and spend the day swimming and snorkeling in the warm waters.
Spending 7 to 10 days in Malta is recommended. This will allow you to visit the top attractions at a relaxed pace, enjoy the vibrant culture, sample delicious food, and relax on the incredible beaches. Flying is the best way to get to Malta, and most major European cities offer direct flights. The best way to get around Malta is by car. However, it is recommended to pick up your rental car after leaving the pedestrian-only capital city of Valletta. There are many day trips you could take as well.
Stay in the pedestrian-only capital city of Valletta if you enjoy historical charm, easy access to attractions, and a variety of restaurants. If you’re craving the beach, then stay in the quiet town of Mellieha. Prices in Malta are comparable to other Mediterranean countries like Italy or Greece. However, there are plenty of affordable accommodations, free activities, and inexpensive dining options. For a more budget-friendly holiday, the shoulder season offers better prices and fewer crowds.
Slovenia
By Goya of Goya Galeotta
If you’re looking for an underrated gem to explore in August, Slovenia should be at the top of your list! My husband and I visited this enchanting country for our honeymoon and absolutely fell in love with its charm and beauty. So much so that we ended up going again and again!
The weather in August is sunny and warm, ideal for both coastal relaxation and mountain adventures. Plus, the whole country is host to many festivals and outdoor events. The Ljubljana Festival is in full swing, offering an eclectic mix of music, theatre, and dance, while “Library under Treetops” and the delicious ‘Open Kitchen’ food market turn the capital into an al fresco heaven. Ptuj’s ‘Days of Poetry and Wine’ and Piran’s Tartini Festival are also worth a trip!
To fully appreciate Slovenia’s beauty, plan for 5-7 days. This gives you enough time to experience its varied regions without feeling rushed.
Fly into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, which has good connections to major European cities. You can also take a 3h bus from Venice to Ljubljana if you’re planning more of a Eurotrip, or fly to Graz Airport (yes, as in Austria!) if you want to start your Slovevian trip in Slovenia’s second biggest city Maribor.
Base yourself in Ljubljana, the heart of Slovenia, for a few days to soak in its cultural offerings. Then, take a day trip or road trip to explore other regions such as Bled, Bohinj, Piran, Maribor and Brda.
Start in Ljubljana with its picturesque Old Town, markets, and festivals. Visit Lake Bled for its fairytale castle and serene boat rides. Bohinj (and the entire Triglav Region, really) offers stunning natural beauty — perfect for hiking, kayaking, swimming and rafting. The coastal town of Piran enchants with its Venetian architecture and seaside charm. Don’t miss the wine tastings in the vineyards of Brda and the awe-inspiring caves of the Karst region.
Slovenia is relatively budget-friendly compared to Western European destinations. You’ll find a range of accommodations, from charming B&Bs to luxury hotels, and dining options to fit every budget, from cute mom-and-pop restaurants to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for visiting remote areas or for day trips from Ljubljana. While Slovenia is small, distances shouldn’t be underestimated. The Julian Alps can separate towns that seem close on the map, making travel times longer than expected.
Best Countries to Visit in August: Africa
Namibia
By Dotti of Explore Travel Oasis
August is a fantastic time to visit Namibia. It’s winter in the southern hemisphere, so the weather is delightful, with pleasant days and chilly evenings. August is also the dry season, so it’s the best time for wildlife watching at Etosha National Park.
To fully experience Namibia, you need a minimum of 2 weeks. If you can manage 3 weeks, that’s even better. Namibia is really big with tons of things to see and do, so you need a lot of time to fully explore the country!
The best way to get to Namibia is to fly into Windhoek, the capital. There is little to no public transport in Namibia, so a rental car is absolutely necessary. There is no one best place to stay in Namibia. Rather, the best way to explore the country is to rent a car with a camping set-up and head off on a Namibia camping road trip.
On your road trip, climb some of the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei, or go hiking for days in the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world. Get your adventure activity fix at Swakopmund, where you can go sandboarding, 4x4ing, or explore the mystical Sandwich Harbour. One of the ultimate Namibia activities is to go on a self-drive safari in Etosha National Park, home to all the African wildlife you can imagine.
Namibia isn’t cheap, but it’s much more affordable than many other African destinations. Your biggest expense will be car hire, but if you get the camping gear, camping is affordable at around $10 per person per night. National parks are likewise very affordable at around $20/day for entrance. In Etosha, you can self-drive rather than go on an organized safari, making it one of the cheapest places in the world to see the Big Five. No matter what, it is one of the best countries to visit in August.
Best Countries to Visit in August: Asia
Japan
By Brandon of Zimmin Around the World
August is a great time to visit Japan. The rainy season usually ends in July, so August is typically drier, although hot and humid depending on where you travel to. August is not peak tourist season, so places like Kyoto and Tokyo should not feel overwhelming. But the best reason to visit Japan in August is for the festivals. Many cities throughout Japan host large and elaborate festivals. One of the best festivals is Okinawa’s Eisa festival. During Okinawa’s Eisa festival, there is a parade of 10,000 Eisa dancers.
Japan is a large country and festivals occur in August throughout the country. To scratch the surface of Japan, eat local food, see multiple cities, and experience new things, it is recommended to spend a minimum of ten days to two weeks in Japan.
Japan is well connected. Most visitors will land in Narita or Haneda, from there it is easy to fly within the country or rely on public transportation the entire time. Why not try out the shinkansen? Japan’s local high-speed train, where you can travel between cities like Tokyo and Osaka in a matter of a few hours.
Places like Kyoto and Tokyo get a lot of visitors but there is so much more to Japan. It is recommended to see these cities but also stay in
a few places that are not well known like Takayama, Nikko, or even Okinawa. Accommodation in Japan is very reasonable, there are even companies that shop your bags from hotel to hotel. So, it is recommended to stay in various cities.
There is something for everyone in Japan. Into hiking? You have the Japanese Alps in central Japan. If walking around cities and going to cafes is your thing, then there are plenty of large cities to discover. If you are into the outdoors and love to hike, scuba dive, or relax on the beach, then Okinawa is one of the best places in the world for it. Japan has a reputation for being expensive but in fact it is pretty cheap. Dining in Japan can be very reasonable, hotels are nowhere near prices you pay in North America or Europe, and many activities are free.
India
By Plan Ashley Go
India makes for a great tourist destination in August as it greets you with cool monsoon drizzle during this time. With an array of cultural experiences and some of the best beaches in the country, the southern coastal state of Kerala tops the list of best places to visit in India in August.
During this time the warm and humid weather of the region gives way to cool breeze and occasional showers making it your ideal choice for a beach destination. Some of the best experiences to have in Kerala include visiting the colonial town of Fort Kochi, watching a cultural performance of Kathakali—an ancient dance-drama performance native to the region, exploring the backwaters on a houseboat, visiting tea plantations in Munnar, spotting the wild in Periyar National Park, surfing in Varkala Cliff Beach, parasailing at Kovalam International Beach, and swimming in the Blue Flag certified beach of Kappad.
You can reach Kerala by boarding a flight to one of the two well-connected international airports of Cochin or Trivandrum. Once you reach Kerala, you can hire a cab for your entire trip. You can also go for cheaper transportation options in Kerala like trains and state buses. For shorter distances, you can rely on ferry boats or tuk-tuks. Kerala is one of the cleanest and greenest states of India with a well-organized public transport system.
I would recommend you spend at least ten days in Kerala for a wholesome vacation. Due to the low currency exchange rate, India is a super-budget destination for an American traveler. For $200 a day, you can taste luxury in a five-star stay, complete with private Jacuzzis and spa treatments.
Final Thoughts on Best Countries to Visit in August
There are many of the best countries to visit in August, but these are some of the best and underrated options. In addition, make sure to check out other amazing countries like New Zealand, Fiji, Ecuador, and Singapore.
