5 Best Places to Visit in August

Introduction

August is a tricky month to travel. In many of the best places to visit in August, it can be hot, crowded, and expensive, and you will have to adjust to those conditions. It is actually a month we avoid travelling; however, with our little one, we know we will be travelling more and more in August.

We have travelled in August in very different parts of the world, and the experiences couldn’t have been more contrasting. From the monsoon season in Asia to long summer days in Northern Europe, August can feel crazy or incredibly relaxed depending on where you go.

In Europe, August often means holidays, packed coastal destinations, and calmer cities as locals leave. But it can also be a great time to explore countries that don’t suffer as much from extreme heat or mass tourism. In the north, August brings mild temperatures and long daylight hours, while Central Europe can still feel manageable if you choose the right places.

August can also be about purpose-driven travel. For us, that meant spending time in India for yoga teacher training. It wasn’t about perfect weather, but about being in the right place for the right reason, even if that meant rain and humidity.

As always, the best places to visit in August only include places we’ve personally visited. These are destinations where August made sense for what we were doing, even when conditions weren’t ideal.

Don’t forget to book your accommodations in advance – the best places always fill up quickly.

How to choose where to travel in August

August is not a month most people choose freely. For many travellers in Europe, it’s simply the only option. Many companies slow down or shut down completely during August, as school holidays are in full swing. If you have kids or work in certain industries, August is often non-negotiable.

That’s exactly why choosing the best places to visit in August matters so much. When millions of people are on holiday at the same time, some destinations become overwhelming, while others still work surprisingly well.

The weather is the first thing to consider when choosing the best places to visit in August. August can mean intense heat, especially in southern Europe, which changes how you travel day to day. Destinations with access to nature, lakes, or mountains tend to be much more comfortable. Countries like Norway or Austria handle August far better than dense, heat-trapping cities.

Crowds are unavoidable in August, but they’re not evenly spread. Coastal locations and famous cities are usually packed, while lesser-known regions or countryside areas are much calmer. Places like Slovenia or rural parts of Serbia often offer a better balance between atmosphere and breathing room.

In many of best places to visit in August you should also be adjusting expectations. In some regions, shops close, cities feel quieter, and local life slows down. That can be frustrating if you’re not prepared, but it can also be part of the experience if you lean into a slower rhythm and focus on being outside rather than ticking off sights.

In Asia, August can come with very different challenges. In India, for example, it’s monsoon season. Heat, humidity, and rain are part of daily life. That doesn’t make travel impossible, but it does mean August only makes sense there if you’re travelling for a specific reason, like a retreat, training, or long stay, rather than fast-paced sightseeing.

If you’re wondering where to travel in August, the key is accepting the constraints of the month. Choose destinations that stay cooler, offer space, or fit the reality of school holidays and collective time off. August isn’t about perfect conditions; it’s about making the fewest compromises for your situation.

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Weather in August: what to realistically expect

August weather is intense (especially since I don’t do well when it is too hot), but not in the same way in all the best places to visit in August. It’s one of the most varied months of the year, which is why understanding regional differences really matters.

In much of Central and Southern Europe, August is hot. Countries like Hungary, parts of Austria, and the Balkans regularly see temperatures between 28–35°C (82–95°F). Cities can feel heavy during the day, especially if you’re walking a lot. That’s why destinations with hills, lakes, or nearby countryside tend to be far more enjoyable than dense urban centres.

In the best places to visit in August in Northern Europe is a different story. In Norway, August brings mild temperatures and long daylight hours. Expect daytime temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), which makes exploring cities, hiking, and spending time outdoors much more comfortable. It’s one of the most pleasant months weather-wise in the north.

In places like Slovenia, August sits somewhere in between. Days are warm, but the presence of lakes, forests, and mountains helps balance the heat. It’s a good month for mixing city time with nature, especially if you plan activities early in the day.

Asia follows a completely different rhythm in August. In northern India, including places like Rishikesh, August falls in the middle of monsoon season. Temperatures are high, humidity is constant, and rain is part of everyday life. Expect around 25–35°C (77–95°F), often feeling much warmer due to humidity. Travel is slower, plans change often, and flexibility is essential.

The key thing to understand about August weather is that it’s rarely neutral. It’s either very good or genuinely challenging. If you accept that and choose destinations that align with what August offers, whether that’s cooler climates, nature, or purpose-driven travel, the month becomes much easier to enjoy.

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Best places to visit in August (based on our travels)

India – Rishikesh

August in Rishikesh is intense; there’s no way around it. It’s hot, humid, and firmly in the middle of monsoon season. But for us, August wasn’t about sightseeing; it was about being there for a reason.

Temperatures usually sit between 25–35°C (77–95°F), with high humidity and frequent rain. Days are slower, plans change often, and the weather dictates the rhythm.

We went to Rishikesh in August for yoga teacher training, and in that context, it worked. The rain created a quieter atmosphere, days were structured around practice, and the intensity of the weather almost helped narrow the focus. It’s not a destination we’d recommend in August for fast travel or sightseeing, but for retreats, long stays, or personal projects, it can make sense.

Norway – Oslo and the South

Norway is one of the best places to visit in August, weather-wise. While much of Europe struggles with heat, Norway stays mild and comfortable.

Temperatures usually range between 15–22°C (59–72°F), even further north. Days are long, and being outside most of the day feels natural.

We travelled through Oslo and Tonsberg in August and loved how relaxed everything felt. Walking, exploring, and even just sitting outside late in the evening was easy. August is one of the best months to experience Norway without dealing with winter conditions or extreme crowds.

If you’re wondering where to travel in August to avoid heat altogether, Norway is an excellent option.

Read: All our articles about Norway

Hungary – Budapest & Pécs

August in Hungary is hot, especially in cities, but it’s also lively, and that’s why it is one of the best places to visit in August. Festivals, outdoor cafés, and long evenings shape the experience.

Expect temperatures around 28–35°C (82–95°F). Noon sightseeing can be tought, but mornings and evenings are considerably more comfortable.

We visited Budapest and Pécs around August and found that timing was everything. Early starts, shaded streets, and taking breaks during the hottest hours made a big difference. Thermal baths and evening walks helped balance out the heat, with AC on at night.

Hungary works in August if you’re prepared to slow down and adjust your rhythm.

Read: All our articles about Hungary

Slovenia – Bled & Ljubljana

Slovenia is one of the best places to visit in August, which handles the weather better than most. Nature plays a big role as you are in the Julian Alps, which makes the heat easier to manage.

Temperatures usually sit around 25–30°C (77–86°F). Lakes, forests, and nearby mountains help keep days balanced.

We travelled through Bled and Ljubljana in August and really enjoyed the mix. You can cool off by the lake, retreat into green spaces, or spend evenings walking around the city without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a great option if you want summer vibes without full-on summer chaos.

Read: All our articles about Slovenia

Serbia – Belgrade & Zlatibor

August in Serbia is hot, especially in cities like Belgrade, but heading into the countryside changes everything.

Temperatures in cities often reach 30–35°C (86–95°F), while places like Zlatibor are noticeably cooler and more comfortable. Making them some of the best places to visit in August.

We spent time in Belgrade and Zlatibor (Tina’s hometown and one of the most famous places in Serbia) in August and found that splitting time between city and nature worked well. Belgrade was lively in the evenings, while Zlatibor offered fresh air and slower days. It’s a good combination if you don’t want to leave the region but still need a break from the heat.

Read: All our articles about Serbia

Is August a good month to travel?

Yes, but only if you’re realistic about what August actually is and choose the best places to visit in August.

August is the peak holiday season for many people. In Europe, school holidays are in full swing, and many companies slow down or close entirely, so travel dates are often set rather than chosen. Because of that, August isn’t about finding perfect conditions; it’s about making the best of the time you have.

The weather can be challenging even in the best places to visit in August, at least for me. Heat, humidity, and crowds are part of the deal in many destinations. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel, but it means that you will have to adapt. Go for early-morning exploration, long lunch breaks, and slow afternoons, and focus on being outside or near nature.

The best places to visit in August have either cool weather, like Northern Europe, or offer a clear reason to be there despite the conditions. Purpose-driven trips, retreats, long stays, or destinations with lakes, mountains, or green spaces tend to feel much more manageable than dense cities in extreme heat.

The key with August is mindset. If you go expecting empty streets and cool temperatures everywhere, you’ll likely be disappointed. But if you accept the crowds, adjust your expectations, and choose the right than, August can still be a rewarding month to travel.

If you’re wondering where to travel in August, the answer isn’t about avoiding the month; it’s about choosing places that work with it rather than fighting against it.