The Best Places to Visit in August

Summer in the Alps is a very unique experience, and one of the best places to visit in August. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, peaceful woods, and crystal blue lakes, the air is fresh, and the atmosphere is serene. Holidays here are all about being active and there are a wealth of activities whether you want to be in the water, climbing up rocks, riding a road bike or mountain biking, there is something for all the family. All this with a good helping of delicious Savoyard food that you would expect when in the Alps.

Norway is simply one of the most dramatically beautiful countries on earth. It is a place where you need to get out and about and get in tune with your wild side - in the summer, climb vast craggy mountains to see the most amazing views. From seascapes to vast valleys, hairpin bend roads sweeping down to mirror still waters, dense woods to open plains - the region offers a diverse wealth of natural and cultural attractions to suit the interests of everyone, making it one of the best holiday destinations in August.

Watch the sun never set on a holiday in August in Iceland. Visiting in August and summer gives you the unique chance to see this daring country without its stunning landscape shadowed by snow. Whilst it’s not peak season for the northern lights – whale watching, hiking, puffins and dolphins thrive in the warmer season, making this destination a superb wildlife hotspot for any nature and photography enthusiasts.

With picture-perfect shallow turquoise waters blending into endless sandy beaches and luxurious accommodation, the Maldives is one of the best places to go in August. The ultimate desert island paradise, it’s ideal for a relaxing beach holiday, luxury honeymoon or family holiday. Each resort is set on its own private island and you arrive either by speedboat or seaplane. The beautiful island of Laamu is home to the luxurious Six Senses resort where you will be looked after from start to finish, allowing you to relax in pure five-star hospitality at its best.

Stretching along the South China Sea and nestled beside Laos and Cambodia to the west and China to the north, Vietnam is a long country that varies greatly from north to south. Most visitors tick off just a few highlights, leaving much of the rest of the country untouched. We’ve chosen this as one of the best countries to visit in August for an all-encompassing adventure, combining iconic sights with lesser-known gems and charming rural pockets. You may encounter some rain in Vietnam in August, but you get much more for your money at this time of year making it ideal for a longer trip.

Amazon and the Pantanal are the world’s largest rainforest and wetlands area respectively and a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. This is where to travel in August to get a view of the elusive jaguar, along with monkeys, anteaters, pink river dolphins and 600 species of vibrant birdlife. Riding, hiking and 4WD excursions are some of the best ways to explore this fascinating part of Brazil, home to this vast array of beautiful wildlife. Experienced guides are available to take you on excursions through the forest.

Uganda is situated on the equator and is known for its varied habitats. Bwindi Forest contains half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in order to protect and preserve the area and its flora and fauna. The endangered mountain gorillas are the main attraction here, but lucky families will also have the chance to spot chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, and some of the 346 species of bird, to name but a few, whilst staying near all the action in luxury lodges.

Sandy beaches, calm seas and a mystical world of Greek mythology to spark the imagination – Greece in August is the perfect option for a family summer holiday. With 15,000km of coastline, there’s no shortage of places to make a splash. Don your snorkel to go in search of schools of fish, fasten your life jacket for a spin on the banana boat, or grab a paddle and head out in the water by kayak. Whatever water sport you’ve got in mind, this is where to travel in August to give it a try.

Rustic lodges, forest walks, bustling cities and scrumptious cuisine. Canada is one of the best places to visit in August for families looking for a bit of everything. Kids and adults alike will fall in love with Vancouver, a city nestled in the mountains surrounded by the sea. Truly a fantastical location, get lost in the scenic views and aquarium before heading off to Vancouver Island to learn about the indigenous culture and enjoy outdoor activities.

Mauritius is always a good idea. Its swaying palm trees, powdery white sands and azure waters are the epitome of beach-side bliss. It's ideal for a tropical escape thanks to its world-renowned hotels with unparalleled service, pampering spas, eclectic mix of cuisine and fantastically diverse range of sporting activities both on land and sea. It’s one of the best places to visit in August for couples as it also tends to be cheaper to go at this time of year!

While travellers and locals alike head to the Algarve to cool off on Portugal's beaches, we recommend making your way north to Porto and Duoro Valley. With a rich gastronomy scene and some of the world's finest wines, an August escape to Porto is perfect for a couple looking for a lush foodie experience full of romance and stunning sights. Head at the end of the month for fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.

Heralded as the home of safari, Kenya offers a true 'Out of Africa' experience. The wildlife-strewn Maasai Mara is undoubtedly the jewel in the country's crown, which in the summer months is transformed into an enormous natural stage where the events of the wildebeest migration unfold. This makes Kenya in August hugely popular. Elsewhere in the country, you can get off the beaten track in Samburu and share stories with the Samburu tribe over your morning coffee. Or head to the palm-fringed coastline to swim, snorkel and dive to your heart's content and devour fresh seafood straight off the fishermen's boats.

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin with an expedition to the Galapagos Islands. Get up close and personal with prehistoric iguanas and lumbering giant tortoises and swim in waters brimming with manta rays, sharks and turtles. In this year-round destination, there is a different wildlife phenomenon taking place every single month. The highlights of the Galapagos in August include blue-footed boobies engaging in impressive mating dances on Española Island, sea lion pups being born en masse in the western and central islands, and the arrival of giant tortoises in the lowlands of Santa Cruz to begin nesting.