Crowds could also be sardined in Europe’s cities and seashores, however there are nonetheless loads of locations that deserve some consideration in August.
With summer season and faculty holidays in full swing within the northern hemisphere, August is when many of us take a few weeks off work for a much-needed vacation. The identical goes for Aussies and Kiwis on the lookout for some winter solar. Crowds flock en masse to Europe to get pleasure from its historic websites and sun-kissed shores – particularly across the Med – so you might should be a bit savvier to keep away from peak season queues and prices.
However what about if you happen to’re not eager on crowds or choose broad open areas to stuffy cities? Look no additional. From wildlife-filled calderas in Tanzania to vibrant tango scenes in Argentina, listed below are seven locations to contemplate this August.
1. Tanzania
- Why go? See the Large 5 and climb Mt Kilimanjaro
- Season: Dry
- Temperature: 28°C (82°F) excessive, 21°C (70°F) low
Whether or not you’re intrigued by extraordinary landscapes, native cultures or wildlife, you’ll discover all of it (after which some) in Tanzania. August is smack dab in the midst of the dry season, making it a wonderful month to go on safari. Vegetation is skinny and animals are simpler to identify as they collect round rivers and waterholes. When you’re actually fortunate, you would possibly witness wildebeest charging by way of the Mara River in Serengeti Nationwide Park throughout their annual migration.
Ngorongoro Crater is one other high safari vacation spot. This 20-kilometre-wide caldera is a pure zoo (minus the cages) full of over 30,000 animals. While you’ve noticed the Large 5, head to Lake Eyasi to be taught in regards to the historic tradition of the Hadzabe folks, who reside historically with out fashionable affect.
August can be a very good month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. There are a number of routes, every various significantly by way of ease and worth. Take the Rongai Route (the best), the Marangu Route (the one path with hut lodging), or the Machame Route (longer and extra arduous, however the most well-liked). Which can you select?
2. Nice Britain
- Why go? Get energetic within the nice British countryside
- Season: Summer season
- Temperature: 18°C (64°F) excessive, 9°C (48°F) low
If there’s one month to gamble on getting good climate within the UK, it’s August. Okay, you would possibly must maintain an umbrella helpful, however gentle temperatures are perfect for basking in the fantastic thing about the English countryside. Punting by way of Oxford or cream tea within the Cotswolds, anybody? It’s additionally the very best month to comply with within the footsteps of the Romans alongside Hadrian’s Wall path or get pleasure from Wales’ hanging surroundings on a hike by way of Snowdonia Nationwide Park.
But when it’s surroundings you’re on the lookout for, Scotland takes the cake. Toddle alongside towering sea cliffs on the Shetland Islands, deal with Ben Nevis (the UK’s highest peak) or uncover myths and legends on the Isle of Skye. Throw in a medieval fort (or 10) and a whiskey tasting, and you’ve got your self a bonnie journey certainly.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Why go? Learn to tango within the birthplace of the dance
- Season: Winter
- Temperature: 17°C (63°F) excessive, 10°C (50°F) low
From its subtropical north to its subpolar south, Argentina is a real year-round vacation spot. However we’d be mendacity if we mentioned we didn’t have a mushy spot for August. Why? Tango, child! You’re by no means too removed from this sensuous dance in Argentina’s energetic capital – whether or not it’s the music of Astor Piazzolla blaring from bars in La Boca or {couples} twirling across the historic Plaza Dorrego – however in August, the town turns up the quantity for the annual Competition de Tango. Folks journey from close to and much to get pleasure from two weeks of tango competitions, reside tango bands and late-night milongas (dance events).
While you’re all danced out, head to Mendoza to soak your muscle tissue in its thermal baths. Then, get pleasure from a spot of wine tasting overlooking the snow-capped Andes.
4. Borneo, Malaysia
- Why go? Hike Mt Kinabalu and seek for wildlife within the jungle
- Season: dry(ish)
- Temperature: 31°C (88°F) excessive, 22°C (73°F) low
Malaysia is a melting pot of languages, cultures and cuisines, and its multi-ethnic make-up is a part of what makes it such a captivating place to go to. Image: absorbing Hindu historical past on the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, earlier than marvelling on the fashionable structure of the nationwide mosque after which eating on dumplings in Chinatown.
Whereas the western aspect of the peninsula is battered with monsoonal rains in August, the tropical island of Borneo sees its driest and hottest climate. It’s the proper time to summit Mt Kinabalu or cruise the waterways of the Kinabatangan River. With some luck, you would possibly see a wild orangutan swinging between the bushes or a pygmy elephant bathing within the muddy banks. Diving and snorkelling situations are additionally at their finest due to low rainfall.
5. Alaska, United States
- Why go? Make the most of lengthy days and seasonal foliage
- Season: Summer season
- Temperature: 21°C (70°F) excessive, 12°C (55°F) low
August in Alaska is all about being energetic. Lengthy days with as much as 18 hours of daylight provide ample alternative to benefit from the pristine Alaskan wilderness. The primary colors of fall which arrive mid-month additionally make it an additional scenic time of yr to hit the paths.
Weave by way of wildflowers alongside tundra trails in Denali Nationwide Park, kayak alongside sea otters in Resurrection Bay or stroll throughout the traditional ice of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park. Wildlife exercise additionally peaks as animals gasoline up with meals forward of the lengthy winter. It’s not unusual to see black and brown bears fishing for salmon alongside the riverbanks.
6. Iceland
- Why go? Discover areas which are inaccessible in winter
- Season: Summer season
- Temperature: 14°C (57°F) excessive, 9°C (48°F) low
Have you ever at all times pictured Iceland lined in, effectively, ice? Suppose once more. August is perhaps one of many busiest months to go to, however that’s as a result of it’s arguably when the island’s magnificence is on full show. The midnight solar, which lingers till mid-August, paints the sky in splendid streaks of pink and purple, the pastures are brilliantly inexperienced and wildlife is ample. It’s additionally the final month to roam free earlier than the climate turns and makes some elements of the island inaccessible.
Expertise Iceland’s dramatic surroundings as you contact the tongue of Europe’s largest glacier, stroll alongside Diamond Seashore the place chunks of icebergs are washed up on the black sandy shores and bathe in geothermal swimming pools. If seeing the Northern Lights is a non-negotiable for you, take into account visiting between September and March when the darkish skies provide higher viewing situations.
7. Turkey
- Why go? Go to Turkey’s main points of interest whereas vacationers flock to the coast
- Season: Summer season
- Temperature: 33°C (91°F) excessive, 21°C (70°F) low
Given the warmth, you would possibly assume the suggestion of travelling to Turkey in August is a barely foolish one. However whereas the package deal vacation vacationers bolt to coastal resorts, you’ll get to go to the nation’s big-ticket websites alongside fewer snap-happy vacationers.
Folks will inform you there’s nothing fairly just like the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, and so they’d be proper. Amble by way of its underground cities or admire its fairy chimneys from the sky on a dawn balloon trip. Then swap calm for chaos in Istanbul as you lose your self in its mosques, teahouses and spice-scented bazaars.
When you fancy a couple of days of R&R by the ocean minus the crowds, Kas is a good possibility. The crystal-clear waters right here make for glorious snorkelling or kayaking over its historic sunken metropolis.
Not set on an August journey?
Take a look at our suggestions on the place to journey in September and October, or discover our final minute offers.
