Wanderlust is at an all-time high with the busiest travel season — summer — just around the corner. Antsy travelers are ready to book long-awaited trips to international dream destinations. Despite the higher summer temperatures, August falls within the peak season for international travel, but no worries. These popular destinations not only accommodate bigger crowds but also create the perfect, fun-filled getaway. Add historical landmark explorations, exciting nightlife experiences, and relaxing days in beautiful locales to your itinerary. To find great deals on flights and accommodations, it’s best to book trips sooner rather than later.
01 Braga, Portugal
One of the most romantic destinations in Europe, Braga is a dynamic city where you’ll enjoy endless choices for cultural, culinary, and entertaining adventures. This forward-thinking European city is committed to both sustainable tourism and celebrating its rich historical roots. High temperatures reach the low to mid-80s in August, with around 10 hours of sunshine. Iconic Baroque churches, Old World plazas, and a bustling upscale city center make this a top destination for world travelers.
02 Cavtat, Croatia
Just 12 miles south of the busy, dynamic streets of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a Mediterranean resort town along Croatia’s southern coast. The city is a feast for the eyes, with pine tree groves, marketplaces, winding streets, and white-stone, red-roofed houses overlooking the bright blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Throughout August, the famous Cavtat Summer Festival features a variety of free concerts and sporting events. Temperatures reach the low 80s during the day but fall into the upper 60s at night.
03 Singapore
For travelers seeking more of a bright-lights, big-city experience, Singapore offers everything you need to create lifelong memories for your travel diary. The food alone is legendary, and culinarians will discover an infinite selection of exotic dishes and flavors to explore. Most of the city’s nightlife lies within the city’s center. Parks and nature reserves make up about half of the city. Expect daily temperatures to reach the upper 80s.
04 Reykjavik, Iceland
This breathtaking seaside capital city is Iceland’s largest, yet has a population of fewer than 200,000 people. August is one of the warmest months of the year, with high temperatures in the 50s and 16 hours of sunlight each day. As the month progresses and the days get shorter, there’s an excellent chance of catching views of the Northern Lights once the sun sets. The city boasts a fun-filled nightlife, along with a variety of music and cultural festivals, including the massive Pride celebration in August.
05 Oranjestad, Aruba
If you don’t mind huge crowds, hot and humid 90-degree weather, and plenty of opportunities to get your party on, Aruba may be your perfect destination. Oranjestad sits on this Caribbean island’s southern coast. Relax on white-sand beaches or swim in the deep-blue waters, and enjoy unique culinary experiences. Make plans to attend the annual Aruba International Regatta in mid-August, with sailing events, musical performances, and a long list of other festivities.
06 Rotorua, New Zealand
Thermal hot springs and mud baths are popular activities here in Rotorua, New Zealand’s North Island spa city. It’s also a hub for the Maori culture, with opportunities to visit traditional villages. The Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland is a must-see, where you can catch sight of erupting geysers and heart-stopping landscapes. If it’s cooler temperatures you’re hoping for, you’ll love August’s 55-degree highs in Rotorua, with four hours of bright sunshine each day.
07 Copenhagen, Denmark
The Historic Grand Prix vintage car race, the Strøm Electronic Music Festival, and the massive Copenhagen Cooking festival are just some of the events that take place in August in this picturesque, Scandanavian coastal city. Narrow streets and historic canals pass by ancient castles and an array of historical architecture that resembles buildings from a fairy tale. High temperatures range from the mid-to-high 60s but expect cool breezes sweeping in from the Baltic Sea.
08 Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria
Mountain summits, waterfalls, gorges, glacier fields, and pristine wilderness make this one of the most magnificent natural areas on the planet. You’ll find the park in the Hohe Tauern mountain range in central Austria. Fishing, hiking, hang gliding, mountain biking, nature trails, and river rafting are just some of the popular August visitor activities. Weather varies, depending on what part of the park you visit.
09 Florence, Italy
As July rolls into August in Florence, the weekly rains have diminished slightly, and the temperatures hover in the mid-80s. Florence is one of the most famous cities in Italy, a longtime favorite for backpackers and travelers in need of some serious R and R. The Renaissance architecture and churches are inspiring, but so are the artistic works — like Michelangelo’s Statue of David — that are on display here. You’ll find regional and traditional culinary delights in Florence, delicious wines from local vineyards, and lots of walking, foodie, and cycling tours.
10 Canary Islands, Spain
Fans of the Canary Islands, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, say the weather in August is idyllic. The beautiful island of Gran Canaria is one of the most popular, with an array of diverse scenic surroundings to choose from, from golden-sand beaches in the south to dark-sand beaches in the north and pine tree forests and volcanic cliffs in the northwest. The many calm and peaceful villages around Gran Canaria provide a refuge for those seeking new experiences and a slower pace.
11 Dordogne Valley, France
In the south-central part of the country, the Dordogne Valley is a beautiful natural area with deep cultural and historic connections to human history. August temperatures soar into the 80s, and locals and visitors alike head to the clean, clear waters of the Dordogne river for recreation. The valley is home to some of the most beautiful villages in France, like Collonges-la-Rouge, where cobble-stoned streets wind their way past charming artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants.
12 Sanur, Bali
The hot and humid island paradise of Bali, an Indonesian province in the Indian Ocean, is the most populous island in the world. Travelers love the relaxed vibe of Sanur, a city on its southeast side. It’s the island’s oldest resort area, yet it has managed to retain ties with traditional Balinese heritage. You’ll find no vibrant nightlife here, but you will enjoy ten hours of daily sunshine, a thriving and respected culinary scene, scenic beaches, and unforgettable sunrises.
13 Costa Rica, Central America
For travelers who prefer sustainable locales, this Latin American country runs on 99.5% renewable energy. Costa Rica sits between the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east. Surfing, whale watching, sport fishing, and canopy zip-lining are just some of the available recreational choices you’ll find here. There’s generally less rainfall in August on the Caribbean coastline, but be ready for hot temperatures that range from 75 degrees in San Jose to the upper 80s in Tamarindo.
14 Lofoten Islands, Norway
When you set foot in this destination, you’ll be just 124 miles from the Arctic Circle. Yet, in August, the daily high temperatures in the Lofoten Islands usually reach the upper 50s. Majestic mountains overlook the scenic beaches, and travelers can kayak between islands and explore to their heart’s content. Surfers recognize Lofoten as the world’s northernmost surfing destination, while artists appreciate the exceptional light conditions that fall across the landscape. Small fishing villages dot the area, and the communities here have strong historical ties to the Viking era.
15 The Maldives
The Maldives is a nation in the Indian Ocean made up of 1192 islands, but only 200 of them are populated. The capital city of Malé is also the location of the international airport and a popular snorkeling destination. Scuba divers and water sport enthusiasts also head to the bright turquoise waters surrounding Biyadhoo Island. August falls within the low season for travel and the nation’s rainy season. But the daily temperatures are warm, reaching the mid-80s, plus you’ll likely find some great travel deals, too.
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