Where to go in August

Where to go in August

Southern Europe bakes under the hot August sun, but it also comes into its own – and there are plenty of ways to cool off. Take a dip in the sparkling Aegean Sea and wander around whitewashed Greek villages; sip on Aperol spritzes and slurp up creamy gelato on the Amalfi coast; or find secluded coves, tuck into fresh seafood and soak up the Mediterranean charm on the French Riviera. Don’t fancy sizzling? Explore Iceland’s otherworldly geological delights or head north into the Scandinavian wilderness. August adventures also await in the USA and Canada, whether you fancy hiking your way around their spectacular national parks, experiencing the buzz of culture-laden cities or lounging lakeside. Get to know Brazil’s bountiful beauty with fewer crowds in August, from the golden sands of Rio de Janeiro’s beaches to the pastel-painted buildings of Salvador de Bahia and prime wildlife-watching time in the Pantanal.

BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN AUGUST

USA

USA

In the vast United States, there’s somewhere different to discover in every season. But if you fancy hitting a heatwave? Head to the southern states in August, where desert areas like Arizona, or subtropical regions like Florida and Louisiana burn under a glowing sun. While it requires a lot of grit to withstand the midday sizzle, there are pockets of tranquillity and beauty found everywhere – escape the heat with a pre-dawn yoga session, take a dip in the sparkling ocean, or sink a cocktail in a cliffside bar under a starlit sky. Alternatively, head to New York, San Francisco, New England, Chicago, Boston or the California coast where the thermometer doesn’t climb so high. To add even more options to the mix, you could stop by the unforgettable Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border, fulfil your tropical paradise fantasy on the beaches of Honolulu, or experience the sheer immensity of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The choice is all yours…

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Canada

Canada

August marks the peak of the Canadian summer. From Edmonton to Montreal and Vancouver to Toronto, it’s prime time for festivals of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s the epic, electronic, glow-in-the-dark Shambhala Music Festival or artsy folk festivals and Shakespearean plays acted out on the sand during Bard on the Beach, there’s a joyful buzz in the air. In such a colossal country, the climate varies across regions, but August usually brings with it warm, dry and sunny days perfect for exploring its wide-open spaces and diving into all things outdoorsy. From hiking to mountain biking and climbing to rafting, adrenaline sports are part of the scenery here.

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Iceland

Iceland

Nicknamed the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, Iceland’s geological beauty is astonishing. A volcanic island home to soaring fjords, glistening glaciers, lava fields and black-sand beaches – every sight in Iceland is a reminder of the power of Mother Nature. August is one of the country’s hottest months with temperatures hovering between ten and 15°C – not exactly balmy, but warm enough to feel the full force of its wilderness. Expect vast canyons, deep emerald-green valleys, towering cliffs that plunge into the pulsing ocean and intricate fairytale-like rock formations. Swap natural wonders for urban ones with an evening stroll in Reykjavik or join in with Verslunarmannahelgi (or ‘Merchants’ Weekend’) – a bank holiday celebration on the first weekend in August – for an explosion of music and food themed festivities.

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Greece

Greece

Greece in August is a no-brainer. Scorching heat, bucketloads of history, lip-smacking cuisine, incredible beaches and an island for every mood – it’s a summer paradise of epic proportions. At times, the scorching Mediterranean sun reaches unprecedented highs, leaving travellers at the mercy of their sun loungers, hiding under the shade of trees and sipping cocktails (it’s a tough life). But fear not, a gentle sea breeze offers sweet relief, cooling you down in time for an afternoon outing. Meander sleepy seaside villages in Crete, sink under crystal-clear azure waters in the Cyclades, transport yourself back to the first Olympics in Olympia, tour sprawling olive groves in Corfu and experience a classic theatre performance in an ancient amphitheatre built into the Acropolis. An August holiday in Greece is unforgettable on every level.

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Brazil

Brazil

Brazil is South America turned up a notch (or two). Ranging from far-reaching metropolises to mammoth jungles, all topped off with awesome biodiversity and a wealth of history – it’s no wonder that it has fascinated adventurers for over five centuries. The mysterious allure of Brazil’s mighty interior is irresistible to intrepid travellers. Brasilia, the country’s capital, was built in the mid-20th century and surprises visitors with its strong, curved architecture, while Manaus sits in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest, a gateway to the green wilderness that lies beyond. Brazil also attracts serious sun-worshippers, and there’s no shame in chilling out on the beach all day long, especially when the sands are as inviting as at Rio’s Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. August is a highlight for those who want to hop between the legendary beaches of the region, from Fortaleza’s sun-drenched shores to Natal’s rippling dunes.

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