Depending on where you’re based, it can feel like the whole world has shut down in August, such is the exodus of people heading off on their holidays. With the northern hemisphere in peak summer, it’s one of the best times of year to take a holiday. If you can’t beat them, join them, as they say. Of course, actually deciding on where to travel in August can be tricky. Long haul flight with three kids? Eh. Not great. Bored of the Mediterranean and after a bit of an adventure? Let’s see what we can do. Here at Plum Guide, we’re the travel experts, and love nothing more than helping you plan the perfect trip away. So, here are the very best places to travel in August.
Dorset, UK
An aerial view of Old Harry Rocks and the blue sea, Dorset, England, UK
Dorset is a wonderful place to holiday during August. Stretching along its southern border on the English Channel, the world famous Jurassic Coast offers up some of the very best scenery in the UK. It’s the quintessential British summer holiday, uncovering fossils amongst the cliffs at Lyme Regis, snapping photos at the impressive national landmark that is Durdle Door, enjoying an ice cream in the small, charming fishing village of Lulworth Cove, or rocking past Corfe Castle on a heritage steam train from Swanage.
Barn Owl's Lodge, Plum Guide home in Dorset, UK
Bali, Indonesia
Canoes on a lake in front of a traditional temple at sunset, Bali, Indonesia
There’s not much that hasn’t been said about Bali by this point. The Island of the Gods is a wonderful destination in August, with the dry season in full swing. Under clear, blue, sunny skies, explore the many enchanting Hindu temples in amongst lush rainforests and mountains. There’s waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, and a surprisingly vast amount of cafes and restaurants to keep you occupied for weeks on end.
Lake Tahoe, USA
Clear blue water with green trees in front of snow-capped mountains, Lake Tahoe, USA
With pleasant highs of 26°C, Lake Tahoe is a great option in August. Surrounded by national state forests and parks, there are endless ways to explore the beautiful nature on offer here. Hit the hiking trails on foot or by mountain bike, or spend the day cruising around on the lake with a catamaran (slow and relaxing), a paddle-board (good luck staying upright), a kayak (hard work but fun), or a jet ski (extreme speed - hair raising).
Sugar Pine, Plum Guide home in Lake Tahoe, USA
Malawi
A fisherman in a canoe on a large lake in Malawi at sunset, Malawi
Speaking of lakes, Malawi is just about perfect in August. Home to the impressive Lake Malawi (the third largest lake on the continent of Africa), you’ll find unrivalled, untouched beauty here. The area around Cape Maclear is particularly wonderful, offering snorkelling and diving trips out in the lake where you’ll find over 1,000 species of fish - many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Couple this with the classic safaris where you can spot elephants, lions, rhino, and giraffes, and you have one unforgettable trip.
French Riviera, France
An aerial view of white boats on the clear blue water by a beach in the French Riviera, France
As much as the French Alps are for winter, the French Riviera is certainly for summer. Visiting here in August is always a good idea, with the famously glamorous resort towns of Saint-Tropez and Cannes shimmering next to the warm, inviting Mediterranean waters. Not to mention the draw of Monaco with all its billionaire yachts and fancy hotels. Nowhere does summer quite like the Riviera.
Pétanque Parlour, Plum Guide home in the French Riviera, France
Cook Islands
A large green plant on the white sand at a beach in front of a small island in the sea, Cook Islands
Not all that far from New Zealand in terms of both geography and politics, the Cook Islands are a wonderful August destination in the Southern Pacific Ocean. At this time of year (the dry season) the temperatures are ‘cooler’, around the mid-twenties. We find that to be very agreeable for a day at the beach (there are plenty to choose from) or a day spent diving and snorkelling on the many, many coral reefs and lagoons.
Conwy, Wales
An aerial view of buildings and green fields and trees by a castle in Conwy, Wales
Not quite as tropical as the Cook Islands but still lovely in August, Conwy has a lot to offer those in search of the great outdoors. Visit crumbling castle ruins that date back to the medieval ages, or hike along gorgeous stretches of Irish Sea coast. Ride a narrow gauge steam train and explore the rugged mountains of Snowdonia on your doorstep. There’s no better place to visit during the Welsh summer.
Orchids & Cream, Plum Guide home in Conwy, Wales
Hamburg, Germany
A sightseeing boat on a blue canal by brown buildings in Hamburg, Germany
This old cornerstone of German industry often gets overlooked by many in favour of Berlin and Munich. But believe us, this is a city with plenty to offer those willing to give something different a try. Explore the famous docks and waterfront that built the city, cruise around on a bike tour to soak in the history, or just spend time eating your way through plenty of guilty German pleasures. August will guarantee you the best weather of the year.
Sicily, Italy
A yellow building in a narrow cobblestone street with colourful plants in Sicily, Italy
‘Italy’s football’ is the largest island in the Mediterranean - Sicily is simply unmissable. We have a long list of recommendations for this one, but you absolutely must try the street food on offer in Palermo (Mediterranean cuisine is at its best here), and take in the foreboding beauty of Mount Etna. In between, there are countless charming fishing villages, many of which remain unknown to the masses. With summer in full swing, August is the best time of year to visit.
King Of Your Castle, Plum Guide home in Sicily, Italy
Queenstown, New Zealand
The view across a snowy mountain range from the top of a peak, Queenstown, New Zealand
If you’re on the hunt for some winter sports in August, there's no better destination than Queenstown in New Zealand. Deep into the depths of winter, you’ll find the mountain ranges dotted with ski resorts and plenty of runs to keep you busy for days. There are four main ski areas to choose from: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak Ski Area, The Remarkables Ski Area, and Treble Cone.
Split, Croatia
An aerial view of Split Bay and brown rooftops through an old stone window, Split, Croatia
At this time of year, you’ll find that Split (the second largest city in Croatia) is enjoying the its finest summer weather. The sea temperature is around 23-25°C (perfect for swimming), and the city itself is a treat, with plenty of old neighbourhoods and wonderful architecture to explore. Day trips to the many islands and waterfalls within the region are also highly recommendable.
Under The Dalmatian Sun, Plum Guide home in Split, Croatia
Liverpool, UK
Boats docked in front of lit buildings at Albert Dock in the evening, Liverpool, England, UK
For so many people, the number one city in the UK is London. But those who really know their travel are well aware that Liverpool is also a top place to visit. This North West gem is a maritime city bursting with history, culture, music, and entertainment. And no, it’s not just The Beatles. Support local businesses by eating your way through the artisan food at The Baltic Market, take a day trip on the iconic Mersey Ferry, and enjoy the iconic views of the world-famous waterfront - the architecture of which has lured big-budget Hollywood productions to film throughout the city.
In My Life, Plum Guide home in Liverpool, UK
Orange County, USA
A building with a red roof at the end of a pier in the sea at sunset, Huntington Beach, Orange County, USA
Famous for a variety of reasons (a TV show included), Orange County is a region in Southern California, home to a number of spectacular surf beaches - as well as canyons and mountain trails. If you have kids, whisper it quietly, but it’s also home to its very own Disneyland resort. In August, the weather is phenomenal, with an average temperature of 27°C.
Land & Sea, Plum Guide home in Orange County, USA
Alice Springs, Australia
A large welcome sign with a waving flag, Alice Springs, Australia
While Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth rightly take acclaim, there’s nowhere quite like Alice Springs. Slap bang in the middle of Australia, you can take an unforgettable trip from here out to Uluru - the world-famous rock formation that glows a brilliant red at dusk and dawn. August is a fantastic time of year to visit because the desert is at its mildest, with temperatures at a very bearable 22°C in the daytime, and potentially down to as cool as 4°C at night.
Santorini, Greece
A white building with a blue domed roof behind bright pink flowers in Santorini, Greece
When considering where to travel in August, Santorini has to be on the shortlist. The rugged, volcanic landscape is iconic, especially with the classic white, cuboid houses of Fira and Oia clinging dramatically to the cliffs with their blue rooftops. You’ll want to bring the camera for this one. Around the island there are plenty of hiking trails to explore, with numerous secret coves and beaches tucked away. This is how you do a summer holiday.
Minimaluxe, Plum Guide home in Santorini, Greece
Mongolia
A group of camels grazing on a plain in front of mountains at sunset in Mongolia
Looking for a proper adventure? How about venturing off the beaten path and exploring Mongolia? Sitting North of the Himalayas in Central Asia, Mongolia enjoys beautiful summer weather in August, with temperatures hovering around the mid twenties. You can explore this vast, rugged expanse on horseback, and get to know the local nomads and their eagles by staying in a traditional yurt - the local cylindrical tents the locals typically live in on the plains. It’s an adventure unlike anything else.
Sardinia, Italy
A bird's eye view of a white-sand beach with clear blue water surrounded by green trees, Sardinia, Italy
With nearly 2000km of coastline and a mountainous interior criss-crossed with hiking trails, Sardinia is one of the gems of the Mediterranean. With long, warm days of sunshine and clear blue skies, it’s the perfect August destination. Unsurprisingly, this pleasant climate and the unbelievably fresh Mediterranean cuisine also has it designated as one of the world’s five Blue Zones - areas where people statistically live longest (well over 100 years in many cases).
Bougainvillea Veil, Plum Guide home in Sardinia, Italy
Seychelles
A view of crystalline blue water at a tropical beach with white sand and palm trees in the Seychelles
This nation archipelago consists of 115 islands sitting off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Naturally, you’ll encounter an array of beaches, coral reefs, and nature reserves home to an abundance of rare wildlife - it's also a place where you can snorkel and dive to your heart’s content. You’ll find the August weather is warm and dry, sitting at a lovely 26°C.
Algarve, Portugal
View over large cliffs and calm water on a beach in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve is well known by holidaymakers in search of sun and sand. The beaches on offer here are second to none, as are the many resorts, golf courses, and villas smattered up and down the coastline. It’s easy to see why this is considered to be the ‘jewel of Portugal’. In August, as you’d expect for southern Europe at this time of year, the weather is delightful.
Cubo, Plum Guide home in Algarve, Portugal
Medellin, Colombia
An aerial view of rooftops and trees from a cable car in Medellin, Colombia
Finally on our list of where to travel in August, we’re recommending the buzzing streets of Medellin, Colombia. Nicknamed the ‘city of eternal spring’ thanks to its agreeable climate throughout the year, August sees temperatures of 28°C with little to no rain. Retrace the footsteps of notorious cartel kingpin Pablo Escobar, take a cable car ride up to the mountain tops, and eat your way through the many street foods and markets available throughout the city.
