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Even though summer officially ends in late September, Labor Day Weekend signals that evenings grilling alfresco and beach weekends are soon coming to an end for most people in the Northern Hemisphere. However, we think August is actually the ideal time to end the season with a bang before the kids go back to school and life gets hectic again—so why not take one more leisurely vacation to soak up the final few dog days of summer?
Here, we’ve compiled the best places to travel in August around the world. From Maine and Turkey to Bermuda and Norway, here are some of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations to visit in August.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is a perennial source of design inspiration for us, with its quaint shops, rows of colorful hydrangeas, classic Americana aesthetic, and coastal architecture. With highs in the 70s and lows in the 60s, and only about five days of rain in August, it’s an ideal time to beach, bike, and shop (check out our guide on how to shop Nantucket exactly like a designer).
Alison Wright – Getty Images
Iceland
Nature lovers, rejoice! August is one of the best months to visit Iceland with its mild weather, outdoor activities, long daylight hours (about 15-17 hours!), and little to no rain. The Northern Lights also start to reappear in August, so you have a chance of seeing them in some parts of the country! Whether you stay in the capital city of Reykjavík or head to Glymur Waterfall for an unforgettable hiking experience, you really can’t go wrong anywhere in this stunning island nation.
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Lucerne, Switzerland
Each August the city of Lucerne, Switzerland, plays host to the Lucerne Festival which celebrates classical music and attracts some of the most-celebrated orchestras, conductors, and soloists from all over the world. The festival takes place near picturesque Lake Lucerne, making it an idyllic place to enjoy music. While you’re there, take in incredible Medieval architecture, wander the charming cobblestone-lined streets of Old Town, and visit the city’s art museums and gardens.
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Uganda, Africa
August is one of the best times to visit Uganda, as it’s a drier and cooler time of year (temps hover around 77ºF), and you can participate in some of the world’s best gorilla trekking. To get the full experience, stay at Trackers Safari Lodge, which is located just five minutes from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a prime gorilla-spotting safari spot).
Henrik Karlsson – Getty Images
Sydney, Australia
Since Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll get to enjoy late winter weather in August. With average temps in the 50s and 60s, it’s perfect weather for exploring all the city has to offer. Whether you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, observe koalas at a sanctuary, or admire boats at the Sydney International Boat Show (which runs from August 1-4 this year), you’re sure to have an incredible time.
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San Juan Islands, Washington
172 islands and reefs make up San Juan County, but you only can get to four by ferry (San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island). With average temps in the mid- to high-70s and very little rainfall in August, you’re almost guaranteed to have perfect weather. Though it’s possible to see whales all year in the San Juan Islands, August is one of the best months to spot orcas and humpback whales.
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San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
August is a great time of year to head to Argentina for skiing since its still late winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Though you’ll still likely have great snow, it’s the end of the season so you’ll avoid crowds and it won’t be quite as costly.
San Carlos de Bariloche is in the Patagonia region and borders Nahuel Huapi, a large glacial lake hugged by the Andes Mountains. With Swiss alpine architecture, beautiful hiking, great skiing, and incredible chocolate, this city is an ideal spot for escaping the dog days of summer in the U.S.
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Kennebunkport, Maine
Full of charm and character, Kennebunkport comes alive when the weather warms up in the summertime. There’s truly something for everyone to do, whether you want to fish, kayak, kite surf, go boating or hit one of the trails for a bike ride. Don’t miss the quaint downtown, which is filled with lively shops, art galleries and incredible restaurants.
Where to Stay: Goose Rocks Beach House
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Homer, Alaska
Though August is one of the rainiest months in Alaska, we promise the wildlife viewing and temperate weather will make the trip well worth it. Homer, Alaska, has average temps in the 60s during August, making it the perfect reprieve from scorching summer temps. Spend the day strolling picturesque Bishop’s Beach, head for a day hike, or plan a bear-viewing excursion with a tour guide. Homer is also the halibut fishing capital of the world (and August is peak season), so fishing aficionados can spend the day casting for halibut and salmon.
Taha Raja / 500px – Getty Images
Transylvania, Romania
If you associate the region of Transylvania vampire stories, you’re certainly not alone (after all, the legend of Dracula was based on Vlad the Impaler). But there’s so much more this beautiful central Romanian destination has to offer, and August is the perfect time to explore its natural landscape, impressive castles, baroque buildings, stunning churches, and Gothic fortresses.
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Bermuda
Bermuda is just a quick flight away for those living on the East Coast, so this island can be enjoyed even if you only have a free long weekend. Unlike most other islands, August is a great time to visit Bermuda because it is typically spared from summer hurricanes, and the weather is still quite pleasant.
Additionally, Bermuda celebrates the Emancipation the first week of August with a Cup Match cricket game. During this time, the island’s culture is on full display with food, drinks, games and festivities.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Bermuda
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Turkey
Turkey is the ultimate destination for those who love architecture, design, culture and natural beauty. Whether you head to Istanbul to see the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and famed Grand Bazaar or opt for a relaxing beach or yachting vacation in Bodrum, you truly can’t go wrong. Just don’t go to this incredible country without treating yourself to a traditional Turkish hammam experience—your stress (and dead skin) will instantly melt away.
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Charlottesville, Virginia
Whether you want to spend a day on the Monticello Wine Trail, play golf on one of the nearby championship courses, or take a private sunset flight over the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s idyllic countryside is a treat in the late summer.
There’s so much history and culture here to take in—three founding fathers have homes in Charlottesville and there are incredible museums and historical sites honoring the legacy of Native American and African American people from the region. The area is also home to Michie Tavern, a Colonial-era tavern where you can still eat and drink today (the menu features authentic southern recipes that were actually served during the 18th century).
Kelly Verdeck Photography – Getty Images
Trondheim, Norway
When you think of the best food in Europe, Paris, Rome or Barcelona may come to mind. But if you’re a foodie, Trondheim, Norway, should be on your travel bucket list. In 2022, it was designated as the official European Region of Gastronomy, and from August 1-3, the city will host both the Trøndelag Food Festival.
At these events, you’ll get to experience cooking classes, tastings from local food producers and craft breweries, and celebrate the food culture of the Trøndelag region. Bonus: With highs in the 60s, you’ll get a welcome reprieve from the dog days of summer.
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Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a fun destination any time of year, but in August the city truly shines. Whether you want to hit up a baseball game, attend a concert (the Chicago Jazz Festival will take place at the end of August), shop on Magnificent Mile, or eat your way through the city, you’re in for a great time.
Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography – Getty Images
Loire Valley, France
Take a quick drive or train ride from Paris to Loire Valley, which is known as the “garden of France.” This region draws visitors for its world-famous wine (including Sancerre and pouilly-fumé), beautiful chateaux, and scenic views of the Loire river.
This summer, enjoy an immersive sound and light show in the courtyard of Château Royal de Blois or experience the Nights of a Thousand Lights at Château de Villandry when the château is illuminated with 2,000 candles. Additionally, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire will host its annual International Garden Festival from now until November 3, 2024.
Where to Say: Château Louise de La Vallière
Julian Elliott Photography – Getty Images
Okinawa, Japan
Japan may not be the first place you think of for a summer vacation, but the country’s breathtaking beaches might just persuade you to hop on a plane ASAP. Just a 2.5-hour flight from Tokyo, Okinawa boasts clear aquamarine water and white-sand beaches that look like they belong on a desktop screensaver.
Plus, from July to September, Halekulani Okinawa is running a “Discover the Island’s Glow” package that will take visitors on a sunset kayak in a nearby national park. There, you’ll wade through mangrove forests and see thousands of fireflies lighting up the night sky. Sounds dreamy, right?
Where to Stay: Halekulani Okinawa
Ippei Naoi – Getty Images
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