Best Places to Visit in August
The last full month of Northern Hemisphere summer
August continues July's peak-summer pattern across most of the Northern Hemisphere, with a few specific twists. Much of continental Europe — France and Italy in particular — sees many locally-owned businesses close for annual August holidays, even as tourist numbers stay at their yearly peak. It's the height of Mara River crossing season for East Africa's Great Migration, Edinburgh's Fringe Festival takes over the city, and Notting Hill Carnival closes out the month in London. Atlantic hurricane risk climbs through August toward its September-October peak. By late August, the first signs of the shift toward autumn begin appearing in the far Northern Hemisphere, even as peak beach season continues further south.
Good to Know About August
- In parts of France and Italy, expect some smaller, locally-owned restaurants and shops to close for annual holidays in August, even in tourist-heavy areas — a genuine local pattern, not just folklore.
- Mid-August to mid-September is widely considered the most reliable window for dramatic Mara River crossings during East Africa's Great Migration.
- Atlantic hurricane risk is climbing through August toward its peak in September — a real factor for Caribbean and Gulf Coast bookings made this month for later dates.
Destinations at Their Peak in August
France
26°C avg high · 55mm rain
Full timing guide
Italy
31°C avg high · 30mm rain
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Spain
33°C avg high · 15mm rain
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Iceland
14°C avg high · 65mm rain
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Greece
33°C avg high · 6mm rain
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Portugal
28°C avg high · 5mm rain
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Turkey
30°C avg high · 40mm rain
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Indonesia
29°C avg high · 15mm rain
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Peru
19°C avg high · 2mm rain
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Croatia
30°C avg high · 50mm rain
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Colombia
19°C avg high · 45mm rain
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Malaysia
33°C avg high · 174mm rain
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Canada
26°C avg high · 72mm rain
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Australia
19°C avg high · 65mm rain
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Germany
25°C avg high · 50mm rain
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Netherlands
22°C avg high · 99mm rain
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Norway
21°C avg high · 105mm rain
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Switzerland
24°C avg high · 120mm rain
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Brazil
26°C avg high · 45mm rain
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Sweden
22°C avg high · 65mm rain
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United Kingdom
23°C avg high · 55mm rain
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Austria
27°C avg high · 70mm rain
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Czech Republic
24°C avg high · 65mm rain
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United States
29°C avg high · 115mm rain
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Kenya
24°C avg high · 14mm rain
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Poland
25°C avg high · 60mm rain
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Hungary
28°C avg high · 50mm rain
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Bali
29°C avg high · 15mm rain
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Tanzania
23°C avg high · 15mm rain
Full timing guideGood Value in August (Shoulder Season)
Not at their absolute peak, but a solid weather-to-price balance this month.
Events Happening in August
Edinburgh Fringe 2027: Dates, Venues & How to Pick Shows
August 6 – 30, 2027
2027 Total Solar Eclipse Travel Guide: Luxor, Egypt — The 6-Minute 'Eclipse of the Century'
August 2, 2027 (totality reaches Luxor mid-afternoon local time)
La Tomatina 2027: Spain's Giant Tomato Fight Travel Guide
August 25, 2027 (last Wednesday of August)
Notting Hill Carnival 2027: Dates, Route & Travel Guide
August 28–30, 2027 (August Bank Holiday weekend; main parade: Sunday & Monday)
Burning Man 2027: Dates, Tickets & Black Rock City Survival Guide
August 29 – September 6, 2027 (Labor Day week)
US Open Tennis 2027: Dates & New York Travel Guide
August 22 – September 12, 2027 (Fan Week: Aug 22–28; main draws begin Aug 29)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do businesses really close in August in France and Italy?
Many smaller, locally-owned businesses do take annual August holidays, a genuine and longstanding pattern — though major tourist attractions, hotels and larger restaurants generally stay open.
Is August a good time for the Great Migration?
Yes, it's widely considered one of the two best months (alongside September) for Mara River crossings specifically, though it's also peak season with correspondingly high prices.
Is August too late for a summer European trip?
Not at all — it remains peak season with warm weather throughout, though some smaller local businesses may be closed for annual holidays, particularly in France and Italy.