Best Places to Visit in August 2026

August is peak travel season and prices reflect it. Flights and hotels in Europe hit their yearly highs. The trade-off: the weather is consistently warm, schools are out, and major festivals run across the continent. For better deals, look south of the equator where August is winter, or target destinations that thin out after European holidays end mid-August. Here are 12 places worth the August premium.

Greek Islands

August in Greece means 90F days, warm Aegean water, and every island at full capacity. Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are the most popular. Santorini cave hotels run $250-500 per night in August (vs $150 in October). Flights from the US start at $500 round-trip through Athens. Ferry passes between islands cost $30-60 per hop.

For fewer crowds, try Naxos (largest Cycladic island, best beaches), Milos (volcanic coastline, Sarakiniko moonscape beach), or Corfu (Venetian architecture, green mountains). These islands cost 30-40% less than Santorini and Mykonos with equally stunning water.

Iceland

August is Iceland's warmest month at 55F with 18+ hours of daylight. The midnight sun fades by late August but nights never get fully dark. The Ring Road is fully open. Puffins nest on the Westman Islands through mid-August. Flights from the US start at $350 round-trip on Icelandair or PLAY. Campervan rentals ($120-200 per day) are the best way to see the country.

The Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) is a day trip from Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon ($75 entry, book ahead) is the most famous geothermal pool. The Highlands open in August with 4WD tracks leading to Landmannalaugar's rainbow mountains. Whale watching from Husavik ($80 per tour) has a 98% sighting rate in August.

Croatia

Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar are at their peak in August. Dubrovnik gets cruise ship crowds that overwhelm the old town walls by 10am. The solution: stay in Cavtat (20 minutes by boat, half the price) and day-trip to Dubrovnik early morning. Flights from the US start at $450 round-trip through Zagreb. Hotels on Hvar island run $150-300 per night.

Bali, Indonesia

August is peak dry season in Bali with zero rain and 85F days. This is the busiest and most expensive month. Ubud villas that cost $30 in December run $80-120 in August. Flights from the US start at $700 round-trip. Seminyak beach clubs, Uluwatu temple sunset, and Tegallalang rice terraces are the highlights. Book accommodation 3 months ahead.

Cape Town, South Africa (Winter Escape)

August is winter in Cape Town (55-65F) but prices drop 40% from December peaks. Whale watching season peaks in August with Southern Right whales visible from the shore at Hermanus. The V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain (cable car $20), and the Cape Winelands are comfortable year-round. Flights from the US start at $450 round-trip. Hotels average $50-80 per night.

How to Save on August Travel

August prices are the highest of the year for most Northern Hemisphere destinations. Save by traveling the last week of August when European holidays end and demand drops. Southern Hemisphere destinations (Cape Town, Buenos Aires, New Zealand) offer winter deals. On Travorio, pay with crypto or split into 4 payments with Sezzle, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.