Keep reading for our top ten travel destinations in August.
In August, summer’s coming to a close. Three months went by with a blink of an eye, so you want to squeeze in that last long weekend getaway before fall arrives.
August is usually spent trying to soaking in the last bit of Summer before fall rolls in. During this time of the year, the weather is beginning to cool down from peak season. Whether you’re looking to indulge in the sun or cool down, we’ve covered it all in our top 10 travel destinations in August.
Be sure to check events you may have arranged or planned as they may be cancelled or postponed. In addition, you can check out our best credit card bonuses here to maximize savings.
1. Newport, Rhode Island (USA)
| Average Temperature | 77°F high; 68°F low |
| August Events | Newport Jazz Festival |
The eighth month of the year is filled with sunny and warm weather in Newport, Rhode Island thanks to a refreshing sea breeze. Visit the Fort Adams State Park for boating, fishing and picnicking, tour the town’s historic mansions through the Preservation Society of Newport County, and do the Newport Cliff Walk which covers three and a half scenic miles along the coast.
If you come earlier in the month, stop by the Newport Jazz Festival. The event spans three days and features four stages of music, food and crafts, two beer and wine gardens and a number of displays.
2. Budapest (Hungary)
| Average Temperature | 83°F high; 62°F low |
| August Events | Summer Festival Hungary Grand Prix Sziget Festival Festival of Crafts St. Stephen’s Day |
Budapest is filled with many events during the month of August. The Summer Festival runs from June to September and features concerts, performances, art and food stalls. The Formula One Hungary Grand Prix race takes place near Budapest in early August. After that, there’s the Sziget Festival with live music, performances, boat rides and beach fun.
The later half of August includes the Festival of Crafts with demonstrations, street food, folk dance and markets in the historic courtyards of Buda Castle. Lastly, there is St. Stephen’s Day, a celebration of Hungary’s statehood with a spectacular fireworks display on the Danube.
3. Laguna Beach, California (USA)
| Average Temperature | 81°F high; 60°F low |
| August Events | 24 Hours of Sawdust Art Festival Festival of the Arts |
Between Los Angeles and San Diego in Orange County is Laguna Beach. There’s plenty to do with seven miles of shoreline filled with sandy beaches, tide pools and sea caves. Head a bit further inland for rolling hills, hiking paths and mountain biking trails.
The Sawdust Art Festival runs from June to September and features the work of more than 200 artists in painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry making, glassblowing and more.
The Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters happen concurrently throughout the month of August, with workshops, music, tours and activities.
4. Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)
| Average Temperature | 72°F high; 53°F low |
| August Events | Royal Queensland Show Reef to Reef |
Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning that August is actually “winter” here. Brisbane is mild, with highs in the low 70s, and very low humidity. With such pleasant weathers, you’ll want head to South Bank Parkland for walking, picnicking and swimming along the Brisbane River. We also recommend biking, hiking and visiting the Brisbane Botanical Gardens at Mt. Coot-Tha. The annual Royal Queensland Show, locally known as “Ekka,” is also held there in August showcasing agriculture, skills competitions, food, wine, entertainment and kids activities.
Other attractions to check out in Brisbane include the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and the Great Barrier Reef nearby. If you’re into mountain biking, the Reef to Reef race occurs during August, taking you through farms, rainforest and coastline over four days.
5. Bend, Oregon (USA)
| Average Temperature | 83°F high; 46°F low |
| August Events | Bend Brewfest |
August in Bend consists of summer temperatures in the low 80s, perfect for outdoor activities, including hiking, rockclimbing, mountain biking, fly-fishing, SUPing, canoeing and whitewater rafting. If you want a break from all the adventure, check out the High Desert Museum with exhibits, workshops and lectures that focus on nature, culture and the area’s resources and history.
Mid-August is the Bend Brewfest, which celebrates the town’s microbrewery industry with more than 200 different craft beers, ciders and wines.
6. Berlin (Germany)
| Average Temperature | 76°F high; 57°F low |
| August Events | International Beer Festival Berlin Wall Run |
Berlin is lively and exciting in August. The warm temperatures pull everyone outdoors, dining al fresco and hanging out in parks. We recommend taking a boat tour on the River Spree to get a different view of Berlin’s architecture and historic buildings. Additionally, you can treat yourself with sausages, beer, pretzels, schnitzel and more. Our favorite Berlin food is the currywurst, which is sausage topped with a curry-spiced tomato sauce.
August begins with the International Beer Festival, featuring music, street food and beers from all over the world. Then towards the middle of the month is the 100-mile Berlin Wall Run, which takes runners along the former border.
7. Seattle, Washington (USA)
| Average Temperature | 72°F high; 57°F low |
| August Events | Seattle Art Fair Bumbershoot Festival |
Seattle weather in August is mild and relatively free of rain. You’ll want to take in a Mariners or Sounders game, go up the Space Needle, admire the glass sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass, and of course, grab some fresh seafood at Pike Place Market.
Hit the Seattle Art Fair in the beginning of the month for modern and contemporary, local and international art of all genres. For music lovers, plan to attend Bumbershoot Festival over Labor Day Weekend, featuring music, comedy and art.
8. Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
| Average Temperature | 72°F high; 57°F low |
| August Events | Bard on the Beach Celebration of Light |
August in Vancouver is sunny and dry, making it the perfect destination if you want to escape heat and humidity that ytpically comes with summer time.
Head to the Kitsilano neighborhood for family-friendly museums, a beach with a public saltwater pool, tennis and volleyball courts, and picnic areas. Stanley Park is another great outdoor spot with beaches, jogging and biking trails, an aquarium, a water park, gardens and loads of trees. We also recommend the Granville Island neighborhood with the indoor Public Market.
From June to September, you can catch Bard on the Beach, which puts on four Shakespeare productions on two stages. During the start of August is the last of the Celebration of Light, a fireworks competition choreographed to music.
9. Grand Rapids, Michigan (USA)
| Average Temperature | 81°F high; 59°F low |
| August Events | Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival GRAAHI Rhythm Run GRandJazzFest |
If you’re looking for an easy beach vacation in fresh water, you’ll want to head to Michigan. The state has more than 60,000 lakes, and in August, you’re in for warm and sunny weather. There’s a ton of events throughout Michigan, but we’ve picked Grand Rapids as the top spot to be in August.
The beginning of August is the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. The three-day event is free and family friendly with live entertainment, kids activities, dancing, food and more.
Next, the GRAAHI Rhythm Run consists of a fun, lighthearted charity event that includes food, refreshment, live entertainment, raffles and prizes, games and more.
Lastly, the GRandJazzFest is a two-day free event that features up to ten bands from notable performers to up-and-comers.
10. Rwanda
| Average Temperature | 81°F high; 62°F low |
| August Events | Umuganura Festival |
Peak season in Rwanda occurs during the month of August. This time of year is typically dry and warm, ideal for gorilla trekking. With only about 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the area, we recommend you see them soon, before they become endangered and the permits become even more expensive.
August is also a great time to view all other wildlife. Because the drier weather results in less watering holes, more animals gather together where they can find one. You’ll easily spot elephants, buffalo, lions, zebras, and more.
Additionally, August is when the Umuganura festival occurs, which celebrates the harvest. This country-wide event features processions, parades, fashion shows and local sports and games.
Best Credit Card To Redeem For Flights
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® is the best American Airlines rewards card. It offers bonuses on dining and gas spending and a handful of travel perks. And the key reason American Airlines travelers use this card: complimentary Admirals Club lounge access and 10K EQMs!
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the best Delta Air Lines rewards card for elite flyers. You’ll get an annual companion certificate, access to Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs, fast-track to elite status and plenty of other travel benefits.
 The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Enter Delta Sky Club at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. With Status Boost, earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card through 12/31/23, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges. You can earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases & 1X mile for every eligible dollar spent on purchases. This card does come with a $550 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. (See Rates & Fees) Terms Apply. |
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is the best Delta Air Lines card for regular flyers. You’ll get bonuses on hotel, restaurant and supermarket spending, an annual companion certificate and much more.
 The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Delta Platinum Card, up to two times through 12/31/23. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges. You can earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels; 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets; 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. This card comes with a $250 Annual Fee, but for each round trip Delta flight, you can check your first bag for free and save up to $240. In addition, there is no foreign transaction fee. You'll also get fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®. (See Rates & Fees). Terms Apply. |
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is the best Delta Air Lines card for occasional flyers. The card offers bonuses on restaurant and supermarket spending and comes with a handful of travel perks.
 The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. Earn now. Travel when you're ready. After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you will receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit on your Card to inspire your next travel. You'll earn: • 2X Miles on Delta purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets • 1X mile for every eligible dollar you spend on purchases. There is a $99 annual fee, however, there is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (See Rates & Fees). Now, you'll get get more savings with your first checked bag for free on Delta flights. Terms Apply. |
The JetBlue Plus Card is the best rewards card for JetBlue frequent flyers. It offers bonuses on restaurant and grocery store spending, fast track to Mosaic elite status and a few other travel benefits.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the best Southwest Airlines rewards card. It gives cardmembers bonus points on partner hotel and car rental spending, fast-track to elite status, Southwest travel credit every year and more.
 The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. In addition, you'll earn 7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year. You'll earn: • Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases. • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Some perks include $75 Southwest travel credit each year., receiving 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, savings of 25% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi, and more! This card carries a $149 annual fee and no transaction fees. |
The United? Explorer Card is the best United Airlines rewards card. It offers bonuses on hotel and restaurant spending and plenty of travel perks.
 The United Explorer Card offers 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services Perks of this card include: • Getting up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • Get your first bag checked for free (up to $140 savings per roundtrip). Terms apply. • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24. This card does come with a $95 annual fee, however, the annual fee is waived for the first year. |
Top Destinations By Month
To start accumulating more miles & points, below is a list of the top destinations for each month during the calendar year:
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in January
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in February
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in March
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in April
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in May
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in June
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in July
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in August
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in September
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in October
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in November
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in December
 |
Bottom Line
Prepare for some sunny, summer weather by planning a trip this August. Be sure to consider some of the spots we’ve mentioned if you want to head to one of the top travel destinations this August.
If you want to save even more money on your travels, then be sure to check out our Best Travel Credit Cards. Check our list on Discounted Gift Cards and get the best bang for your buck with the Best Cash Back Shopping Portals and our eBay Gift Cards list offered here at HMB!
