Good countries to visit in August (2026)

August is a great month to travel; long summer days and lively vibes make it perfect for exploring. If you’re chasing the sun, Turkey’s turquoise coast is hard to beat. Scotland has mild weather, dramatic landscapes, and plenty of festivals. Borneo is drier in August, ideal for rainforest adventures and spotting wildlife, while the Azores bring Atlantic breezes, whale watching, and lush volcanic scenery. Japan mixes summer festivals with cool mountain escapes and stunning coastal spots. Our experts have put together a list of top August destinations for every kind of traveller.

Turkey

Turkey is at its best in August, with long sunny days, warm seas, and a mix of culture, beach, and great food. The Turquoise Coast really shines — places like Bodrum, Göcek, and the trendy beach clubs on the Datça Peninsula are perfect for sailing, swimming, and slow lunches by the water. Inland, Cappadocia promises cooler evenings, hot-air balloon rides at sunrise, and staying in cave hotels. Istanbul is buzzing with markets, mosques, and rooftop dining late into the night. 

• Avantgarde Refined Caves of Cappadocia is right in the heart of Cappadocia in Urgup, with rooms carved from rock and decorated with Turkish designs. Dine inside the caves, sip local wine, or relax in the heated pool. Nearby, you can explore fairy chimneys, Göreme’s rock churches, or take a hot-air balloon ride for unforgettable views.
• Accessible only by boat, Yazz Collective is a super secluded spot around the coast from Fethiye, with terraces that overlook turquoise waters. Relax on the private beach, join a yoga class, or catch DJ sets at sunset. There are painting classes for art lovers, plus coastal cruises and spa treatments for a fully indulgent, nature-filled escape.
• The Soul has a cool bohemian vibe, with high ceilings, arched windows, and parquet floors. Enjoy coffee in the sunny Winter Garden, have rooftop dinners, or take a Turkish cooking class. Close to galleries, antique shops, and Istiklal Avenue — it's perfect for a creative, cultural Istanbul experience.
• Set among pine trees in Sarigerme, The Remote Hotel has Italian-inspired rooms with big balconies and great views. Guests can enjoy world-class cuisine, relax in the spa, or hang by the outdoor pool. Active travellers can cycle forest trails, visit nearby beaches, or take river tours to spot local wildlife.

Scotland

August is one of the best times to visit Scotland, with long, bright days, pleasant weather, and a real buzz across the country. Edinburgh comes alive with world-famous arts festivals, while outside the cities the scenery is stunning — from the Cairngorms’ rugged peaks to the wild Hebrides. Split your trip between the lively streets of Edinburgh or Glasgow and a slower escape in the Highlands, Skye, or along the west coast, with its castles, lochs, and coastal walks. It’s busy, but the mix of atmosphere, scenery, and experiences makes August a perfect time to go.

• Right in Edinburgh's St Andrews Square, Gleneagles Townhouse, a former bank, has been turned into a stylish spot full of character — think sweeping staircases, period tiles, and modern art. Rooms are cosy with green and pink tones, antiques, and big monsoon showers. Grab a bite at The Spence or enjoy a rooftop cocktail at Lamplighters with views of the Forth.
• Set in ten acres of gardens just outside St Andrews, Rufflets feels peaceful and light, with modern rooms and woodland suites set amongst the trees. Guests can gaze at the stars from glass-roofed huts, soak in copper baths, or curl up by a wood burner. The restaurant serves up fresh, local food, and golf, coastal walks, and country escapes are all just minutes away.
• Flodigarry to the north of Skye has epic sea and mountain views. The rooms are cosy with natural wood and earthy colours, plus four-poster beds with big windows to take it all in. Kayak, hike, spot wildlife, or just relax on the terrace — perfect for a romantic Highland escape with scenery that wows.
• Overlooking Royal Dornoch Golf Course, Links House mixes classic Scottish tartan with historic charm. Manor-style rooms, a cosy bar, and fine dining at MARA make it easy to unwind here. Just a short walk from the beach and surrounded by trails, fishing spots, and riding. This is the ideal base for those in search of a Highland getaway.

Borneo

August is a great time to explore Borneo; less rain makes it easy to get around the jungles, rivers, and beaches. Wildlife spotting is outstanding in Sabah, especially in Danum Valley and along the Kinabatangan floodplains, where you can often see orangutans and other native animals. Offshore, visibility is high around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, perfect for island-hopping and diving. To see the island's full range, try a mix of a remote rainforest lodge and a chill beachfront resort near Kota Kinabalu, or head to the cooler foothills around Mount Kinabalu. August strikes a nice balance: adventurous, but still relaxed.

• Sepilok Nature Lodge is a super peaceful lakeside property, with wooden bungalows that have balconies, hammocks, and plenty of space for families. You’re just steps from Sepilok Nature Reserve and the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, so it’s great for hiking, birdwatching, and spotting wildlife. Grab a local meal, relax by the water, or try the canopy walks and nearby river adventures.
• The LUMA Hotel is a city-based hotel with minimalist rooms, polished wood, and green-painted walls. There’s a trendy coffee shop, an Asian restaurant, and cocktails at JOJO Gastrobar. Close to markets, museums, and adventures around Mount Kinabalu, it works for families, friends, couples, or even business trips. A modern, comfortable city escape.
• Set among mangroves and rainforest, Gaya Island Resort has villas and suites with private beach access and even a pontoon for water sports. Relax with rejuvenating spa treatments, enjoy fresh seafood, and take guided nature walks. Perfect for honeymooners or families, with marine conservation activities and tropical birds right outside your balcony.
• Bunga Raya offers wooden stilt villas on white sand beaches. Guests can expect family-friendly multi-room suites, private plunge pools, and a 25 metre infinity pool. Dive, snorkel, kayak, or sail, then enjoy Malay and international cuisine. Jungle canopy walks, ziplining, and trips to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park make it a fun, active escape for couples or families.

The Azores

August is one of the best months to visit the Azores, with mild Atlantic temperatures and settled weather making it easy to explore this volcanic archipelago. Start on São Miguel for emerald crater lakes, geothermal hot springs in Furnas, and great hotels around Ponta Delgada. Pico is perfect if you want dramatic scenery, UNESCO-listed vineyards, and a hike up Portugal’s highest peak. Summer is also prime for whale watching, canyoning, or swimming in natural lava pools, and local festivals add extra buzz on islands like Faial. Green, wild, and not too crowded, the Azores are a refreshing summer escape.

• Set inside an ecological reserve, Pico do Refugio has modern lofts and roomy apartments. Active travellers can dive at the on-site centre, surf the northern coast, or explore scenic trails. The large balconies and terraces offer peaceful island views. Great for families or anyone looking for a quiet yet active getaway.
• Senhora da Rosa is a converted farmhouse that mixes rustic charm with antiques and calm green accents. Guests can expect a farm-to-table restaurant, rooftop pool, relaxing spa, and even a pineapple greenhouse plunge pool. The kids club, indoor playground, and heated plunge pool make it a win for families or couples looking for a relaxed escape.
• Situated in the Furnas Valley, Octant Furnas blends modern and traditional decor with epic volcanic views. Enjoy thermal pools, a full-service spa, and the À TERRA restaurant. Outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and whale-watching are easy to plan, while the spacious suites keep things comfortable for families.
• Sul Villas & Spa offers breezy, modern interiors with driftwood touches throughout. Rooms come with terraces, fireplaces, and heated plunge pools with fabulous ocean views. Dive, surf, or hike volcanic trails, then unwind with spa treatments or on-site dining for an active seaside retreat.

Japan

Japan in August is buzzing with energy. Summer festivals light up the cities — from Tokyo’s fireworks along the Sumida River to Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri parade, a must-see cultural spectacle. Hit the beaches in Okinawa, or escape to the Japanese Alps for cooler air and hiking. Stay in Tokyo for city vibes, Kyoto for tradition, or Hakone for hot springs and peaceful scenery. With festivals, stunning landscapes, and iconic sights, August in Japan balances excitement and relaxation perfectly.

• Right in the heart of Tokyo's Kabukicho, Bespoke Hotel Shinjuku pulses with neon energy and quirky murals. Unwind in the cafe by day or sip cocktails while DJs play their sets at night. Families will love the cosy triple rooms, while art lovers can check out Alexander Mitchell’s video installations.
• A living gallery in central Kyoto, Node Kyoto mixes local and international art with chic industrial spaces. Rooms have pale wood floors and moody tones, with bigger suites offering bathtubs. The bar hosts rotating exhibits, and the restaurant serves Western-inspired dishes with a local, farm-to-table twist.
• At Fufu Kawaguchiko, wake up to Mount Fuji views from huge suites, many with private onsens and balconies. The restaurant serves modern Kaiseki cuisine, while the spa and shared hot springs are the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon. A great base for kayaking, guided hikes, or just soaking in the peaceful scenery.
• Set on white sands with turquoise waters beyond, Hoshinoya Okinawa's suites boast kitchenettes for home-style meals. The spa offers treatments inspired by nature, and guests can snorkel coral reefs, ride along the beach, or embark on private whale-watching trips. For a taste of Okinawa’s local culture, take karate classes and explore culinary experiences.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search to include our recommendations for the top resorts in Turkey, the best pubs with rooms in Scotland, the best affordable hotels in Portugal or the top ski hotels in Japan,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.