Where to Travel in August 2025: Top Spots Around the World
Planning an international escape this August? Whether you’re chasing cooler mountain air, coastal breezes, cultural festivals, or once-in-a-lifetime wildlife moments, this late-summer window offers travelers some of the best conditions of the year across the globe.
From the migration plains of Africa to the sun-soaked lakes of Europe and off-the-radar island gems, here are 15 of the best international destinations to explore in August 2025, and exactly why this is the time to go.
1. Montenegro
Montenegro in August is all about variety. It’s one of the few places in Europe where you can spend the morning hiking in cool mountain air and the afternoon floating in the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Daytime highs sit comfortably in the mid-80s°F with low humidity and minimal rain, making this one of the best times of year to explore both the coast and the interior.
The Budva Riviera, a popular stretch of coastline along the Adriatic, is at its peak. Calm seas and hot weather create perfect conditions for swimming, boating, and relaxing on the beach. Meanwhile, inland destinations like Durmitor National Park are ideal for outdoor adventure.
Visitors can raft in the Tara River Canyon or hike through alpine meadows and glacier lakes that offer a refreshing break from the coastal heat.
August also brings a full calendar of events. Kotor’s Summer Carnival features parades, music, and dance in the heart of the medieval Old Town, while smaller towns like Tivat and Herceg Novi host seafood festivals, art shows, and sailing competitions.
Compared to neighboring Croatia, Montenegro offers a more affordable and less crowded experience in high season. Roads between coastal and mountain regions are easy to navigate, and most major sights are fully open.
Whether you’re after nature, culture, or a mix of both, August is the month when Montenegro is firing on all cylinders.
2. Lake Como, Italy
If you’re dreaming of a classic Italian summer, Lake Como delivers in August. Sunny skies, breezy afternoons, and water warm enough for a long swim. Temperatures hover in the high 70s to mid-80s°F, and the surrounding Alps help keep the climate comfortable, even at the peak of summer.
Ferries glide across the lake, connecting postcard-perfect towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Each has its own rhythm: romantic villas, bustling trattorias, and lakeside promenades perfect for evening strolls.
Historic gardens at Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello are in full bloom, and most lakefront cafes stay open well into the evening.
August brings even more energy, with fireworks displays, open-air concerts, and village food festivals dotting the lakeshore. The region stays lively, but unlike Italy’s crowded cities, it feels spacious and relaxed, especially so later in the month when many locals leave for coastal vacations.
Just over an hour from Milan by train, Lake Como is easy to reach and even easier to fall in love with. Whether you’re lounging with a spritz or hopping between towns, August is an ideal time to soak it all in. Bonus: direct flights to Milan often drop in price in mid-August.
3. Masai Mara, Kenya
August is hands down the best time to visit the Masai Mara. The Great Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, reaches its peak this month.
Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle charge across the savanna, making dramatic river crossings where crocodiles wait below and big cats stalk from the tall grass. It’s one of nature’s most thrilling scenes, unfolding daily in plain view.
This month also falls within Kenya’s dry season, so conditions are ideal for safari. Skies are clear, roads are accessible, and wildlife is easier to spot. With little to no rain, the landscape stays open, and visibility is excellent for game drives.
Safari camps are in full swing in August. Most offer early morning and late afternoon game drives, luxury tented accommodations, and optional experiences like hot-air balloon rides at sunrise.
While this is the busiest travel window of the year for the Mara, early bookings can still yield good value, especially for multi-night stays or fly-in packages.
For travelers hoping to check off Africa’s Big Five or experience a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spectacle, August in the Masai Mara delivers.
4. Interlaken, Switzerland
August in Interlaken brings warm, clear days and green alpine valleys without a trace of snow on the trails. One of the best times of year to explore Switzerland’s outdoor playground.
Temperatures usually range from the low 60s to mid-70s°F, and humidity stays low, so it’s comfortable for full days of hiking, biking, or lakeside lounging.
Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken serves as the perfect launch point for day trips into the surrounding Bernese Oberland. The Jungfrau region is fully accessible this time of year, with cable cars and trains running to major peaks like Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch, the “
Top of Europe.” Paragliding, canyoning, and kayaking are also in full swing for adventure seekers.
August 1 is Swiss National Day, and Interlaken celebrates with parades, fireworks, and traditional Swiss performances in the town center. It’s a great chance to experience local culture while enjoying the picturesque mountain setting.
While August is considered part of the high season, hotel and train prices are typically lower than in winter, and the overall vibe is more relaxed than in ski-heavy months. For a summer escape with clean air, blue lakes, and high-altitude thrills, Interlaken is a solid pick.