When I travel, I look for shoulder seasons because the weather is usually good, but there are fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations. I’ve curated the below list to avoid high season but would still be good destinations to travel in August.
The Northern Hemisphere is on summer vacation this time of year, so I’m avoiding Europe and North America. Both destinations are good but can be overcrowded and experiencing higher hotel rates. When I search for these terms, I am looking for suggestions that avoid the crowds, but if you don’t care, the options are endless in the Northern Hemisphere.
Where to Travel in August to Avoid Crowds
Cape Town, South Africa
Easily one of my favorite places I’ve been to is Cape Town, South Africa. I went in March for my birthday, which is the end of their Summer and there were plenty of tourists. August is considered the end of their Winter, but the temperatures are mild, estimated between 57°F and 72°F. Whale watching is prime, and safaris are enjoyable year-round. Hiking in Cape Town is rewarding and I recommend catching the sunrise or sunset if you’re up for a hike. The drawback is dealing with rain on occasion, but the pros outweigh the cons. I recommend Boulders Beach to see the penguins because the views on this drive are phenomenal! Cape Town is absolutely beautiful, and the possibility of seeing the Springtime wildflowers sounds so enchanting.
Argentina
Argentina is high on my list of places to visit. August is still winter, and this is considered the low season, so there are far fewer crowds. While the cold season makes Patagonia difficult to visit, you can still embrace winter and enjoy the ski slopes!
Heading north, Argentina experiences mild winter temperatures, with Mendoza reaching average highs in the 60s Fahrenheit. From what I am reading, Mendoza, Argentina experiences sunny skies most of the year! For those wanting to avoid crowds and escape the summer heat, August might be the perfect time for wine tasting and taking in the sights of Mendoza.
Buenos Aires might experience high demand for a couple of weeks in August due to the International Tango Festival and World Cup, but that sounds like an amazing experience for at least part of your trip! With a lot of international flights arriving here, it’s a good base to start and end your trip to this beautiful country!
Thailand
August is part of the rainy season, but still experiences pleasant weather. Combined with fewer crowds and discounted hotels, this is a good time to visit, especially if you are okay with an occasional downpour. August is considered the low season for Thailand, so I imagine the popular destinations like Phuket would be even more enjoyable without having to dodge the hordes of tourists. However, the Gulf Coast of Thailand experiences significantly less rain, making it great as the focus of your trip.
New Zealand
One of the most beautiful countries in the world is New Zealand, and it’s one of my favorite places I’ve visited! While August is winter in New Zealand, this destination is worth visiting any time you have the chance. Milford Sound in the winter is cold, but higher chances of clear skies than in the summer. You will have to pack for a real winter getaway, but New Zealand is breathtaking and worth leaving the sauna temperatures of summer to take in the views, culture, and experiences that New Zealand has to offer!
Australia
With many destinations on this list offering colder options, Australia stands out for its diverse range of choices during its winter month of August. You can experience true winter temperatures in Melbourne or Tasmania. Heading north to Sydney, you’ll encounter milder temperatures similar to a Central Florida winter. Keep venturing north to Queensland, and the weather begins to warm. Further on to the Great Barrier Reef region, you can enjoy the dry season with pleasant temperatures, though note that August falls within their high season. Get SCUBA certified while you’re there to enjoy the reef up close and personal.
Australia is massive, so it’s best to narrow down to a few sights depending on the length of your trip. I highly recommend sailing the Whitsundays, as it’s one of my most memorable experiences in Australia. Sydney is also stunning, with charming beach towns and a picturesque harbour that would be enjoyable any time of year!
Brazil
Brazil is another large country full of great options in August. From pleasant temperatures for lounging on a beach in Rio de Janeiro to exploring the Amazon, Brazil has something for everyone, and August is a great time to visit! August marks the beginning of the high season in Jericoacoara, but it’s worth a visit for the sand dunes or to learn kite or windsurfing. The Amazon is good year-round, but August falls during the “low water season,” so it’s best for hiking rather than river cruises. Brazil is not short on options, so choose the best region for your interests, and any time of year, including August, is a great time to visit!
Costa Rica
August is part of the rainy season in Costa Rica, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to visit. Some parts of the country have less rain than others and according to one source, rain tends to stick to the afternoon. The rainiest spots are the south Pacific and the mountains, but that still leaves plenty of options in Costa Rica!
Caribbean
High season in the Caribbean is December to April, but the only true “low” months are September and October. The rest of the year we could say shoulder season. If you are looking to fully embrace the Summer but want to go somewhere, the Caribbean islands would be hot and perfect for water activities! August is part of the hurricane season, though that doesn’t mean you will interrupted by a storm, but it’s worth considering.
