Where to go in August
The best places to explore at this time of year
The best places to explore at this time of year
Southeast Asia is mostly rainy, but Indonesia continues to be the golden child of good weather. It’s a great time for spotting Komodo dragons and diving with manta rays. Over in Thailand, Koh Samui and the Gulf Islands are still sunny and warm but the Andaman side is stormy. Japan’s summer is in full swing, with fireworks festivals lighting up the sky. India’s monsoon creates breathtaking scenery in the Western Ghats, but it can be misty and wet.
Still basking in perfect dry-season weather, Indonesia continues to dazzle in August. Komodo is in peak wildlife time, with the added bonus of incredible diving and sailing, while Bali’s beach scene buzzes with life, as do the inland areas. Java’s landscapes are lush but dry, and there’s no better time to explore Borobudur or hike the many volcanoes at sunrise. This is high season at its most harmonious.
Southeast Asia in August can be tricky, but Vietnam’s central coast is a sunny outlier. Hoi An, Hue, and Da Nang enjoy dry skies and calm seas, perfect for beach days and cultural excursions. In the north, around Sapa, it can be misty with a little rain around, but if you prefer cooler conditions, it’s great for hiking. Conversely, the south is quite humid, but still very doable if you would like to combine all three regions.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
15 nights from $10,597 per person
8 nights from $5,838 per person
15 nights from $7,387 per person
10 nights from $5,657 per person
14 nights from $8,079 per person
11 nights from $5,258 per person
Namibrand, Namibia
