Whilst the northern hemisphere is basking in summer heat, the southern hemisphere is in the depths of winter, offering wildly contrasting travel experiences. Whether you’re hoping to escape the UK’s sometimes unreliable summer in search of sunshine, or you’d like to experience winter elsewhere, August offers something for everyone.
With school holidays in full swing across the UK, European destinations often favoured amongst travellers at this time of year, making it a great time to venture further afield. Travelling long-haul in August often means fewer crowds, better deals and some truly unique experiences.
August is the perfect month for nature lovers to travel, offering some truly bucket-list experiences. Experience the incredible Great Migration in Kenya‘s Masai Mara, feel the full force of Niagara Falls up close, spot bears in the Alaskan wilderness, or explore Outback Australia at Wilpena Pound, without the intense heat. If it’s a city break you’re after, but you don’t fancy the crowds of a European hotspot, why not consider Singapore? For those craving a colder climate, New Zealand‘s Queenstown is a magical winter wonderland and a snow sports hub at this time of year.
Discover our Freedom Favourite long haul destinations for August, and travel tips to help you to have the perfect holiday.
August Chapters:
| Niagara Falls, Canada | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 3336 Miles |
| Journey Time | 8 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +8.5 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | The Brock Niagara Falls, Sheraton Fallsview Hotel |
| Visit Niagara Falls |
With over 3,000 tonnes of water thundering over Niagara Falls every second, you have to witness it with your own eyes to appreciate its sheer power and magnitude. Actually made up of three waterfalls, this mighty feat of nature can be traced back to the end of the glacial period, making it more than 120,000 years old. Niagara Falls makes a spectacular destination at any time of year, but it is simply magical in August.
The weather in August is amongst the best that you’ll see all year, with pleasant temperatures of 19°C to 26°C and lots of sunshine. August therefore offers the perfect conditions for outdoor activities, and tour season is in full swing.
So, how will you choose to experience this natural phenomenon? A scenic cruise takes you right to the base of Horseshoe Falls, where you can feel the mist on your face and hear the roar of the water all around you. For those more thrill-seeking, you can opt for a jet boat tour, traversing the rapids of the Niagara river. Offering a unique vantage point, you can take a helicopter flight over the falls, watching the mist rise high above the thundering cascade.
In August, the surrounding landscapes are in full bloom. Stroll through the vibrant floral displays in the Botanic Gardens, or take in the meticulously landscaped Queen Victoria Park, set against the backdrop of Horseshoe Falls. For an immersive experience, you can wander the wooden walkways of the Cave of the Winds, allowing you to get thrillingly close to the waterfalls.
Festivals and events descend on the Niagara Falls district in August. The quiet town of Niagara-On-The-Lake hosts its annual Peach Festival, where you can sample some delicious local produce and all manner of peach-based treats, accompanied by live music, artisan markets and street performers. There really is something for everyone, with the Lewiston Art Festival, the Lockport Food Festival and the Northwest Jazz Festival all taking place throughout the month in the surrounding towns.
From mid-May to mid-October, Niagara Falls puts on a nightly show of its own. At 10pm each evening, you can watch fireworks burst into life, casting a captivating glow over the mighty cascade. For the best views, you can watch the display from a night time boat cruise, or head to the Skylon Tower’s observation deck.
Travel Tip: With longer daylight hours in August, you can enjoy longer to explore Niagara Falls and more flexibility. You’ll find the fewest crowds in the early morning, or in the evening.
| Singapore | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 6739 Miles |
| Journey Time | 14 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +7 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qantas |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Marina Bay Sands, Jen Singapore Orchardgateway |
| Visit Singapore |
While it is often seen as a convenient stopover, Singapore is also a standout destination in its own right. Looking beyond the sleek skyscrapers and tropical gardens, Singapore is an island city-state with a fascinating history and a colourful, blended cultural identity.
August makes a particularly special time to visit, as the 9th of the month marks the National Day of Singapore. Weeks leading up to the event, the entire island becomes awash with a sea of red and white, as flags flutter everywhere you look. Marking the day that Singapore gained independence, the day’s celebration involve military displays, an array of live performances and epic fireworks.
Continuing the festivities, later in the month, the Singapore Night Festival takes place. In a captivating, city-wide art display, iconic landmarks come alive with colourful light projections, offering a unique way to learn about Singapore’s history and culture.
As Singapore sits just a stone’s throw past the equator, it doesn’t experience much variation in the weather throughout the year, boasting a perpetual summer. However, August’s weather is arguably some of the best of the year, with lower rainfall and more sunny days than almost any month. You can expect daytime temperatures to sit around 32°C, only dipping to around 26°C at night.
No visit to Singapore would be complete without exploring the iconic Gardens by the Bay. You can wander through the ionic ‘Supertrees’, and watch the nightly sound and light shows. Why not soak in the city skyline from the Marina Bay Sands’ rooftop bar, or sample a Singapore Sling at the luxurious Raffles hotel.
To experience the diversity of Singapore and enjoy some stunning views, why not hop on the cable car? Heading South on the Sentosa line, you can explore some of Singapore’s most beautiful beaches, or visit Universal Studios. In the opposite direction, the cable car will carry you up to Mount Faber, a lush rainforest landscape, where you can explore the winding trails, or enjoy the scenery from one of the bars at the summit.
A visit to the island of Pulau Ubin offers a similarly refreshing escape from the city. Reached by bumboat, the island is car-free, so you can explore on foot or by bike. Discover its stone quarries, mangrove forests, coconut plantations and traditional villages, and try the island’s fame chili crab dish at one of the many charming restaurants that line the jetty.
Travel Tip: If you’d like to get involved with Singapore’s National Day celebrations, you can watch a rehearsal of the famous air show. Whilst tickets to the display on the day are only accessible to residents, you can easily catch a great view of their practise demonstrations that take place at the beginning of August.
| Wilpena Pound, South Australia | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 16500 Miles |
| Journey Time | 22 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +8.5 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates |
| What Hotels to Stay? | Rawnsley Park Station |
| Visit Wilpena Pound |
Picture a towering natural amphitheatre, jutting out of the rich red earth, dotted with native vegetation. This spectacular natural feature is Wilpena Pound, located north of Adelaide, within the heart of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The ancient landscape is brimming with wildlife and it feels almost otherworldly, with geographical features that are unlike anywhere else in the world.
With August falling at the beginning of Australia’s spring, it is a great time to explore this semi-arid landscape. The lower temperatures, typically between 3°C to 15°C throughout the month, lend themselves perfectly to outdoor activities.
Bushwalking and trekking are just one of the many ways that you can experience Wilpena Pound, with August marking prime trekking season, thanks to the pleasant temperatures and prime wildlife spotting opportunities. As there is more rain at this time of year, the creeks and waterbeds begin to fill up, attracting a range of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for rock wallabies, distinct pink and grey galah birds, dingoes, emus and western grey kangaroos.
Thanks to the increased rain, the landscape becomes awash with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Enjoy the sights of the sprawling fields of yellow canola around Melrose and Laura, or head to Razorback Lookout to take in the purple hues of the valleys below.
Although the spring days are beginning to stretch, you can still catch a sunrise over this magnificent landscape at a reasonable hour. In August, the sun begins to show its face at around 6:30am, but if this is still too early for your liking, watching the sunset is similarly spectacular.
4WD tours offer a great way to explore this rugged region, allowing you to head off the beaten track and venture deep into the Outback. Discover dramatic gorges, remote lookouts and ancient rock formations, or gain a striking perspective of the natural amphitheatre from the surrounding ridgelines.
For a different view of Wilpena Pound, you can opt for a scenic flight. Soaring high above the Outback, you can appreciate the sheer scale of this natural phenomenon.
Travel Tip: As well as exploring the extraordinary landscapes of the Flinders Ranges, the Wilpena Pound and its surrounds hold a rich culture. To gain an insight into the area’s history and significance, you can take an Aboriginal cultural tour, led by Adnyamathanha guides. Explore sites like the Sacred Canyon, discover ancient rock art and learn about the landscape from the perspective of the Adnyamathanha people.
| The Masai Mara, Kenya | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 6680 Miles |
| Journey Time | 13 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +2 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Kenya Airways, British Airways |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Govenors’ Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Elewana Sand River |
| Visit The Masai Mara |
As the inspiration behind The Lion King, and one of the few places where you can witness the Great Migration, the Masai Mara is renowned as one of the world’s best safari reserves. Located in southwest Kenya, the park spans over 1,500 km, and it is home to a wealth of wildlife. With August marking the peak of the Great Migration, it is a truly unforgettable time to experience a safari in the Masai Mara.
Although the timings of the Great Migration vary slightly year-on-year, it generally takes place from July to October, meaning that August typically offers an incredible experience of this spectacle of nature. The Great Migration sees millions of herbivores follow the rains, in search of lush plains for grazing. You can expect to see enormous herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, as they make the journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara.
Some of the best wildlife sightings can be found at Masai River crossings: the drama that unfolds akin to a captivating nature documentary. The first apprehensive animals will wander to the water’s edge, scouring the surface for signs of crocodiles and hippos before they make the perilous crossing. As the first few begin to brave the water, the pack rapidly gains momentum, and before long you can watch a vast throng of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles charging down the steep river banks and leaping into the water, in a mesmerising spectacle.
As huge herds of prey descend upon the Mara’s plains, this naturally attracts predators. This makes for incredible sightings of lions, cheetahs and leopards, amongst the ‘Big 5’ safari animals.
In August, the Masai Mara typically sees temperatures of 28°C during the day, and 14°C at night, which means early morning and evening game drives are pleasant. August is also one of the driest months, so you can expect little rain.
When choosing where to stay, it is worth considering what kind of safari experience you would like. Staying within the Masai Mara itself is a great option, putting you right in the midst of the action. For example, the Ashnil Mara Camp sits on the banks of the Mara River, close to several key crossings. Alternatively, you can opt to stay in one of the surrounding private conservancies, offering a more exclusive safari experience, with fewer vehicles. With the option for off-road game drives, you can to witness the migrating herds as they spread out across the Masai Mara.
Travel Tip: Securing this once-in-a-lifetime experience requires early planning, as camps can fill up months in advance. Our Africa Experts are on hand to help you to book your perfect Great Migration experience.
| Alaska, USA | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4520 miles |
| Journey Time | 16 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT -9 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | United, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Hotel Captain Cook, River’s Edge Resort, Harbour 360 Hotel |
| Visit Alaska |
As Alaska begins its gradual transition from summer into autumn, August makes a special time to visit. The days remain long, day tours and outdoor activities are still in full swing and wildlife continues to roam, but hints of autumnal colours begin to dust the landscape, and the first sightings of the northern lights return to the night skies.
Alaska’s wildlife is also beginning to adapt to the changing seasons, as many species hoard calories to prepare for their winter hibernation. This makes for fantastic wildlife sightings, as you can often spot black and brown bears hunting for salmon along riverbanks. Alaskan waters also come alive in August, as both humpback and orca whales migrate. Keep your eyes peeled for bird life too, including migratory songbirds and bald eagles.
Following in the footsteps of the bears and birds of prey that to descend upon Alaska’s rivers in August, you can enjoy some prime fishing. Throughout the month, more and more silver salmon begin to make their way upstream, offering excellent conditions for anglers.
Although Alaska’s weather is begging to change, there is a huge range of summer activities and day tours on offer, but it is quieter than the busier months of June and July. Enjoy beautiful hikes, white water rafting and glacier tours, and it is prime cruise season.
Unique to this time of year, wild blueberries begin to scatter the mountain-sides, so don’t be surprised to see locals roaming trails, armed with a bucket, ready to pick berries. The Alaska State Fair also takes place in August, bringing communities together in a celebration of food, live music and local traditions.
By the end of the month, as the midnight sun gives way to darker nights, the northern lights begin to reappear. In August, heading to Fairbanks is your best bet for spotting this awe-inspiring aurora borealis. With a bit of luck and some clear skies, you can witness vibrant swirls of green and purple dance above you.
Travel Tip: Alaska’s weather in August can be unpredictable. Although it is generally warm, especially further inland, the temperatures have a huge range, typically ranging from 7°C to 24°C. It’s best to be prepared for everything from snowfall to sunshine.
| Queenstown, New Zealand | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 18955 Miles |
| Journey Time | 30 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +11 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Copthorne Hotel, The Rees Hotel |
| Visit Queenstown |
Picture a winter wonderland: a cosy, inviting alpine town, nestled amongst mountains, blanketed in snow, and sparkling lakes… Well, this idyllic setting is what you can expect from Queenstown in August.
Unsurprisingly, in the winter, Queenstown becomes a bustling snow-sports hub. Boasting four world-class ski fields, beginners and those who fancy themselves a bit of a pro can hit the slopes. Coronet Peak is just 20 minutes from Queenstown, is home to a great mixture of runs, and a has relaxed resort-like feel. Coronet Peak is even the only ski area in New Zealand to host night skiing, offering the unforgettable opportunity to watch a stunning winter sunset and ski under the stars.
You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy Queenstown’s majestic mountain scenery, however. With a sightseeing pass, you can take a gondola to the summit of Coronet Peak, where you can soak in spectacular views, usually accompanied by sunshine and blue skies in August. From here, you can hire boots to take a hike through the snow, or embrace your inner child and rent a toboggan. With temperatures typically between -4°C and 8°C in August, make sure to wrap up suitably.
Queenstown’s après ski is also something anyone can get stuck into. Cosy up in a mountain lodge serving mulled wine, enjoy a food scene offering everything from grab-and-go comfort food to fine dining, sample Queenstown’s growing craft beer culture or hit a buzzing mountain bar for a classic après night out.
Outside of its thriving ski culture, Queenstown has an incredibly diverse offering. With its reputation as the ‘adrenaline capital of the world’, the town has no shortage of unique experiences, suiting thrill seekers and more tame adventurers alike. Bungee jumping, e-biking, zip lining and jet boating are just some of the activities you can choose from.
The town is also something of a wellness hub. Why not indulge in a spa treatment or take a hot yoga class? Scattered throughout the area, you can find hot tubs and hot pools, many boasting incredible views to enjoy whilst you soak. At Driftaway Holiday Park you can book a private lakeside hot tub, or take the free shuttle (best booked in advance) to the Onsen Hot Pools, where you stay into the evening to star gaze.
Travel Tip: Queenstown hosts a bustling events calendar each August. You can expect everything from captivating art installations, to music festivals on the slopes, artisan markets to winter pride events. You can also go and spectate winter sports, like slalom, ice hockey and mountain biking.
Suggested itineraries for an August holiday.
Grace joined the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations after she returned from 3 months backpacking around Australia. Her long-haul travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and South East Asia so far, but her destination wish list is far from complete!
