As temperatures around the world keep going up and August becomes one of the hottest months of the year in many places, smart travelers are looking for cool places to visit in August to get away from the heat of summer. There are places all over the world where you can escape the heat without giving up adventure, culture, or relaxation. You can find mountain air, glacial lakes, coastal breezes, or high-altitude peace and quiet.
This complete guide looks at classic cool-weather getaways that are great for travel in August. Not only do these places offer a break from the heat, but they also have beautiful scenery, rich traditions, and activities that people love year after year.
Why Look for Cool Places to Go in August?
It’s important to know why finding cool places to visit in August is more than just a luxury before you look at the list.
- Health and Comfort: Staying out of the heat can lower your risk of getting dehydrated, burned, or having a heat stroke.
- Adventure-Friendly: Hiking, biking, and exploring are best done in cooler places where the humidity isn’t too high.
- Beautiful Scenery: Misty mountains, lush forests, and clear blue skies make for beautiful backgrounds in photos.
- Crowd Control: Cooler places usually have fewer people than popular summer spots.
These places are great for getting away from the heat or just enjoying a summer with a breeze.
Top Cool Destinations to Escape the August Heat
1. Banff, Alberta, in Canada
Why it’s cool:
Banff is in the Canadian Rockies and has beautiful mountains, lakes fed by glaciers, and cold mornings even in August.
How to do it:
- Paddle a canoe across the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
- Take a hike on the Johnston Canyon or Larch Valley trails.
- Ride a gondola up Sulphur Mountain to see the whole area.
Why it lasts:
Banff has been a popular mountain getaway for more than 100 years. Its beautiful, untouched wilderness and status as a national park make sure that it will always be popular.
2. New Zealand’s Queenstown
Why it’s cool:
In August, it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so Queenstown is a snowy paradise.
What to do:
- You can ski or snowboard in the Remarkables or Coronet Peak.
- Take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu for some beautiful views.
- Sit by the fire with a glass of Otago Pinot Noir to warm up.
Why it lasts:
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world because it has exciting outdoor sports and high-end amenities.
3. The Faroe Islands
Why it’s cool:
This North Atlantic archipelago has dramatic landscapes and a cool maritime climate, with average highs in August of around 13°C (55°F).
What you should do:
- To see puffins, go to the faraway cliffs of Mykines.
- Hike to the famous Mulafossur Waterfall.
- Explore Viking-style villages with grass roofs.
Why it lasts:
The Faroe Islands are still empty and untouched, giving you peace and quiet and unspoiled nature that isn’t affected by seasonal trends.
4. Iceland
Why it’s cool:
Iceland’s warmest month is usually only 15°C (59°F).
What to do:
- Go see beautiful waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss.
- Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon or one of the lesser-known hot springs.
- Take the Ring Road through volcanoes, glaciers, and lava fields.
Why it lasts:
Iceland’s beautiful landscapes and unique geography make it a popular place for people who want to see nature in its most natural state.
5. Argentina and Chile in Patagonia
Why it’s cool:
August is the end of winter in Patagonia, so the mountains are covered in snow and the views are icy.
What to do:
- Visit Torres del Paine or Los Glaciares National Park.
- You might see guanacos, condors, or even a puma.
- In Bariloche or El Chaltén, you can do things in the winter.
Why it lasts:
The area’s beauty and remoteness will always be appealing. More and more travelers who care about the environment are looking for its eco-friendly tourism options.
6. The Highlands of Scotland
Why it’s cool:
The weather is moody, which makes the landscape even more mysterious, and temperatures rarely go above 20°C (68°F).
What you should do:
- You can hike Ben Nevis or part of the West Highland Way.
- Go to castles and lochs that are full of stories.
- Visit whisky distilleries hidden away in foggy glens.
Why it lasts:
Scotland’s history, culture, and natural beauty are always there, no matter what the travel hype is like.
7. Australia’s Tasmania
What makes it cool:
This island state has winter in August, when the air is crisp, the coastlines are rough, and the mountain tops are covered in frost.
What to do:
- Go to the Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park.
- In Hobart, you can eat fresh oysters and local cheeses.
- You can see wombats and wallabies in the wild.
Why it lasts:
Nature lovers and slow travelers are always drawn to Tasmania because it is so far away and has so many different types of plants and animals.
8. Chamonix, in France
Why it’s cool:
Chamonix is cool because it’s high up in the French Alps and close to Mont Blanc.
What to do:
- Trails for hiking that have views of glaciers and mountains.
- The Aiguille du Midi cable car will give you views that will take your breath away.
- Enjoy fondue and the charm of the mountains in alpine lodges.
Why it lasts:
Chamonix is where mountaineering began, and its spirit of adventure lives on in people of all ages.
9. The United States of America (Alaska)
Why it’s cool:
August is the hottest month of the year here, but the average temperature is still between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius (50 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on where you are.
What to do:
- You can see glaciers and animals by cruising the Inside Passage.
- Go to Denali National Park to see moose and grizzly bears.
- You can hike near Anchorage or kayak in Kenai Fjords.
Why it lasts:
Alaska’s wild areas are still huge and untouched, so there will always be new adventures to be had.
10. Dolomites, Italy
Why it’s cool:
This mountain area has clear air, beautiful trails, and stunning mountain views all year round.
What to do:
- Look into climbing routes on via ferrata.
- In mountain rifugi (huts), you can eat gourmet meals.
- Bike or hike between the pretty Tyrolean villages.
Why it lasts:
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will always be popular with both luxury and nature travelers.
11. Portugal’s Azores
Why it’s cool:
The weather on these volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic is mild all year round, with highs of about 25°C (77°F) in August and cool ocean breezes.
What to do:
- Hike through green crater lakes and cloud forests.
- Watch whales or dive in the clear waters of the Atlantic.
- Take a bath in natural hot springs like Furnas.
Why it lasts:
The Azores are still refreshingly undeveloped and eco-friendly, making them a great place for sustainable tourism.
12. The Swiss Alps
Why it’s cool:
The Swiss Alps stay nice and cool all summer long because they are so high up. This makes them great for outdoor activities.
What to do:
- Take scenic trains like the Glacier Express.
- You can hike from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren or from Zermatt to the Matterhorn.
- In mountain villages, you can try alpine cheeses and chocolate.
Why it lasts:
Switzerland’s clean roads, beautiful scenery, and outdoor lifestyle make it a great place to escape for years to come.
13. Norway’s Lofoten Islands
Why it’s cool:
These islands are just above the Arctic Circle, so they have cool summers and a beautiful midnight sun.
What to do:
- Kayak through sea stacks and fjords.
- Stay in a traditional rorbuer, which is a cabin for fishermen.
- Get the golden light for photos that you can’t get anywhere else.
Why it lasts:
Photographers and people looking for peace and quiet love Lofoten for its strange beauty and realness.
14. Peru (Andes Area)
Why it’s cool:
The Andes have dry weather, mild temperatures, and clear skies in August.
What to do:
- Go to Machu Picchu when there are fewer clouds.
- Take a hike in the Sacred Valley or the Salkantay Trek.
- Enjoy Andean festivals in Cusco.
Why it lasts:
Peru’s mix of cultural history, beautiful mountains, and interesting history is always interesting.
15. Mongolia
Why it’s cool:
The weather in August is nice all over the steppe, with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F), which is great for staying in a yurt and riding horses.
What to do:
- Go to Naadam festivals and hunt eagles.
- Camp under the wide-open skies full of stars.
- Take a look at the edges of the Altai Mountains and the Gobi Desert.
Why it lasts:
Mongolia has one of the last great nomadic cultures and a lot of nature that hasn’t been ruined by mass tourism.
16. Greenland
Why it’s cool:
The average high in the summer is around 10°C (50°F), so that’s when you should go.
What to do:
- See huge icebergs in Ilulissat.
- Ride a dog sled across the tundra.
- In small towns, you can learn about Inuit culture.
Why it lasts:
Greenland’s wild, unfiltered environment is a break from modern life that changes the way you see things.
17. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island
Why it’s great:
Hokkaido stays cool and less humid in August, when most of Japan is hot and humid.
What to do:
- In Furano, you can see lavender fields, and in Biei, you can see blue ponds.
- Climb to the tops of volcanoes in Daisetsuzan National Park.
- In Sapporo or Otaru, you can eat fresh seafood.
Why it lasts:
Hokkaido has a mix of Japanese hospitality and untouched nature all year round.
18. Lesotho
Why it’s cool:
This southern African kingdom is landlocked and sits entirely above 1,000 meters, so even in August, the weather is cool in the highlands.
What you should do:
- Take a horseback ride through the Maloti Mountains.
- Go to mountain villages that haven’t changed in a long time.
- Hike to waterfalls and ancient sites that are far away.
Why it lasts:
Lesotho’s unique culture, dramatic altitude, and off-the-beaten-path charm make it a great place to get away.
19. Bhutan
Why it’s cool:
Bhutan is in the Eastern Himalayas, where the air stays cool and the scenery stays calm all through August.
What to do:
- Go to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Hike through the woods and check out the dzongs (fortresses).
- Experience Bhutan’s idea of “Gross National Happiness.”
Why it lasts:
Bhutan’s strict model of sustainability makes sure that its beauty and culture will be preserved for future visitors.
20. The United States’ Mount Rainier National Park
Why it’s cool:
The park in Washington state is cool even in the middle of summer, when snowfields can last until August.
What to do:
- In Paradise, you can hike through meadows full of wildflowers.
- Find black bears or mountain goats.
- Camp with views of glaciers and peaks in the Alps.
Why it lasts:
Mount Rainier is one of America’s most famous national parks, and its natural beauty and drama will always draw people in.
In the End, Travel Is Cool and Has Lasting Value
When you choose cool places to visit in August, you’re not just looking for comfort. You’re also looking for experiences that feed your spirit, connect you with nature, and keep you away from the chaotic energy of crowded, hot places. The cool escapes above aren’t just good for the season; they’re also long-term favorites because of their cultural depth, natural beauty, and timeless charm.
You can make sure your travels are always meaningful by choosing places that are always rewarding. These cool places to go in August are great for getting away from the heat, whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or a big adventure.
