Where to Go in August: 6 Irresistible Destinations for a Late-Summer Escape

By mid-summer, most of Europe is sizzling. School’s out, resorts are booked, and sun hats have replaced city shoes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still find brilliance beyond the crowds. Whether you’re chasing a soft breeze in the Med, beachfront calm in the Caribbean, or a cinematic Italian escape, knowing where to go in August becomes more art than algorithm.

Here, we’ve curated six destinations that are not just perfect for August — they’re built for it. Each pairs peak-season beauty with space to breathe, and better still, they come with exceptional villas curated by Haute Retreats. Because if you’re going to escape the ordinary, you may as well do it in a villa with a view, a pool, and no timetable at all.

Why August Is a Popular Travel Month

August is peak vacation time across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. With schools closed and warm weather calling, it’s often the easiest month for families, professionals, and students to travel. That popularity, however, comes with both perks and challenges — more options for tours and events, but also higher demand and prices.

Weather Considerations

Globally, August brings sunshine to destinations like Italy, Spain, Greece, and the U.S. coasts, while offering cooler, drier weather in Peru, Kenya, and parts of Australia. In tropical regions such as the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, expect hot and potentially rainy conditions — though many islands enjoy a lull in tourism and better villa availability.

Peak vs. Off-Peak Travel

For some, August is ideal because it’s peak — vibrant atmospheres, bustling cities, and full cultural calendars. Others may prefer off-peak charm: fewer crowds, lower prices, and more authentic local experiences. The key? Knowing where to go in August that fits your pace.

1. Spain – For Fireworks, Fiestas, and Secluded Villas

There’s something about Spain in August. Maybe it’s the sensory pull of Andalusian evenings, the smell of orange blossoms mingling with smoke from grilled sardines, or the echo of flamenco in an old stone courtyard. Yes, it’s warm — but it’s also electric, alive, and incredibly seductive.

August is fiesta season, particularly in the south, where towns like Málaga explode in color during Feria de Agosto, and even the smallest pueblos host lively night markets and open-air concerts. But away from the crowds, there’s a softer side to Spain. Picture yourself in a stone villa in Mallorca, shaded by bougainvillea, or perched above the sea in Ibiza with an infinity pool and chilled albariño waiting for you.

Explore luxury villas in Spain with Haute Retreats — from the rustic elegance of the Balearic Islands to sleek, modern hideaways along the Costa Brava. Whether you’re with friends, family, or just seeking a stylish solo escape, this is where to go in August for culture, cuisine, and Mediterranean soul.

2. Los Cabos – For Desert Calm and Coastal Cool

While much of Mexico simmers under high humidity in August, Los Cabos offers something different — a dry, desert-meets-ocean microclimate that still feels luxurious, not oppressive. This is where to go in August if you want to avoid the hurricanes of the Caribbean and embrace Baja California’s elegance.

Picture yourself in a clifftop villa with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Sea of Cortez, a private chef preparing breakfast with avocado and cotija, and spa treatments scheduled between dips in your infinity pool. Los Cabos isn’t just about beach lounging (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about curated calm, fresh ceviche, and golden-hour boat rides past El Arco.

Explore luxury villas in Los Cabos and let your inner minimalist live large — open spaces, adobe textures, cool breezes, and concierge-led experiences that take the guesswork out of everything.

3. Turks and Caicos – For Azure Waters and Under-the-Radar Luxury

If you’re wondering where to go in August that still feels Caribbean but skips the chaos, Turks and Caicos is your answer. Grace Bay still shimmers, but the crowds thin just enough for you to feel like you’re on your own private island.

This is the place for barefoot luxury and where to go in august. Book a beachfront villa with Haute Retreats and you’ll get the whole cinematic spread: private pools just steps from the sand, paddleboards waiting outside your door, and local chefs bringing just-caught seafood to your dining terrace.

Discover Turks and Caicos villas that redefine island time. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or a multi-gen group, it’s calm, it’s connected, and it’s unbothered by August’s reputation.

4. Lake Como – For Italian Summer Without the Crowds

Italy is rarely subtle in summer — but Lake Como manages to whisper where others shout. In August Lake Como, the jet-set energy slows down just enough to let the lakeside villages breathe, and you’ll find an intoxicating blend of elegance and ease.

This is where to go in August if you want to live the Dolce Vita but skip the Roman heat. Sip espresso in Bellagio, take a wooden Riva boat across the lake, or simply spend the afternoon in your villa’s garden, watching sunlight dance across the water.

Browse luxury villas in Lake Como with Haute Retreats — from 19th-century estates to sleek modernist retreats with lakefront terraces, private chefs, and gardens that spill into the view.

5. Croatia – For Island Hopping and Heritage

It’s no longer a secret, but Croatia still knows how to surprise. The Adriatic is at its warmest in August, and the medieval towns of Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Korčula shimmer under golden light. And while yachts drop anchor in glamorous ports, inland you’ll find stone-paved paths, lavender fields, and quiet beaches reachable only by boat.

This is where to go in August if you want history with a side of Adriatic chic. The food is a revelation — seafood, olive oil, figs, and truffles — and the architecture is a cinematic feast.

Explore Croatia’s best villas with Haute Retreats. Many come with infinity pools, private docks, and terraces that feel like floating lounges above the sea.

6. Malibu – For Laid-Back West Coast Glamour

If Europe feels too far, look west. Malibu offers the kind of summer where the living really is easy. Warm days, cool Pacific breezes, and sunsets that seem to last forever. It’s where Hollywood goes to relax, surf, and host dinner parties that spill onto terraces lit by lanterns and laughter.

In August, Malibu shines — from Zuma Beach to Point Dume, from surf breaks to farmers’ markets. And the villas? Think ocean-view estates, firepits, hammocks, and floor-to-ceiling glass designed to frame every sunset.

Browse luxury Malibu villas and experience California living at its most cinematic — all curated by Haute Retreats.

Tips for Traveling in August

Booking Accommodations

August is a high-demand month, so book luxury villas, flights, and experiences at least 3–6 months in advance. For top-tier comfort and service, Haute Retreats offers exclusive access to elite properties across the globe.

Packing Essentials for August Travel

• Breathable clothing for warm weather
• Layers for high-altitude destinations
• Swimwear, sunscreen, bug repellent for tropical areas
• Light rain gear in tropical or monsoon zones

Travel Safety and Health Considerations

• Travel insurance is essential, especially for international trips
• Monitor weather conditions and health advisories
• Use reputable platforms (like Haute Retreats) for safe, vetted accommodation

Final Word: Where to Go in August Starts Here

Knowing where to go in late August is about timing—but it’s also about intention. Do you want culture or calm? Sand or stone? Villa or vineyard? Whether you’re escaping with family or fleeing the noise of summer altogether, each of these destinations offers something rare: space to breathe and the freedom to move at your own rhythm.

With Haute Retreats, that rhythm is wrapped in luxury. Because when the world is spinning fast, there’s nothing quite like stepping into your private villa, barefoot, and realizing you’ve arrived exactly where you need to be.

Explore all Haute Retreats destinations

FAQs: Planning Where to Go in August

What are the best places to travel in August for good weather?

Great weather in August can be found in Spain, Los Cabos, Turks and Caicos, and Croatia. These destinations offer warm temperatures, long sunny days, and minimal rainfall—perfect for beach holidays or luxury villa stays.

Where to go in August to avoid crowds?

Try Lake Como, Malibu, or inland Mallorca. While August is peak travel season in many places, choosing a private luxury villa in a more secluded location gives you total privacy while still accessing the best of the destination.

Is August a good time to visit Ibiza or Mallorca?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed with insider tips and the right accommodation. Booking a luxury villa in Spain through Haute Retreats allows you to avoid overcrowded areas and discover quiet calas, local fiestas, and authentic island life.

Where to go in South America in August?

August is ideal for visiting Peru, especially Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, thanks to clear, dry weather. Brazil’s Pantanal is perfect for wildlife spotting, while Argentina’s Patagonia offers snowy landscapes and winter sports. For warmth, head to Colombia’s Caribbean coast or the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador for peak wildlife activity.