The Best Places to Visit in August for Couples: Weather & Travel Guide

Step up your summer travel plans with one of these stunning spots.

Photo: Gfed / Getty Images

Updated Nov 24, 2023

The summer holidays are the perfect time to take that much-needed vacation, celebrate a milestone birthday, or jet off on the honeymoon of your dreams without worrying about potentially bad weather. We've looked at everything from weather to travel trends to narrow down the best places to visit in August.

Whether couples want to get off the grid on a beach they'll have all to themselves, get lost in nature trekking through national parks in Europe, or spend time somewhere that's beautiful but closer to home, we've got just the places in mind for an August vacation. Here are the best places to visit in August around the globe—and what to do and where to stay when you get there.

Edinburgh, Scotland

August is full-on festival season in Edinburgh, with some of the highlights being the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest performing arts festival of its kind in the world. In between performances—which you'll even find on the city's streets—eye the oldest crown jewels in the UK in Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano (making it one of the best vantage points for panoramic pics). This is the land of Scotch (whiskey is the national drink), so test your knowledge or learn a few things during a tour or tasting at the nine-floor Port of Leith Distillery, the UK's first vertical distillery.

Things to Do: Set off on a day tour from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands, passing through villages like Glencoe on the banks of Loch Leven and Loch Ness, the lake believed to be home to the legendary monster. Another option: cruise to St. Andrews and Fife, past the fishing villages of East Neuk and the Renaissance-style Falkland Palace, once the residence of Mary, Queen of Scots. Back in Edinburgh, toast with a cocktail by the fire at The Last Word or linger over a surprise tasting menu at six-table Condita.

Places to Stay: You can't get much grander than legendary The Balmoral, with suites reminiscent of the Scottish countryside that show off Old Town views. A spot just as bespoke but on the boutique side, The Roseate's 35 rooms are spread across two Victorian townhouses and clad in heritage tweeds and lush velvets, with standing copper tubs perfectly placed to soak up the cityscape from the bay windows.

Panoramic view of Prague's Old Town, Vltava River and Bridges at Sunset

Prague's nickname is the "City of a Hundred Spires," and its architecture is definitely one of the Czech capital's draws. One glance at the thousand-year-old Prague Castle or sunset from the Charles Bridge and you'll instantly swoon. The Old Town Square—crowned by the impressive Astronomical Clock—has been a central point in the city since the 10th century. If you're looking to get out of the heat, you can marvel at architecture from indoors (wait until you see inside the Alhambra-influenced Spanish Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter). Of course, one of the best ways to cool off is in a beer garden like Letná, which doubles as a panoramic viewpoint over the city.

Things to Do: Listen to live music while taking in views of the city from the water on a dinner cruise along the Vltava River. The Czech Republic is the birthplace of Bohemia crystal, and couples can get a behind-the-scenes look at the centuries-old tradition, visiting craftspeople in the village of Nižbor. It seems like every city has a Hemingway Bar, but this one is worth seeking out for a nightcap.

Places to Stay: Sleep like royalty in the grand Four Seasons Hotel Prague, where windows open up to the city's top sights. Dine with a view just as spectacular on the seasonal terrace of CottoCrudo on the banks of the Vltava. Taking over a 13th century monastery, Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is just as impressive—and it's pet-friendly, if you're bringing yours along on the trip.

Palm-lined bay, Baie Ste Anne, Praslin, Seychelles

The far-flung Seychelles—a 115-island archipelago in the Indian Ocean, east of Kenya—top most bucket lists. Even Kate Middleton and Prince William honeymooned there. Home to some of the rarest species of plants and animals on Earth, the (practically deserted) beaches are so beautiful, explorers first thought this was a real-life Garden of Eden. We're not going to sugarcoat it, this trip is a pricey one—but if you're celebrating something as epic as a honeymoon or milestone anniversary, the Seychelles Islands are worth the splurge.

Things to Do: It may seem obvious, but island hopping is one of the highlights of a visit to Seychelles (you can book a private boat tour that will help map out a route). Crisscross the main island of Mahé on a full-day excursion to some of the most stunning beaches and natural attractions like the Sauzier Waterfall.

Places to Stay: From your private pool in a hilltop villa at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, you'll have some of the best views overlooking the turquoise Petite Anse bay. Designed to blend into the dramatic landscape, Six Senses Zil Pasyon sits on the private Félicité Island and all of its villas come with private plunge pools and butler service.

Canada, Alberta, Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake and Spirit Island

Home to the longest coastline in the world—touching three oceans—and hundreds of thousands of lakes and rivers, calling Canada a destination on the water is an understatement. In summer, paddle rivers by canoe or kayak past orcas on Vancouver Island. Throughout Canada's national parks, like Jasper and Banff, couples can soak in hot springs. Or, set off on a romantic rail journey through the Rockies on board the Rocky Mountaineer, snapping shots of the passing scenery as you move through the mountains.

Things to Do: The hardest decision you'll have to make is whether you want a city stay or an escape in nature. But don't worry, it's easy to combine the two in Canada since national parks aren't far from major hubs. Stroll arm-in-arm along Montreal's cobblestoned streets, visit New Brunswick and the "World Lobster Capital" of Shediac, or trek around Canada's most impressive lakes like Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

Places to Stay: In Québec, book a room at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac overlooking the St. Lawrence River and fortified old city, or stay at the Roaring Twenties-style Rosewood Hotel Georgia in downtown Vancouver.

Set off on a romantic getaway that's certainly a bucket list trip without even leaving the country. If you're a couple that connects over nature and adventure, Alaska is the place to visit. Jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery, cozy cabins, glaciers and fjords—this is one state that really does seem to have it all. Summer means longer days and temperatures that can hit the 90s inland or remain pleasant in the 60s along the coast. As the weather starts to cool in August, you may even get a glimpse of fall color in Alaska's forests.

Things to Do: If the Northern Lights are high on your list, you may be in luck with a sighting while in Fairbanks. Book a tour that pairs the vibrant aurora borealis with a trip to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you can soak while admiring the view. Take a helicopter flight over gorges and glaciers eyeing Alaska's wildlife from above before landing on ice for a glacier hike.

Places to Stay: For an experience you won't get anywhere else, stay outside of Fairbanks at Borealis Basecamp in the Alaskan wilderness, where you can glimpse the Northern Lights from a modern, geodesic igloo. Even more impressive, Sheldon Chalet is perched on a glacier in Denali and is the most luxurious lodging in a region that's more than rustic.

Top down view of an idyllic island with a boat a coral reef in Fiji in the south Pacific ocean

A bucket list trip that coincides with summer holidays? Book it now! High season runs through September, so that's when Fiji is at its driest. Given that there are 333 islands home to five-star villas, sprawling all-inclusive resorts, eco-lodges and boutique hotels, Fiji never truly gets crowded. Oh, and if you're after a blissful escape that's kid-free, you'll find romantic, adults-only resorts that are perfect for a couple's getaway or anniversary trip. You can even picnic on one of the many private islands that you'll have all to yourselves.

Things to Do: Hike through rainforests and to waterfalls; trek coastal sand dunes at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Heritage Park on the Coral Coast; go river tubing and whitewater rafting in Pacific Harbour (the inland river valleys are also great to explore by 4WD buggies); snorkel off sand cays; or cruise to a deserted beach via catamaran or sailing ship.

Places to Stay: A celebrity honeymoon favorite, the 500-acre private Turtle Island is one of the most exclusive in Fiji (there are 12 private beaches and only 14 couples staying at a time), with villas sitting steps from the Blue Lagoon. Sporting sprawling hilltop private residences with both sunrise and sunset views, Kokomo Private Island Resort sits in one of the best dive and snorkel spots on the planet.

Church Heiliger Franz of Assisi in Vienna

Vienna gets a lot of love around the holidays (the Christmas markets are some of the most spectacular in Europe), but Austria's capital is great to visit in summer, too. Bars, restaurants and boats along the Danube canal transform into an urban beach complete with sand, deck chairs and umbrellas. You'll find plenty of places to post up right in the city center, as DJs take over the Volksgarten Pavillon on warm evenings and cocktail bar Kleinod Stadtgarten opens its parasol-shielded terrace for the summer season.

Things to Do: Cycle or stroll around the city's sights like St. Stephen Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. Take a shopping break for schnitzel at gilded Zum Schwarzen Kameel (Black Camel)—arrive before the lunch crowd to snag a seat on the terrace—or linger over a Michelin-starred lunch at Konstantin Filippou, where the eponymous Greek-Austrian chef serves a symphony of seafood. Rent a car and drive to nearby wine country, stopping for lunch in one of Burglenland's best restaurants, Taubenkobel.

Places to Stay: In Vienna's first district, the historical center, couples will find a few sumptuous spots that up the city's already romantic feel, including Hotel Sacher, Park Hyatt Vienna and the newer Rosewood Vienna. For something on the boutique side, book the recently opened 31-room Almanac Palais Vienna, housed in a former palace dating back to 1871. Overlooking the Stadtpark—the first public green space in Vienna—the neo-Baroque hotel is within walking distance of the city's major sights, but it'll be tough to slip away from the subterranean two-floor wellness sanctuary, with its marble-covered spa and indoor thermal pool that nods to the capital's 2,000-year-old bathing culture.

Singapore has slightly less humidity and rain in August, making it a great time to visit the Southeast Asian city-state for ideal honeymoon weather. While often thought of as a stopover en route to Australia or New Zealand, this destination has more than enough to entertain couples without having to travel anywhere else. But if you do want to add on a steamy second half to your trip, take a seaplane to the nearby private island paradise Bawah Reserve, where you can cozy up in that ridiculously romantic overwater bungalow you've been dreaming of.

Things to Do: Food is a focal point in Singapore, where Michelin stars extend to street food stands. Take a private food tour through the city's hawker halls (food courts), sampling specialties like Hainanese chicken rice, or score a hard-to-snag seat at modern Michelin-starred Australian barbecue spot Burnt Ends. Snap photos of the city from Asia's largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, or head to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, which sits 56 stories high above landmarks like Gardens by the Bay.

Places to Stay: Considered one of the world's best hotels, Raffles Singapore is dripping in elegance (the legendary Long Bar is the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, after all). On Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore, framed by the sea, also tops the world's best list.

Norway

The land that inspired Frozen is a fairytale come to life any time of the year, but Norway's moderate temperatures and short nights in summer make this one of the best seasons to visit. As you move further north, nights get even shorter (thus the term midnight sun), so couples can take advantage of the extra time to horseback ride along the beach, road trip to some of the country's most scenic viewpoints, or head off on a moose or whale safari in northern Norway in Vesterålen.

Things to Do: Check off highlights in Norway's top cities: the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim ("Norway's Notre Dame"), Bryggen wharf in Bergen, the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. Leave a few days to spend in capital city Oslo exploring the National Museum, Oslo Opera House and modern art museum Astrup Fearnley (you can also cruise the fjord by catamaran). The best way to soak up sights along Norway's 1,500 miles of coastline is on a voyage from Bergen with Hurtigruten, which cruises up into the Arctic to Norway's second-largest glacier and the stained-glass mosaic Arctic Cathedral.

Places to Stay: Sleep in a sea cabin suspended over the water on Manshausen Island; stay in the world's largest timber building, the 18-floor Wood Hotel; or post up along the Oslo Fjord on Thief Island at design-forward boutique hotel THE THIEF.

France, Gironde, Arcachon bay, Pointe du Cap-Ferret, beach closed by a barrier (Barriere girondine), and view on the Dune of Pilat

Not to be confused with Cap Ferrat to the south, Cap-Ferret is nicknamed the "Cape Cod of France" as it lines the country's Atlantic Coast. The destination is about an hour west of Bordeaux. Couples will find oyster shacks lining the water, which is one of the main attractions here, along with sailing and surfing. Start with wine tastings in Bordeaux before venturing over to the 11-mile-long stretch of sand that sits across the bay from Arcachon, known for its market hall (this is a great spot to stop for oysters and a glass of wine) and golden Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe.

Things to Do: Start the morning with fresh pastries at Chez Pascal; order platters of freshly shucked oysters at La Cabane d'Hortense along the water; and get dressed up for a splurge-worthy meal at the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in Arcachon Bay, The Skiff Club, which takes its name after the boats hanging from the white veranda over the tables.

Places to Stay: Neo-Basque Hôtel Haïtza has long attracted France's most fashionable personalities, and thanks to an update à la Philippe Starck, it now beautifully marries timeless, old world glamor with contemporary luxury. For a slightly more elevated version of the area's coastal cottages, book one of the 15 rooms at bayfront Côté Sable.