Where to travel in August

By August, Europe revels in perfect beach weather, while the sun shines on a packed calendar of cultural events in Spain and England, from lively street parties to raucous rock concerts. Further afield, animal-lovers are spoilt for choice, with sea lion pups to spot in the Galápagos Islands and bears and whales in plain sight in Alaska. Whether you want to surf in Sri Lanka or even hit the ski slopes in New Zealand, August has plenty to tempt you to travel.

England

Weather: 17-23C (63-73F)
Why now: Seaside weather and summer events

Nothing brightens England like a sunny day, and August is your best bet for seeing clear, blue skies. Pub gardens fill with jubilant drinkers, parks are packed with picnickers and families flock to popular seaside spots in Cornwall, Norfolk and North Yorkshire. Major outdoor events capitalise on the probability of good weather, so there are concerts and festivals every weekend, from Reading and Leeds Festival bringing together some of the biggest names in rock music (27-30 August) to Big Feastival, with its top chefs and music (28-30 August), and the Notting Hill Carnival’s celebration of Caribbean culture in London (30-31 August).

Like a local: Stand on the right when riding escalators in London and don’t even think about queue jumping.

(Shipyards, nightlife and community—why Newcastle is worth a trip.)

Sri Lanka

Weather: 26-31C (79-88F)
Why now: Perfect weather for surfing, hiking and beaches

While Sri Lanka’s peak tourist season runs from December to April, savvy travellers know it’s still possible to find tropical temperatures between May and September. Although it’s monsoon season in the south and west, the east coast has brilliant sunshine for lounging on white-sand beaches including Pasikudah and Nilaveli, while keen surfers head for the waves at Arugam Bay. Inland, milder temperatures are perfect for hiking in Ella, in the Central Highlands, while dry days draw the leopards and elephants of Yala National Park to watering holes for easy spotting.

Like a local: Feast on affordable, Sri Lankan dishes at any Hela Bojun Hala — each part of country-wide, government-backed network of self-service food outlets run by women. Try a hopper — a pancake bowl made of fermented rice and coconut milk.

(See Sri Lanka’s misty tea country—in pictures.)

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Weather: 20-25C (68-77F)
Why now: Sea lion pups and whales; dry season; excellent hiking conditions

Wildlife abounds in cooler, dryer August in the Galápagos. The Humboldt Current is at full strength, bringing nutrient-rich waters to the archipelago, which is loved by marine life including humpback, sperm and minke whales. Birds are especially active — booby eggs begin hatching and migratory shorebirds arrive, while sea lion pupping season peaks on beaches on Fernandina Island and San Cristóbal Island. The milder conditions are also great for exploring on land, including hikes on Santa Cruz Island past cactus forests to a sheltered lagoon full of marine iguanas, or on Isabela Island, where you’ll overlook lava fields as you trek on the rim of the world’s second-largest volcanic caldera.

Like a local: Cash machines are scarce and often empty; bring US dollars in small amounts for park entry fees and tipping.

(Meet the Galapagueños who are trying to save paradise.)

New Zealand

Weather: 2-10C (35-50F) in South Island; 6-14C (43-57F) in North Island
Why now: Stargazing, skiing and hot springs

For great Southern Hemisphere skiing in August, head to New Zealand, where it’s the end of winter and the mountains near Queenstown and the Canterbury Plains are blanketed by snow. You’ll have the slopes largely to yourself as there are no school holidays here this month, so prices are also lower. Long, clear nights are made for stargazing on Mount Cook and at Lake Tekapo, where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear nights, or you can see off winter chills with a steamy dip in the natural geothermal pools at Rotorua or Hanmer Springs.

Like a local: Leave more time than you think when travelling. Winding, single-lane roads can slow traffic dramatically.

(Join the search for the world's rarest wading bird in New Zealand.)

Spain

Weather: 25-35C (77-95F)
Why now: Total solar eclipse and fiestas  

Spain buzzes with activity in August, when scorching temperatures lure locals to the beach and the streets play host to colourful fiestas. The liveliest include Feria de Málaga (15-22 August), when the Andalusian city comes alive with flamenco performances and fairgrounds; Barcelona’s Festa Major de Gràcia, for live music and vibrantly decorated streets (15-21 August); and La Tomatina on 26 August in the town of Buñol, where participants throw over-ripe tomatoes at each other as part of the world’s biggest food fight. This year, festivities include those for August’s total solar eclipse, the first visible from mainland Spain in over 100 years. Majorca, Bilbao and La Rioja are some of the best spots to see it.

Like a local: Be prepared to eat late. Spaniards don’t sit down to dinner until at least 9pm — often later in summer — and restaurants will mostly be closed before then.

(Trace the journey of Spain's prized delicacy—jamón ibérico.)

Alaska, U.S.

Weather: 17-21C (63-70F)
Why now: Good weather and the Alaska State Fair

There’s a good reason why Alaskan cruises only operate between May and September. By May, the thickest sea ice has melted, the weather is warmer and there’s almost round-the-clock daylight for outdoor pursuits. In August, wildlife is at its most active, with salmon runs across the state bringing hungry bears to riverbanks, and humpback and orcas gathering along the coastline. The wildflower-flanked pathways and emerald-green hills of Denali National Park & Preserve and the trails near Anchorage are ideal for hiking, with fewer mosquitoes than in early summer. Towards the end of the month, you can also party at the Alaska State Fair, with its big-name concerts, fairground and food stalls (21 August-7 September).

Like a local: Expect variable weather — it can rain at any time and temperatures can plummet to freezing near glaciers, even during summer.

(In pictures: overlanding in Alaska, where glaciers meet bear country.)