Where to go in August

Manaus, Brazil

Habits of the Native Brazilian tribes are preserved in this city. Known as the ‘Paris of the Tropics’, Manaus sits on an entrance to the Amazon Rainforest, and is a wildlife hotspot.

Weather

Temperature: min. 25°C, max. 32°C
August is Brazil’s driest month, with only 13% chance of rain.

Season

Off-peak season.

Good for

Older kids who won’t mind the long journey there, nature lovers.

What’s there

A gateway to the Amazon, lush rainforest and winding waters characterise this riverside city. See the Negro River converging with the muddy Solimões, go on a nature excursion or explore the city.

What’s on

Opera performances at the Teatro Amazonas, football matches at the Arena da Amazonia.

Flight time from UK: Indirect flights to Manaus from London start from 17h 10m long

Malta

Jam-packed with history, this archipelago is home to blue seas, ancient cities and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Weather

Temperature: min. 28°C, max 32°C
The hottest month of the year, with dry, sunny days.

Season

Peak summer season

Good for

Kids of all ages, history lovers.
A hot and sunny break in Europe.

What’s there

Megalithic temples dating back to 3000 BC, the striking Blue Lagoon, the old city of Mdina, and several child-friendly beaches. The capital, Valletta, is filled with tranquil gardens and historical monuments.

What’s on

Several major religious feasts, historical reenactments at In Guardia and the Changing of the Guard outside the Grandmasters Palace.

Flight time from UK: 3h 10m

Annecy, France

Annecy, or the ‘Venice of the Alps’, is a maze of cobbled streets sitting on one of Europe’s cleanest lakes. August is prime watersport season, and the Alps provide breathtaking bike trails.

Weather

Temperature: min. 11°C, max. 26°C
Mostly sunny and pleasantly warm, with slightly cooler mornings.

Season

Peak season

Good for

Kids of all ages, active families wanting to get outdoors.
A European summer break with sunshine

What’s there

An arty old town with medieval châteaux, set amongst majestic mountains and a crystal clear lake. Cycle and hike up the slopes, or kayak, windsurf and ski across the waters.

What’s on

A regular market, and the Fête du Lac – a musical firework show on the lake’s edge.

Flight time from UK: 1h 30m from London to Geneva

Queenstown, New Zealand

With snow-capped mountains, a glistening lake and a cluster of local communities, Queenstown in August is a hub for extreme sports. Cool down in summer with its array of snow-based activities.

Weather

Temperature: min. 1°C, max. 10°C
Consistent cloud cover and snow in the heights.

Season

Peak winter sport season.

Good for

Older kids who can take advantage of the more extreme sports.

What’s there

Four lively skiing and snowboarding areas, which cater for complete beginners as well as those who want to refine their tricks. For thrill-seekers, bungee jumping, skydiving and supercar driving are amongst the extreme activities guaranteed to get your heart racing.

What’s on

See the newest furry babies during lambing season, or try to catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights.

Flight time from UK: 29h with stops

South Africa

From safaris to spectacular beaches, historic cities to vast national parks, South Africa offers a true family adventure.

Weather

Temperature: min. 8°C, max. 18°C
Colder evenings.
At least 6 hours of sunshine a day.

Season

August falls firmly in off-peak season so take advantage of the cheaper prices and the improved visibility of the game parks.

Good for

Combine beach and safari for the ultimate experience that will keep tots to teens entertained.
Beware of long journey times though, which may be unsuitable for the smallest travellers.

What’s there

Head to the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg for an international vibe, or explore Table Mountain and the Highveld grasslands on their outskirts for a taste of nature. If animals are more your thing, make sure to include one of the major reserves on your itinerary and have fun spotting the ‘Big Five’ (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino).

Flight time from UK: 11 hours 15 minutes

Bora Bora

With white sand beaches, palm trees, volcanic mountains and a splattering of islands, Bora Bora is an idyllic dream. With tourism beginning to cater more and more to kids, you won’t be stranded solely among honeymoon couples.

Weather

Temperature: min. 22°C, max. 28°C
The climate is warm and pleasant for most of the year.
Look forward to beautiful balmy evenings and weather should be less humid than other months during the year.

Season

August falls into the winter season of Bora Bora, dry with blue skies but typically high season.

Good for

Long travel times don’t make this the most suitable destination for young travellers. However, it would be perfect for a family to add on to a holiday, for example New Zealand (just four hours away).

What’s there

Tourism is the only industry on the island, so rest assured you’ll be in good hands. Relax in your hotel or take the time to explore some of the smaller islands set in the lagoon surrounded by a coral reef.

What’s on

Take advantage of the beautiful diving spots in one of the world’s leading snorkelling and diving destinations. Swim with sharks in the lagoon, or cruise above on one of the many day tours and look to the ocean below through a glass bottomed boat tour. For something a little more fast paced, take a couple of jet skis out onto the water.

Flight time from UK: 27 hours via LA and Tahiti (stopover anyone?!)

New Zealand

With diverse landscape, wherever you decide to go in New Zealand, you’re guaranteed it will be breathtaking. Take advantage of the cooler winter months for the trip of a lifetime.

Weather

Temperature: min. 8°C, max. 15°C
Some light rain.

Season

August falls at the end of the off season but price advantages, epic snow scenes and lack of crowds makes it the perfect time to travel.

Good for

New Zealand’s a dream for family travel: kid-centric activities, family-friendly accommodation, a moderate climate and very few critters that can bite or sting.

What’s there

Wildlife parks, beaches, parks, snowy slopes and interactive museums are everywhere across NZ. From white-water rafting to glaciers, the choice is yours to what you’re brave enough to take on.

What’s on

Make the most of the last of the ski season and enjoy the snow sports on offer. There’s also plenty of beautiful snow-covered scenery to see on a cross-country drive or visit the International Film Festival that runs from July through August, making stops in cities across the country.

Flight time from UK: 24 hours

Dubai

It has the world’s tallest skyline, shopping malls the size of towns, waterparks with half-million-gallon wave pools and rollercoasters hitting speeds of 60km per hour. Enjoy the heat at minimal price by taking a trip in August.

Weather

Temperature: min. 30°C, max. 41°C
Prepare for high humidity.

Season

Off-peak season – most travellers avoid August’s sweltering temperatures and high humidity.

Good for

With a wide selection of family friendly activities, Dubai caters particularly well for kids two to 12 years old.

What’s there

Resorts are significantly less expensive at this time of year, and offer excellent deals like free child places, full-board for half-board, free upgrades all on top of low room rates. Plus they make it their mission to keep guests as cool and comfortable as possible, indoors and out.

What’s on

Dubai is well adapted to its hot summers, so there’s plenty to do indoors – even the city’s immense malls are packed with kids activities, play zones, family events and entertainment.

Flight time from UK: Under 7 hours

Where to go in August