Best destinations to visit in August in North America
Best destinations to visit in August in North America
August keeps North America in full summer mode, even as the first signs of the season winding down start to appear by month's end.
National parks remain busy through most of August, though crowds ease slightly in the final weeks as school terms begin in parts of the country. The Caribbean and coastal Mexico stay warm, with hurricane season now building toward its most active stretch of the year. Wildfire risk also increases across parts of the western United States and Canada, worth checking before planning a trip to affected regions. Northern areas and Canada continue to enjoy long, warm days, ideal for the last big road trips of summer. Coastal towns on both sides of the continent also remain full through most of the month, so booking early helps.
The destinations on our list for North America reflect that same late summer energy found across the continent.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in United States
Michigan
Great Lakes State of Wonder
Four of the five Great Lakes touch this state, which has more than 3,000 miles of shoreline. Sleeping Bear Dunes has tall sand bluffs above Lake Michigan. Cars are not allowed on Mackinac Island, so visitors ride bikes or horse carriages. The lake water is warm enough for swimming in August.
State/Prefecture in United States
Oregon
Diverse Landscapes and Outdoor Wonders
The state has 363 miles of public coastline, plus mountains and high desert. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 feet. The rim drive is clear of snow in August. Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach is a good place to look at tide pools.
City in United States
San Diego
California's perfect weather playground
Summer days are mild here, with highs near 77 degrees Fahrenheit and almost no rain. The ocean at La Jolla Cove is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit in August. Sea lions rest on the rocks above the water. Balboa Park and the zoo are busy but open all year.
State/Prefecture in United States
Washington (State)
Diverse landscapes from mountains to coast
Riding a ferry across Puget Sound is a normal part of life in this state. Whale watching boats leave from Anacortes and Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. Olympic National Park has rain forest, beaches and mountains. Pike Place Market in Seattle sells fresh salmon and local berries.
National Park in United States
Yellowstone National Park
Geysers, wildlife and untamed wilderness
About half of the world's geysers are in this park, which is far more than any other place. Old Faithful erupts about every 90 minutes. Bison graze in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley. Grand Prismatic Spring has bands of orange and yellow around its blue centre.
National Park in Canada
Banff National Park
Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes
A small mountain town sits among the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, with hot springs and good restaurants. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are bright turquoise in August from glacier meltwater. Hire a canoe to paddle across the water. Shuttle buses run to the busiest spots.
National Park in United States
Acadia National Park
Rugged Shores, Sunrise Peaks, Wild Beauty
Mount Desert Island on the coast of Maine holds most of this park, with granite peaks above the sea. Days are warm in August, with highs near 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Hikers climb Cadillac Mountain for views over Frenchman Bay. Clear nights are good for watching the Perseid meteors from the open summit.
State/Prefecture in United States
Maine
Lobsters, Lighthouses and Lush Landscapes
Compared with Cape Cod the coast here is rockier and less crowded, with more lighthouses and working fishing harbours. Lobster shacks serve fresh lobster rolls beside the water. Wild blueberries are ripe in August. Many small towns hold blueberry festivals with pies, pancakes and live music.
State/Prefecture in Canada
Nova Scotia
Coastal charm meets historic maritime heritage
This Canadian province is relaxed and friendly, with fishing villages, lighthouses and long stretches of ocean coast. Peggys Cove has a famous lighthouse on bare granite rocks. Cape Breton Island has the Cabot Trail, a scenic road with ocean views. Beaches along the Northumberland Strait have mild water for swimming.
State/Prefecture in United States
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. Russian Orthodox churches still stand in towns such as Sitka. Salmon swim up the rivers in August. Brown bears gather at the falls to catch them. Daylight lasts long enough for fishing and hiking well after dinner.
National Park in United States
Glacier National Park
Crown of the Continent
The park sits on the border with Canada in northwestern Montana, along the Continental Divide. Going to the Sun Road crosses Logan Pass, which is usually fully open by August. Mountain goats and wildflowers are easy to find near the pass. Hikers follow the Highline Trail along a cliff ledge.
National Park in Canada
Jasper National Park
Untamed Wilderness and Starry Skies
August is warm in this park, with daytime highs near 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Jasper is also a dark sky preserve, so the Perseid meteors are easy to see at night. Boats cross Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. The Icefields Parkway road runs south past glaciers towards Banff.
Island in Canada
Newfoundland
Coastal charm meets rugged wilderness on island
Vikings built a camp at L'Anse aux Meadows about 1,000 years ago. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boat tours from Bay Bulls pass puffin colonies and humpback whales in August. Gros Morne National Park has fjords, tall cliffs and a hiking trail up its mountain.
National Park in United States
Mount Rainier National Park
A Majestic Volcano and Wild Beauty
The park was set aside in 1899, which makes it one of the oldest national parks in the United States. The meadows at Paradise are full of wildflowers in August. The Skyline Trail loops above them with views of glaciers on the 14,411 foot volcano.
National Park in United States
Denali National Park
Wild Alaska’s peaks and wildlife
The park covers more than six million acres, which is larger than the state of Massachusetts. Only one road runs into it. It is about 92 miles long. Buses carry visitors along that road to see caribou, moose and grizzly bears. The tundra is red and gold by late August.
National Park in United States
Kenai Fjords National Park
Majestic fjords, glaciers and wildlife
A day cruise from the town of Seward is the usual way to see the fjords. Humpback whales, orcas and puffins are often seen on the water. Tidewater glaciers drop ice into the sea at Aialik Bay. Hikers walk the Harding Icefield Trail for views over the ice.
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