# Where to Travel in August URL: https://emptvl.vercel.app/where-to-go/august Publisher: Empyrean Travel (https://emptvl.vercel.app/) Last reviewed: 2026-10-19 Where to travel in August: the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, whale season in Moorea, and peak safari in Botswana and Namibia, plus what to avoid and book. **Quick answer:** August is prime time for the Great Migration in Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s northern Serengeti, and peak dry season in Botswana and Namibia. In French Polynesia, it’s dry season, and humpback whales typically arrive around islands like Moorea. Avoid mainland Europe’s August slowdown and the Caribbean as hurricane season ramps up. - Top safari pick: Maasai Mara, Kenya - Top beach pick: Moorea (dry season and humpback whales) - Top city pick: London (cooler European summer) - Best for corporate travel: Avoid much of Europe: August holiday season - Book by: Safari and overwater bungalows 9–12 months ahead ## Why is August good for safari and French Polynesia? By August, the Great Migration is typically spread across the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara, with river crossings happening on and off. The Mara’s private conservancies limit vehicle numbers, so sightings feel less crowded than in the main reserve. Southern Africa is at the height of its dry season. Namibia’s Etosha concentrates wildlife around waterholes, and Botswana’s Delta and Chobe are superb. In French Polynesia, the dry season coincides with humpback whale season around islands such as Moorea, typically from about July or August into October. ## What should you avoid in August? August is the year’s most crowded month in the Northern Hemisphere. - European August: many French and Italian locals take holidays, especially around Italy’s Ferragosto on August 15; some family-run restaurants and shops close while beach resorts are packed. - Hurricane season ramps up: Atlantic activity typically increases from mid-August, so Caribbean, Cancun, and Miami trips need flexible bookings and insurance. - Typhoon season can affect Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. - Southeast Asia and the Maldives: southwest monsoon conditions continue. - Dubai and Egypt: extreme heat. ## What should business travelers know about August? August is the hardest month for European business. Decision-makers in France, Italy, and Spain are often away for two weeks or more, so plan deals and site visits for June, July, or September. In the U.S., Black Hat and related security conferences typically fill Las Vegas in early August. U.S. and many Asian hubs stay relatively productive, making August workable for international business travel to Singapore or Sydney. Japan slows during Obon, typically in mid-August. ## How far ahead should you book August travel? August is peak demand for both safari and French Polynesia because it coincides with Northern Hemisphere school holidays. Book safari camps and overwater bungalows 9–12 months ahead. If you’re booking late, Gigi can look at shoulder-season alternatives such as early June or late October. ## Best places to travel in August - **Maasai Mara** (Kenya · Peak migration): Herds fill the Mara plains. Conservancy camps add off-road driving, walks, and night drives. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/africa/kenya - **Northern Serengeti** (Tanzania · Mara River crossings): Remote camps along the Mara River put you close to the action. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/africa/tanzania - **Moorea** (French Polynesia · Humpback whale season): Dry-season sunshine and licensed whale-watching trips just offshore. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/moorea - **Okavango & Chobe** (Botswana · Peak dry season): Big elephant herds along the Chobe River and water-based safaris in the Delta. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/africa/botswana - **Etosha** (Namibia · Waterhole season): Wildlife converges on Etosha’s waterholes, ideal for self-paced viewing and photography. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/africa/namibia - **Bwindi** (Uganda · Dry-season gorilla trekking): Firmer trails in the forest, with chimpanzee tracking nearby. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/africa/uganda - **Rangiroa** (French Polynesia · Drift diving): The Tiputa Pass is famous for dolphins and sharks; snorkelers can float the pass too. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/rangiroa - **London** (UK · Summer): Long days, parks, and theater, a cooler European option while the south bakes. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/destinations/lhr ## Frequently asked questions **Q: Is August the best month for the Great Migration?** A: August is one of the best. The herds are typically spread between Tanzania’s northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and river crossings happen on and off throughout the month. It’s also peak season, so camps near the Mara River fill early and rates are at their highest. September offers similar wildlife with slightly fewer visitors. **Q: Can you see whales in French Polynesia in August?** A: Yes. Humpback whales typically migrate to French Polynesia from around July or August to October or November to mate and give birth in warm, sheltered waters. Moorea and Tahiti are popular for whale-watching trips, and Rurutu in the Austral Islands is known for them. Strict approach rules apply, so book with a licensed operator. **Q: Is Europe closed in August?** A: Not closed, but different. Many locals in France, Italy, and Spain take their holidays in August, especially around Italy’s Ferragosto on August 15. Some family-run restaurants and shops in Paris and Rome close for a week or more, while beach resorts are at their busiest. Major museums and hotels stay open, but business meetings are much harder to schedule. **Q: Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean in August?** A: Many people do, but August is in the Atlantic hurricane season, and activity typically increases from mid-August through late October. Most days are unaffected, yet a storm can disrupt flights and resorts. If you go, choose flexible rates, buy travel insurance, and watch the National Hurricane Center’s outlooks. Our travel insurance guide explains what to look for. ## Sources - [Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board)](https://magicalkenya.com/) - [Tahiti Tourisme](https://tahititourisme.com/en-us/) - [National Hurricane Center (NOAA)](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/)