Where to Travel in August

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.

August is the year’s most crowded month in the Northern Hemisphere.

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.

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.