21 Cheap destinations in 2024 with great weather in August

• August 12 – Queen’s Birthday Holiday in Thailand (major public holiday)
• August 15 – National Liberation Day of Korea (major public holiday)
• August 15 – India Independence Day (major public holiday)
• August 15 – Assumption Day in France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain etc. (major public holiday)
• August 26 – Summer bank holiday in the UK (except Scotland, which is on August 5)

It’s also worth noting that huge numbers of Europeans have all of August off work, and they generally leave the cities and head to the beaches and countrysides.

August is an interesting month for vacations since most of America and Canada are off school for the month, but increasing numbers start back later in the month so the first half of August is far busier and more expensive than the second half. In other words, if you can take your vacation in the last week of the month, you’ll find much better deals and smaller crowds.

The Caribbean

While it’s true that August is officially part of the wet season in most of the Caribbean, most islands actually only get a bit of rain this month and some get almost none. Many Europeans have the entire month of August off work and so some of the islands they enjoy such as Barbados and the Dominican Republic, do actually get busy, especially early in the month.

• Cheapest Caribbean Islands to visit
• Cheapest all-inclusive Caribbean destinations

Cancun, Mexico

• August avg high: 92°F/33°C
• August avg low: 77°F/25°C
• August avg precip: 4.3″/10.8cm

Cancun highlights

• Gorgeous beaches with clear blue water in many (not all) Cancun areas
• The Caribbean’s best nightlife is available but also avoidable
• A wide range of all-inclusive resorts from cheap to super luxurious
• Every imaginable activity, water sport, and golf, and famous ruins
• Cenotes – Semi-enclosed sea caves that are unique to this area

Most people forget about tropical destinations like Cancun when it’s warm all over the Northern Hemisphere, which is exactly why it can be great value this time of year. You can be sure that it will be hot every day and warm every evening in August, but you’ll also have sea breezes along the beaches and strong air-con in all hotel rooms, so it’s far more pleasant than you might imagine.

You’ll be seeing an influx of European tourists in August who know that Cancun offers good deals this time of year, but it’s still much slower than it is in the winter months, and this huge area is built with enough hotels for peak season. The Cancun Airport has cheap direct flights from all over, and the airport also serves Playa del Carmen and the nearby island of Cozumel just to the south. All-inclusive resorts can also be great value in August. The area is large and has many different types of accommodation available so we wrote a guide to where to stay in the Cancun area to match your style.

• 3-star hotels from: US$49 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$106 per night for two people
• All-inclusive hotels from: US$243 per night for two people

>>>Check current Cancun resort and package deals

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

• August avg high: 89°F/32°C
• August avg low: 77°F/25°C
• August avg precip: 1.1″/2.8cm

Punta Cana highlights

• Abundant all-inclusive beach resorts at surprisingly affordable rates
• A large and efficient airport and new roads to get you in safely
• White, sandy beaches at nearly every resort
• Fishing, sailing, water sports, and other adventure excursions available
• Family-friendly resorts with water parks etc. are plentiful

Out on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, you’ll find its most popular resort area with some of the island’s best sandy beaches. It’s going to be warm every day and every night in August, but it’s also generally dry, and most guests rarely spend much time out of the cooling sea breezes, so those looking for where to go in August should give this one a look.

The best news is that Punta Cana can be very cheap in August, even for many of the higher-end resorts and the all-inclusives. They build enough of them so that they are mostly full in January, which means that they have to fiercely compete in low season months like this. There are great water sports opportunities as well, although you won’t be seeing much in the way of authentic culture in a resort compound like this. Honestly, there isn’t much culture in the Punta Cana area outside of the hotels, so it’s really not worth staying in a small hotel and trying to tour the area. The all-inclusive hotels offer such great deals that they are often even cheaper than places that only include breakfast. We recently wrote a guide to the best all-inclusive hotels in Punta Cana, which should give you a head start to finding the best place.

• 3-star hotels from: US$46 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$110 per night for two people
• All-inclusive hotels from: US$153 per night for two people

>>>Check current Punta Cana resort and package deals

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

• August avg high: 91°F/33°C
• August avg low: 78°F/26°C
• August avg precip: 1.1″/2.8cm

Ocho Rios highlights

• Jamaica has a distinct cuisine and beachy drinks
• Great sandy beaches at most larger coastal resorts
• Cruise-ship-oriented shopping opportunities in town
• Music and nightlife for those interested in leaving the resorts
• The only large (and cheapest) Caribbean island where locals speak English

Ocho Rios is the next resort area east of Montego Bay, and visitors to both will fly into the busy Montego Bay Airport. Ocho Rios (and the rest of Jamaica) has a similar climate to Punta Cana in August, in that it’s guaranteed to be very warm but most people spend most of their time on the beach or by the pool anyway.

And again, the hotel deals in the resort area of Jamaica are quite amazing in August when many people incorrectly assume it’s way too hot. Even the all-inclusive resorts here pull out the stops with deals that sometimes look like misprints because rates are so low. If you want to tour museums and cathedrals, go elsewhere, but if you want to relax on the beach with great food and cheap drinks, it’s hard to beat Ocho Rios this time of year.

Jamaica has great resorts all along the northern and western coasts of the island, all served by the busy Montego Bay Airport. They have a couple entries on our list of the best Caribbean resorts for honeymoons, so if you are planning a romantic trip, this list should help.

• 3-star hotels from: US$126 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$208 per night for two people
• All-inclusive hotels from: US$283 per night for two people

>>>Check current Ocho Rios resort and package deals

Alaska Cruise

• August avg high: 64F/17C
• August avg low: 49F/10C
• August avg precip: 3.2″/8.3cm

The data above is for Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska cruise highlights

• A cruise is by far the best way to experience the beauty of Alaska
• The Inner Passage is a huge highlight on most cruises
• A chance to get away from scorching summer temperatures for a week
• Pack and unpack once and see 3 to 5 towns in a week
• Excellent and abundant food all included in the price

Since summer of 2024 is just around the corner, maybe you are already sick of the heat and looking for someplace to cool off a bit instead? An Alaska cruise could be the perfect option. The best ones leave from Seattle or Vancouver BC and head up to the Anchorage area through the Inner Passage with stops in 2 or 3 small touristy villages along the way.

Nearly everyone agrees that a cruise is by far the best way to see Alaska since the western coastline is one of the world’s most beautiful areas, and you can only see a tiny fraction of the scenery if you actually fly to Anchorage and try to tour around on your own. Alaska cruises in August aren’t cheap compared to Caribbean cruises, but considering all you get (accommodation and all meals and entertainment) for a week, it’s still a pretty good deal in high season.

>>>Check for deals on Alaska cruises

Mexico City, Mexico

• August avg high: 74°F/23°C
• August avg low: 53°F/12°C
• August avg precip: 6.7″/16.8cm

Mexico City highlights

• Historic colonial city center that is extremely photogenic and interesting
• Modern culture and shopping districts that much nicer than most expect
• Excellent local food at affordable prices
• Pyramids and other nearby Aztec ruins that are easy to reach by bus or taxi
• Very affordable hotels at very good standards

You might get a bit of rain in Mexico City in August, but there are so many great indoor activities here that it’s easy to work around it. Best of all, Mexico City has pleasant and moderate temperatures all summer while most of the rest of the region is blazing hot. This huge city is far more interesting and far less dangerous than most people realize, with excellent food, culture, and historic sights in abundance.

If you expected Mexico City to be one of the hottest places to go in August, you’d be wrong, as it’s actually rather mild. Better still, Mexico City is easily one of the cultural capitals of the Americas and it’s far nicer than you probably assume, and still surprisingly cheap all things considered as well.

• 3-star hotels from: US$30 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$58 per night for two people

>>>Mexico City prices
>>>Check current Mexico City hotel deals

Cartagena, Colombia

• August avg high: 87°F/31°C
• August avg low: 79°F/26°C
• August avg precip: 4.7″/11.8cm

Cartagena highlights

• Historic walled city that rivals Old San Juan for beauty
• Pleasant beaches and other nearby sights all close by
• Great local food and drinks at amazing prices
• A different atmosphere that is unlike the large Caribbean islands
• Nearby islands and abundant water sports

Another city with a climate that barely changes from one part of the year to another, Cartagena can be counted on for warm and muggy days and warm and muggy nights pretty much any time. August is technically within the rainy season as well, but it’s tropical rain that never lasts long.

This city also has an advantage of offering long stretches of very nice beaches near the center, plus a charming Colonial walled city in the middle of it all. With both options available it’s easy to take advantage of the sunny days on the beach and still get a bit of culture in when it’s cloudy and looks like rain is on the way. Once you get here, you’ll find that hotels, restaurants, and attractions are excellent value. In other words, if you want a Caribbean beach vacation on a lower budget, Cartagena is a cheap and very interesting option with lots to see and do.

• 3-star hotels from: US$43 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$93 per night for two people
• All-inclusive hotels from: US$157 per night for two people

>>>Cartagena prices
>>>Check current Cartagena hotel and package deals

Quito, Ecuador

• August avg high: 67°F/19°C
• August avg low: 49°F/9°C
• August avg precip: 1.0″/2.5cm

Quito highlights

• Gorgeous colonial architecture
• A mild climate all year round
• Cloud forest nearby
• Quito Basilica is one of the most interesting churches in the Americas
• TelefériQo cable car ride

Quito is at such altitude and so near the equator that the temperatures are almost exactly the same every day of the year. And while it’s hard to call these days “great” in the traditional sense, at least August (along with July) is the driest time of year so there’s little chance of getting caught in a storm.

If Quito were easier to reach it would be far more popular, but as it is this is not a city that people arrive in accidentally. This helps contribute to the fact that things are extremely cheap by international standards, so it’s not a bad place to just hang around in if you can manage it. In fact, this is one of the cheapest cities in the Americas and always ranks near the top of the cheapest tourist cities in the world on our annual list. Quito is one of the world’s cheapest places to travel in August, and every other month of the year for that matter.

• 3-star hotels from: US$20 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$92 per night for two people

>>>Quito prices
>>>Check current Quito hotel and package deals

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• August avg high: 81°F/27°C
• August avg low: 64°F/18°C
• August avg precip: 1.6″/4.0cm

Rio de Janeiro highlights

• Copacabana and Ipanema beach areas are more impressive than you’d expect
• Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf cable car are very worthwhile
• Famous beach culture where locals far outnumber tourists even in tourist season
• Great food and drink culture at very affordable prices
• Surprisingly inexpensive hotels in the nicer beach areas

Just as we said for July, this ties for the nicest two-month stretch of the year in a city where it’s always pretty damn nice outside. Being barely in the tropics but in the Southern Hemisphere, Rio de Janeiro is plenty warm this month but never scorching. This is also the driest time of year, so humidity is down a bit and you won’t have to worry about afternoon rainstorms.

Prices in Brazil have gone up and down with currency shifts in the last decade or so, and as of 2024 it’s quite cheap again. International hotels on the beach are still on the pricey side, but family-run hotels a block or two away can be excellent value. You pretty much get what you pay for so it’s wise not to book the cheapest hotel you can find. On the other hand, Brazil has never been one of the safest countries to visit, so it’s important to do your research and remain careful, just as you would in most other huge cities around the world.

• 3-star hotels from: US$33 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$51 per night for two people

>>>Rio de Janeiro prices
>>>Check current Rio de Janeiro hotel and package deals

As mentioned on top, August in Europe is like shopping malls just before Christmas. There’s plenty of great weather in the north, but extremely high prices to go along with it, so we are staying in the south for the most part. In fact, if you are pretty sure you want to go to Europe in August you might have a look at our list of the best European cities for August from cheapest to most expensive.

Even though August is peak season for sunshine holidays, you can still find cheap Europe beach destinations if that’s your goal.

Lisbon, Portugal

• August avg high: 82°F/28°C
• August avg low: 65°F/18°C
• August avg precip: 0.3″/0.8cm

Lisbon highlights

• Castles, towers, and cathedrals, all in the compact city center
• Tram 28, which connects many of Lisbon’s tourist sights for €3 a ride
• Elevador de Santa Justa – the famous outdoor elevator for amazing photos
• Great local food at very good prices
• Fado (local folk music) shows to go along with great meals

Being on the coast like it is, Lisbon has pretty much perfect weather all summer. The cool breezes come in to make even the warmer days feel quite nice, so it’s far more pleasant than Madrid this time of year. There’s also virtually no rain in Lisbon during the summer so you can confidently leave your umbrella at home.

Not only does Lisbon have arguably Europe’s finest big-city climate, it’s also strangely cheap compared even to nearby neighbors such as Barcelona or Madrid. Its out-of-the-way location means that no one gets here by accident, so tourist numbers are never out of hand and prices are appealing considering how lovely it all is. Portugal has become kind of a trendy destination as of 2023 and many people combine a few days in Lisbon with a few days or more on one of the southern beaches in the Algarve region.

• 3-star hotels from: €90 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: €106 per night for two people

>>>Lisbon prices
>>>Check current Lisbon hotel and package deals

Barcelona, Spain

• August avg high: 82°F/28°C
• August avg low: 67°F/19°C
• August avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm

Barcelona highlights

• Sagrada Familia cathedral and other Gaudi architectural highlights
• La Rambla pedestrian zone is fun and interesting all day and night
• Sandy beaches are located within the city
• Marina complex in the city center with great food, shopping, and activities
• Nightlife is among Europe’s best

Barcelona is one of the world’s great summer party cities, and that means it’s extremely crowded in August, with peak-season hotel rates to contend with as well. At least the weather is nicer than in Madrid, since Barcelona is coastal and even has a few beaches near the city center.

Booking as early as possible is your best bet for a city like this. Even the hostels will be jammed during August so arriving with no reservations and going door to door could be problematic and exhausting. At least food and drink prices are reasonable, even in summer, so once you have a bed sorted out it’s easy to keep your budget down otherwise. The public transportation system in Barcelona is quite good so you can stay a bit away from the tourist districts and still see a lot while saving some money.

• 3-star hotels from: €77 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: €85 per night for two people

>>>Barcelona prices
>>>Check current Barcelona hotel and package deals

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

• August avg high: 84°F/29°C
• August avg low: 71°F/22°C
• August avg precip: 0.0″/0.5cm

Tenerife highlights

• Sandy beaches and almost every hotel has a nice pool
• A pleasant atmosphere with surprisingly affordable food and drinks
• Interesting and low-key nightlife with no giant nightclubs
• Teide volcano and national park is a good day trip
• Easy for English speakers getting out of the cold weather

August is a very popular month in Tenerife, which is the largest of the Canary Islands, but it’s still quite a bargain by international standards. You’ll find the southern resort areas packed with Brits, Germans, and Swedes, sunning themselves and enjoying cheap beer and food at the hundreds of outdoor restaurants. Non-Spanish speakers will have the easiest time in the southern towns of Los Cristianos and Playa de la Americas. There are quite a few all-inclusive hotels on Tenerife and the rates are very good. Since it’s so easy to walk to affordable restaurants and bars from most places on the island, it may not be worth it, but fans of all-inclusives tend to like to stay in one nice place anyway.

This and the rest of the Canary Islands are very popular with Europeans all summer, and August is one of the peak months. Fortunately, the island is packed with hotels and rentals and affordable restaurants, but it’s still best to book as early as possible in order to get the best deals. It’s worth checking other Canary Islands for the best deals since the weather and vibe are similar on all of them. Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote are the others with the most hotels and easiest to reach.

• 3-star hotels from: €46 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: €90 per night for two people
• All-inclusive hotels from: €199 per night for two people

>>>Tenerife prices
>>>Check current Tenerife hotel deals

Budapest, Hungary

• August avg high: 79°F/26°C
• August avg low: 59°F/15°C
• August avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm

Budapest highlights

• Parliament building on the river is one of Europe’s most famous buildings
• Some of Europe’s best architecture fitting of an important capital
• Very affordable food and drinks (outside of the main tourist zone)
• Natural hot spring complexes right in the city that are easy and cheap to visit
• “Ruin pubs” set in courtyards of old apartment buildings (an unusual treat)

Budapest continues as perhaps the best-value destination in all of Europe. It’s not the cheapest of the major capitals, although it’s one of the cheapest and it’s definitely nicer than all of the cheaper ones. During August you can expect warm sunny days and reasonably cool nights, though if you get unlucky you might be there for a few scorching days. The bigger problem will be the crowds, as this city is anything but a secret among the budget travel set.

Prices for hotels do tend to be at their highest during August, but hostel prices tend to stay steady through the middle of the year so it might be worth trying to book a private room in a hostel if you can do so early enough. It’s still much cheaper in Budapest than any large city to its west.

• 3-star hotels from: €57 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: €108 per night for two people

>>>Budapest prices
>>>Check current Budapest hotel and package deals

Prague, Czechia

• August avg high: 76°F/24°C
• August avg low: 57°F/14°C
• August avg precip: 2.8″/7.0cm

Prague highlights

• Prague Castle complex that is close and easy to visit
• Charles Bridge and Old Town Square for amazing photos
• Eastern Europe’s most interesting architecture that survived WWII
• Hearty food at very appealing prices (outside of tourist zones)
• Arguably the world’s best beer that is also very cheap in most places

If you’ve never been to Prague then you should put it on your list. Hotels aren’t as cheap as they once were, at least for hotels that are well located near the river, but most other things are very reasonable. Most of all, Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful big cities and the architecture is some of the most interesting in the entire world. The public transportation in the city is cheap and efficient so you can stay a bit outside the tourist zone and save a bit of money.

Hotels in Prague do charge quite a bit in August, but hostels can be good bargains still, especially the ones a bit away from the tourist zone. Booking well in advance is wise for August. At least you’ll have the cheap and excellent beer waiting for you through the frustrations. The public transportation here is cheap so you can save some money by staying away from the river and tourist area, but it’s still wise to check the location of any hotel to make sure it’s easy enough to reach.

• 3-star hotels from: €59 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: €73 per night for two people

>>>Prague prices
>>>Check current Prague hotel and package deals

Split, Croatia

• August avg high: 85°F/30°C
• August avg low: 71°F/22°C
• August avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm

Split highlights

• Stunning white-marble historic center dating back over 1,000 years
• Beautiful port area with ferries going to nearby islands
• Diocletian’s Palace and other worthwhile nearby sights
• Pleasant seaside summer weather with welcome breezes
• Much cheaper than nearby Italy or even Dubrovnik

Actually, Dubrovnik used to be on this list, but we replaced it with its neighbor, Split, because this city is similar in most ways except much cheaper and easier to reach. August will be crowded in this whole region, though Split is a relative bargain. The city is gorgeous, historic, and fascinating, and there are great beaches nearby and on the islands just a short ferry ride away. A popular strategy is to book a hotel or apartment on the beach a bit outside of Split, and then be able to take a taxi into the city for great dining and cultural opportunities.

As in all of Croatia, apartments are more plentiful and better value than hotels. August is the peak month along the Croatian coast as Germans and other northern Europeans move in for the entire month. Fortunately, the tourist infrastructure is well developed so you’ll be able to find a place and get around as long as you plan at least a little in advance. Room rates in 2024 are looking higher than they have been in years, so book early or maybe look at places on other parts of the Croatian coast for better deals.

• 3-star hotels from: €101 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: €152 per night for two people

>>>Split prices
>>>Check current Split hotel deals

Krakow, Poland

• August avg high: 75°F/24°C
• August avg low: 59°F/15°C
• August avg precip: 3.2″/8.0cm

Krakow highlights

• Gorgeous old town zone surrounded by a lovely park (very unique)
• Wawel Castle complex is in the center and easy to visit
• Great food and hotels that can be amazingly cheap for Europe
• Lively nightlife and culture with fun weekend crowds
• The easy day trip to Auschwitz is unforgettable

Even though August is one of the wetter months in Krakow, the precipitation totals are still quite low on average so it’s no reason to stay away. The crowds of partying Europeans might actually be a reason to postpone your visit until September or later if possible, so prepare for crowds and queues if you do come in summer.

Krakow is easily one of the best bargains in Europe, with accommodation, attraction, food, and drink prices being near the bottom of the pack for the continent, in spite of the charming city center and welcome reception visitors receive. The city is also very popular among stag and hen parties lately, so if you are a light sleeper it might be worth staying a bit outside of the center. You won’t want to spend more than 3 or so days in Krakow, so fortunately it’s relatively easy to reach Prague, Budapest, or Vienna on the train from here.

• 3-star hotels from: €45 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: €70 per night for two people

>>>Krakow prices
>>>Check current Krakow hotel and package deals

Istanbul, Turkey

• August avg high: 83°F/28°C
• August avg low: 66°F/19°C
• August avg precip: 0.9″/2.3cm

Istanbul highlights

• Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are both amazing and next to each other
• Grand Bazaar and other shopping is some of Europe’s most interesting
• Topkapi Palace is close and very worthwhile
• Great food at great prices (amazing hotel breakfasts)
• Bargain hotels in prime tourist district area

Istanbul might feel like it would be absolutely scorching all summer long, but in reality it’s quite reasonable, with a few steamy periods mixed in each month. August would normally be quite crowded in Istanbul except that some Europeans are steering clear of Turkey these days, so summer of 2023 should be more pleasant than usual.

If you haven’t followed the news, Turkey has been a bit unstable in the years leading up to 2024, but none of this has affected tourists yet. The good news is that the currency has dropped a lot and now almost everything is amazingly cheap for visitors. The crowds are down a bit as well, even though more Russians are doing holidays here since the war began in Ukraine.

• 3-star hotels from: €34 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: €57 per night for two people

>>>Istanbul prices
>>>Check current Istanbul hotel and package deals

We only cover a handful of cities in Africa, and none of those could make this list for August. It’s still too cold down in South Africa, and it’s blazing hot in Morocco and Egypt. Check back in September for some possibilities here.

Much of the Middle East is crazy hot during August, and even those places can get crowded this month, but there are still a few good choices to consider.

Beirut, Lebanon

• August avg high: 85°F/29°C
• August avg low: 75°F/24°C
• August avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm

It’s not an obvious destination in summer, but you could make a case for Beirut quite easily. This city has warm days and nights, though almost never scorching like some of its neighbors. There are also beaches in the city so there are chances to escape the heat if you get unlucky and turn up during a very warm spell.

For those not following the news, Lebanon has had some real struggles over the last few years and I would normally recommend that visitors wait until things calm down more again, but I recently received some communications from their tourism bureau assuring me that the country is open and welcoming of tourists, so who knows?

• 3-star hotels from: US$58 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people

>>>Beirut prices
>>> Check Lebanon hotel and resort deals

Tel Aviv, Israel

• August avg high: 86°F/30°C
• August avg low: 75°F/24°C
• August avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm

Tel Aviv highlights

• Great Mediterranean beaches in the city
• Modern city with interesting history
• Perfect base to visit Jerusalem and Dead Sea etc.
• Very good nightlife for the region
• Excellent museums and shopping

Tel Aviv is another big city with really nice beaches near the center, but this one is quite a bit more expensive. It’s reasonably priced compared to summer resort cities in Europe, but August is definitely the peak season so finding a cheap place to stay might be challenging. Book as early as possible for best results.

At least food here is quite cheap as long as you eat at the same casual places that the locals flock to all day and all night. Drinks do tend to be very expensive here, so Tel Aviv is not an ideal place for cheapskate drunks.

Needless to say, Tel Aviv is not a wise choice for most people in 2024 unless they’ve got family nearby, and perhaps not even then.

• 3-star hotels from: US$129 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$161 per night for two people

>>Tel Aviv prices
>>>Check current Tel Aviv hotel and package deals

22 Cheap Destinations with Great Weather in July

25 Cheap Destinations with Great Weather in September

Asia is usually the king of cheap destinations with great weather for most of the year, but August is still in the middle of the rainy season for most of the tropical cities, as well as for Beijing and Hong Kong. Those who like to take their chances could actually have a great and cheap trip by going almost anywhere in Southeast Asia. It’s a bit cooler than in April and May, and most of the rainfall comes suddenly, plus it’s usually easy to get out of the way.

>>>See also: 8 Best Asia destinations in August

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

• August avg high: 83°F/28°C
• August avg low: 76°F/24°C
• August avg precip: 0.9″/2.3cm

Bali highlights

• Great beaches and surfing in many areas all around the island
• Amazing temples and monuments that are abundant and easy to reach
• Shockingly cheap hotels, with fairly cheap food and drinks
• Fascinating Hindu culture and music
• Excellent resorts in secluded areas including Nusa Dua

Being just below the equator, August is technically a winter month in Bali, but of course there is no winter, and this is the single nicest month of the year here. The high temperatures are at their lowest, though it’s always balmy, and there’s virtually no rain this time of year as well. It never gets cold at night though, so you can leave the sweater or jacket at home.

Bali is trying to bounce back after being shut down for almost two years during the pandemic, so hotel prices can seem shockingly low. While it’s true that you can get a 3-star room for under US$20 per night in August, it’s probably worth getting a much nicer place closer to US$50 per night because many of those places are legit resorts. We use the busy Kuta Beach area for our price index even though it’s not the best choice for many visitors. It’s probably best to avoid staying in the nightlife and shopping-packed Kuta Beach area, at least if you are hoping to relax during your stay.

• 3-star hotels from: US$16 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$26 per night for two people

>>>Kuta, Bali prices
>>>Check current Bali hotel and resort deals

Nha Trang, Vietnam

• August avg high: 89°F/32°C
• August avg low: 79°F/26°C
• August avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm

Nha Trang highlights

• Great beaches for a city in Vietnam
• Long Son Pagoda
• Monkey Island (a bit controversial)
• Very cheap hotels and food
• Great mix of traditional Vietnamese food and international favorites

Pretty much all of Southeast Asia has its monsoon season during August, with Nha Trang on Vietnam’s southern coast being one notable exception. Here the rainy months are in autumn so you be basking in the sunshine on the huge beaches here all August. The night time temperatures don’t give you much of a break in summer though, so make sure you book a place with air-con.

Nha Trang is very popular with Australians and some others from around Asia, as it provides a rare sunny beach this time of year in the region. It’s incredibly cheap and quite tourist friendly, but the cultural offerings in the town are relatively weak so it’s hard to justify coming in from a very long distance just to sit on its beaches. The hotel prices are so low that they look like misprints even though they aren’t. Hotels in this region often charge low rates to fill up and then make more by booking tours and excursions to guests. It’s worth paying a bit more for a place with a lot of positive reviews, but you can still get an insane deal in this city in August.

• 3-star hotels from: US$16 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$20 per night for two people

>>>Nha Trang prices
>>>Check prices on Vietnam hotel and resort deals

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• August avg high: 90°F/32°C
• August avg low: 74°F/23°C
• August avg precip: 6.1″/15.3cm

Kuala Lumpur highlights

• Interesting mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures
• Very modern business district with lively and great shopping
• Amazingly cheap 4-star hotels for a large Asian city
• Excellent food at surprisingly good prices
• Nearby temples and important sights that are easy to reach

Another city very near the equator, it’s hot in Kuala Lumpur every day of the year, but it’s also very worth visiting if you are in the region, and August is one of the better months. There’s less rain during summer than the rest of the year, and it tends to come in those tropical bursts so it won’t ruin your whole day.

Kuala Lumpur might not be an obvious destination during summer months, but again, it’s hot here every day of the year and the place is well adapted for it. You can travel through large parts of the downtown area through malls or elevated and air-conditioned walkways, so even when they get the rainstorms you will be comfortable and dry. Hotel prices in August can seem suspiciously low, at least on weekdays, but for the most part they are real. Most of the cheapest rooms in KL are those without windows, so for most people it’s best to be cautious of that and be sure to book something with at least one exterior window.

• 3-star hotels from: US$26 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$42 per night for two people

>>>Kuala Lumpur prices
>>>Check prices on Malaysia hotel and resort deals

Most people know that August is the peak travel month in most of the world, especially in Europe where so many millions of people get the entire month off. Partly for that reason, if you can do your own trip in September you’ll usually be rewarded by smaller crowds, lower prices, and almost the exact same weather. Have a look at our list of cheap destinations with great weather in September for the best choices.