Weather
It's a lovely time to visit England in terms of weather. August is peak summertime when temperatures are at their highest of the year before the autumn season kicks in next month. Though sunsets start to arrive noticeably earlier by the end of the month, you'll still have at least 13 hours of daylight in August to enjoy time outdoors.
Heatwaves are rare in England (though they can happen), and summers tend to be warm and comfortable. The nation's capital of London sees daily highs averaging 73°F (23°C) and lows averaging 59°F (15°C) in August. Cities north of London, like Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester, are usually a few degrees cooler. The same goes for coastal regions due to their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean or the North Sea.
The summer months also tend to be drier than the upcoming fall and winter months, and England averages 2.7 inches (7 cm) of rain in August. The unpredictable weather here is not a secret, though, and you'll want to pack both summery clothes and a few layers that can handle wind, overcast skies, or a sudden rain shower.
Crowds & Costs
It's a hectic month, the busiest, in fact, to travel around England—even busier than July since the UK school system is on summer break during the entire month. It may get even more crowded during the bank holiday at the end of August when workers have a three-day weekend. Of course, the steepest rates for flights, accommodations, car rentals, and activities come with the high season. You'll want to book tickets and reservations as early as possible to secure the best prices and availability.
Where to Go
A trip to England may not be complete without at least a day or two in London, especially since most visitors will arrive at the country's biggest airport, Heathrow, or one of the area's smaller airports like Gatwick and Luton. If you're looking for a smaller city, check out options like Birmingham and Manchester, as they are fast-growing—i.e., pulling in lots of young new residents who are attracted to the more affordable cost of living compared to London. Both cities have hip neighborhoods, impressive restaurants, and unique cultural attractions.
August being prime summertime, though, you may prefer to escape the city and head for the English countryside on a self-guided tour that allows you to travel at your own pace. The leafy Cotswolds is lush this time of year with colorful grounds, like the 10-acre Hidcote Gardens, part of a historic manor home, charming market towns, walking and horseback riding trails, and historical attractions across a whopping six counties.
Another option is to head to the Lake District, closer to Scotland, where a national park of the same name offers 16 freshwater lakes and beautiful mountains for hiking, biking, and spotting wildlife. Regarding national parks, there are 10 scattered all over the country, including lesser-known options like North York Moors National Park on the east coast, where you can hike in shady forests with glimpses of the dramatic coast.
With its extensive coastline sprinkled with beaches, the south coast is a popular summer destination, particularly in places like Brighton and the Isle of Wight off the coast of Southampton. You can also travel west to the Cornish coast and spend a week exploring the vast peninsula at your leisure, stopping at small villages and more prominent seaside resorts like Bude, Newquay, or St. Ives.
If a peaceful island sounds more your speed, ferry or fly to the Isles of Scilly, a small archipelago south of Cornwall that moves at a much slower pace. There are five inhabited islands to choose from, surrounded by clear, turquoise waters that could trick you into thinking you were in the tropics.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
August is ideal for relaxing on the sand, and England is rife with beaches of all types, including popular beaches with amusement rides and secret coves dotted with sailboats. Brave types can endure the chilly waters and swim, while some may prefer to wear a wet suit. If you want to surf, it's a great season to learn. The best surfing can be found in Cornwall, like Fistral Beach, with mild summer waves ideal for beginners and longboarders. The varied coastline and islands are also great for kayaking, too, and you might even find yourself coming across dolphins and other aquatic life.
The Lake District isn't only about lakes; its proximity to the northwest coast offers access to huge beaches like St. Bees, where begins a 182-mile (293 km) coast-to-coast footpath crossing three national parks between the west and east coasts of northern England. There are more long-distance coastal trails like the South West Coast Path stretching 630 miles (1,014 km) overlooking majestic clifftops with possible sightings of grey seals and exotic birds, as well as former Roman settlements and Celtic ruins.
History buffs may also want to check out ancient Roman sites on the northeast coast, like Hadrian's Wall from the 2nd century. While here, you can tour more famous medieval castles along this Northumbrian coast, up to Bamburgh, where an impressive fortress once protected England against Scottish attack. In addition to history, this pretty region offers walking, cycling, and boat tours around the Farne Islands, a tiny archipelago on the very northeast tip of England.
There are plenty of options for guided tours. If in London, consider taking a guided food tour of the city's famous markets, like Borough, Camden, Broadway, and Portobello, with street food stalls selling picnic items for an afternoon at the park. You can find all sorts of guided walking tours depending on where you are, providing an enriching experience and a chance to pick the brain of a local expert. There's even a Jane Austen literary tour in Bath and a historical tour in the city of Newcastle that visits a castle built by one of William the Conqueror's sons.
Events in August
Leeds Festival, Leeds. This major music festival typically falls at the end of August for three days and pulls in big-name acts like Bastille and Arctic Monkeys.
Garlic Festival, Isle of Wight. This pungent event celebrates everything about garlic with lots of food items and beverages for sale and entertainment for all ages. There's also a tea tent offering an afternoon tea experience.
Pride Festival, Brighton. This three-day event is one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the UK, attracting all ages with a parade and party village, as well as fundraising and campaigning.
Houghton Festival, Norfolk. This multi-day music event is dedicated to dance music and attracts an impressive number of artists.
Boomtown Fair, Hampshire. This four-day festival celebrates unity, creativity, and freedom in Hampshire's Matterley bowl on the second week of August.
Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival, Yorkshire. This family-friendly event has taken place since 1994. You can follow two scarecrow trails with different themes that change each year.
Camp Bestival, Shropshire. This British music festival is aimed at families with small children with well-known acts and children's activities.
Notting Hill Carnival, London. This annual festival in late August (since the 1960s) celebrates Caribbean culture with parades, music, and dancing in the Notting Hill neighborhood.
Traveling to England in August? Check out these great itineraries
English Countryside Retreat - 9 Days. On this relaxing adventure, you'll visit some of the old towns, palaces, and fishing villages found in this bucolic paradise, making for one unforgettable British vacation.
Hike the Northern Cornish Coast - 6 Days. This six-day adventure follows a spectacular section of England's famed South West Coast Path with rugged clifftops, sandy bays, ancient ruins, and whitewashed fishing villages.
More Helpful Information
England in July
England in September
Best Time of Year to Visit England
How Many Days to Spend in England