The top 10 places to visit in August

This archipelago sits 191 miles off the Brazilian coast in the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of 21 islands, but only the largest one has people living on it. August is part of the dry season, which creates the best conditions for underwater activities. Because there is little rain, the water is very clear. You can see long distances under the surface. This is the best time for spotting sea turtles and dolphins in the surrounding waters. The main island is small and covers about 18 square kilometers. Most visitors use small buggies to get around. The local government limits the number of people allowed on the island at any one time to prevent overcrowding.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and sits between the sea and the hills. In August, the city hosts the Fringe and other major festivals. The population of the city roughly doubles during this month. The streets are full of performers and temporary stages. You can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse or the Scottish Parliament between shows. The city has been the center of Scottish government since the 15th century. Walking is the best way to get around, but the city is very hilly. You should expect some rain even though it is summer. The weather in Scotland changes quickly, so a waterproof jacket is necessary.

This 15th-century Inca site is located on a mountain ridge 2,430 meters above sea level. August is one of the driest months in this part of Peru. This makes it the most reliable time to see the ruins without heavy cloud cover. The site was built around 1450 for the emperor Pachacuti. It overlooks the Urubamba River and the Sacred Valley. The stone structures are well preserved and show how the Inca lived at high altitudes. The air is thin here, which can make walking up the stone steps difficult. The sun is also very strong at this elevation. You will need protection from the sun during the day and warm clothes for the cold nights.

Whistler is a mountain resort located 125 kilometers north of Vancouver. During August, the snow has cleared from the mountain trails, opening them for hiking and biking. It is one of the most popular summer spots in North America. The town has a pedestrian village designed for walking. You can take lifts to the top of the mountains for views of the Coast Mountains. Over two million people visit the area every year. The weather is generally warm and sunny. However, the forest can have many biting insects in the peak of summer. You will also see many families here as the local lakes are popular for swimming.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England. It consists of an outer ring of vertical sarsen stones that are about 13 feet high. August provides the most consistent dry weather for walking around the site. The stones weigh around 25 tons each and were moved here thousands of years ago. Inside the main ring are smaller bluestones. The site is aligned with the sun during the summer and winter solstices. The monument is located in an open field with no shelter. If it rains, you will get wet. You are generally kept at a distance from the stones to protect them from damage.

Mount Fuji is an active volcano and the highest mountain in Japan. The official climbing season only runs from July through early September. August is the most popular time for people to try to reach the summit. The mountain is 3,776 meters high and has a very symmetrical shape. It is a major cultural symbol in Japan and appears in much of its art. When the weather is clear, you can see the peak from Tokyo. The climb is steep and involves walking over loose volcanic rock. It can be very crowded, especially during the Obon holiday in the middle of the month. You may have to walk in a slow line of people on the upper trails.

The Shard is a 95-storey skyscraper in London. It stands 309.6 meters high, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom. August offers the best chance of clear skies for seeing the city from the top. Renzo Piano designed the building to look like a glass pyramid. It is located in the Southwark area near the river. It contains offices, restaurants, and a hotel. The observation decks provide a view that extends for many miles. You can see the entire layout of the city and its major landmarks. The elevators move very quickly to reach the upper floors.

This park in Montana covers more than one million acres. August is the best month to visit because the Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually fully open. Snow often blocks the high passes until late June or July. The park contains parts of two mountain ranges and over 130 lakes. It is home to hundreds of species of animals and over 1,000 types of plants. The ecosystem is very large and extends into Canada. Traffic is a major issue in August. Parking lots at the most popular trailheads often fill up before 7am. You should plan to start your day very early to avoid the crowds.

Lake Baikal is located in southern Siberia, Russia. It is the deepest lake in the world and contains about 23 percent of the world's fresh surface water. August is the only time the water is warm enough for some people to swim. The lake is very large, covering an area bigger than Belgium. The water is famous for being very clear. You can see deep into the lake from a boat. This is a remote part of the world and takes a long time to reach. August is the best time for camping along the shore because the weather is mild. However, the nights can still be cool.

Cusco is a city in the Andes mountains of Peru. It was the capital of the Inca Empire before the Spanish arrived. August is the middle of the dry season, so the sky is usually clear and blue. You can see original Inca stone walls in many of the city streets. The fortress of Sacsayhuamán sits on a hill overlooking the town. The city is a hub for anyone traveling to the Sacred Valley. The altitude is 3,400 meters, which is higher than Machu Picchu. Many people feel sick for a day or two after they arrive. It is important to rest and drink plenty of water when you first get there.