Optimum sailing in August

August offers a breadth of cruising itineraries to enjoy throughout the month, just as the summer season comes to end.

Whether you’re seeking a beach break, an idyllic island getaway or a celebration of festivities – August has everything you could ever need in a cruise destination. Here are some of our favourites to visit during the month of August.

Portugal

As peak summer holiday time comes to a quieter, more relaxing finish, Portugal is a prime holiday spot for cruisers. A short sail away from Southampton or a three-hour flight and you can be enjoying the sun, sea and sangria before you know it.

Cruise ports here include Porto, Lisbon, Portimão, Ponta Delgada and Funchal, with each offering a humble harbour atmosphere and plenty to see and do. There is also the Festival do Crato at the end of August, which brings international music, traditional art, various DJs and local flavours to the town of Crato – just a two-hour drive from Lisbon.

Whether you’re looking for a city break or a beach visit, Portugal offers an excellent blend of golden sands and cultural landmarks to enjoy in August.

Alaska

Alaska tends to be wetter in August, as the summer season ends and rainstorms can be expected. But don’t let this put you off, as many natural wonders and can be spotted during August to make your cruise unforgettable.

Sailings tend to follow the Inside Passage, visiting popular ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan. In August, your cruise will still be moderate in temperature and, if you’re visiting during the beginning of the month, you may even catch a glimpse of hungry grizzly bears along the rivers as they feast on the last of the salmon before the winter. Hot-spots to visit also include Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park, where you can witness other wildlife such as golden eagles, puffins, caribou and wolves.

The chance to see the Northern Lights are also favourable in August, with a combination of clear skies and Aurora activity mean that spotting this stunning phenomenon is relatively likely.

South Pacific

A beautiful destination and one that is paradise personified, the South Pacific is an ideal August cruise destination. The weather is warm and dry, the water is full of an array of marine life and you can enjoy watching some of the best surfers in the world at the Tahiti Pro Teahupoo Men’s Surfing Championship Tour, as it arrives in Tahiti mid-August.

If sports events aren’t really for you, the wildlife in the South Pacific is not to be missed. Humpback whales also visit the South Pacific to feed and give birth in August, often spotted on the islands of Niue and Tonga – two of only three places in the world where you can swim with these majestic creatures.

Argentina

December to March tend to be hot across Patagonia, with the temperatures cooling down to a favourable degree in August – making it an excellent time to visit and explore.

Cruises here visit the ports of Buenos Aires, Stanley on the Falkland Islands, Punta Delgada and Puerto Madryn, as well as the gateway to the Antarctic – Ushuaia. Buenos Aires is a fantastic city to visit during August as the annual Tango Festival takes place across two weeks, offering free events including performances from some of the world’s best tango dancers, art exhibitions and interactive fun.

Sri Lanka

August is known as an inter-monsoon month in Sri Lanka, meaning that there can be the odd shower but nothing too debilitating and the weather is generally wonderful otherwise.

Cruises here tend to sail to Colombo, Trincomalee and Kirinda, where the spectacular Yala National Park also resides. August is the perfect month to explore this park as the weather permits camping in the wild and leopard tracking. Other wildlife experiences include elephant gatherings in Minneriya National Park, where you can witness these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

There is also the Kandy Perahera festival which takes place each year in either July or August, depending on the phase of the moon. If you happen to experience it when visiting in August, you will be welcomed with colourful processions including costumed elephants, fire-dancing, singing and music – all to pay tribute to Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic.

Book a sailing in August for your next luxury cruise

No matter if you’re looking to gaze at unbelievable wildlife or sail through dramatic scenery, experience once-in-a-lifetime festivals or encounter an island paradise – August offers plenty to see and do for every type of cruiser.

Explore all of our August cruises on offer at SixStarCruises, and call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 202 6105 for award-winning service and expertise on where and when to travel on your next cruise.