5 of the best places to go cycling in August

1. French Pyrenees

Switchback part of the way up the Col d’Aspin

Why cycle in August

August is one of the most exciting months to cycle in the French Pyrenees. The high mountain passes are typically fully open, snow has long cleared from the upper slopes and the full drama of the range is accessible from Atlantic to Mediterranean. Thanks to the altitude, temperatures are generally cooler and more manageable than many lowland European destinations, making long climbs far more comfortable than you might expect in peak summer.

The prestige of the Pyrenean cols is a huge draw. Legendary Tour de France climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin and Col d’Aubisque offer that unmistakable sense of history, while coast-to-coast challenges across the range deliver serious elevation and serious satisfaction. August often coincides with Tour de France stages in the mountains, adding atmosphere and the chance to combine riding with roadside spectating.

Beyond the famous road climbs, the region also offers exceptional gravel and bikepacking terrain, with quiet border roads and remote passes linking small mountain villages. It is a month for big rides, big views and fully open horizons.

Other times to consider

Late June and July also provide excellent access to the high passes, with slightly longer daylight and major event atmosphere, though roads can feel busier around key climbs. September is a strong alternative for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, but weather becomes more changeable and there is a greater risk of early snow on the highest cols later in the month.

More information

• Cycling Col du Tourmalet region, a look at the routes and events around this area of the French Pyrenees.
• Trans Pyrenees route, a full guide to this impressive route with expert tips from a leading tour operator in the region.
• Pyrenees cycling holidays (for gravel cyclists), offering information on the wider region, the gravel routes available and tour options.

2. Iceland

Dynjandi, the thunderous pearl of the Westfjords (Credit: Gusti Productions)

Why cycle in August

August is one of the best months to cycle Iceland, especially for gravel riders and bikepackers drawn to big landscapes and remote roads. By this point in the season, high routes and interior gravel tracks are typically clear of snow, opening up adventurous options that can be inaccessible earlier in the summer.

In regions such as the Westfjords, you can link quiet asphalt with long stretches of well-compacted gravel, riding between fjords, waterfalls and hot springs with relatively little traffic.

After the first weekend of August, conditions are often calmer but still reasonably mild. While the days are shorter than in June and July, there is still ample daylight for long rides, and the softer light can add an extra layer of drama to Iceland’s volcanic scenery.

Accommodation may also be easier to secure at shorter notice than during peak July. Toward the end of the month, there is even the possibility of glimpsing the northern lights, adding a memorable finish to a late-summer ride.

Other times to consider

June offers near-endless daylight and a lively event atmosphere around the Arna Westfjords Way Challenge, though some higher routes may not yet be fully open early in the month.

July is typically the warmest and most reliable for road access, but also the busiest. Early September can be beautifully quiet, though colder temperatures and a higher risk of storms or early snow require extra preparation.

More information

• Cycling Iceland, our destination hub page.
• Cycling Westfjords, a deeper look at cycling on this peninsula in the northern part of Iceland.
• 9 best gravel bike adventures in Europe, which has the Westfjords region amongst the options.

3. Ionian Islands, Greece

Riding on Paxos island, on the way back from Mongonisi Beach

Why cycle in August

August is a brilliant time to explore Greece’s Ionian Islands by bike and boat, especially if you want a summer holiday that combines cycling with swimming, sailing and island-hopping. The sea is gloriously warm, the days are long and settled, and life revolves around harbours, beaches and laid-back tavernas. For many riders, that mix of time on the bike and time in the water is exactly what makes the Ionian Islands such an appealing August destination.

Some riders may worry that the temperatures will be too high for enjoyable cycling. But when we rode the region in August (with kids, too), it proved far less of an issue than expected, thanks to sea breezes, shorter day rides and the cooling rhythm of regular swim stops.

That is one of the big advantages of this kind of trip: you are not grinding through all-day inland heat, but combining manageable rides with time afloat and plenty of chances to cool off. August also works well for both family-focused and adult-oriented bike and boat tours, making it a flexible option whether you are travelling with children or not.

Other times to consider

June and September are excellent alternatives if you want warm weather, quieter harbours and a slightly gentler feel overall. July offers similarly reliable sunshine and lively island atmosphere, though it can feel busier in popular ports.

Late spring and early autumn may suit riders who want more flexibility on accommodation and cooler temperatures for longer or more independent rides.

More information

• Cycling Greece, our main hub with links to all our Greece articles.
• Cycling the Greek islands, with more information on our own experiences of an August bike tour around the islands.
• 12 practical tips for cycling holidays in Greece, covering some things you might not have considered when planning your own trip.
• Greece island hopping (for cyclists), a look at choosing the right tour option for you.

4. Namibia

Khomas Hochland (photo credit: NatureFriend Safaris)

Why cycle in August

August is one of the best times to cycle in Namibia. Days are typically dry, sunny and comfortable for riding, especially compared with the intense heat of the southern hemisphere summer. That makes it a superb month for long gravel days, mixed-surface adventures and the kind of point-to-point, off-the-beaten-track riding that gives Namibia its appeal.

With cool mornings, clear skies and very little traffic, you can properly enjoy the country’s huge sense of space. Wildlife viewing is also excellent in the dry season, with animals gathering more predictably around water sources, so it is a particularly good time to combine cycling with safari experiences and the chance of seeing the Big Five.

Namibia’s growing profile on the international gravel scene adds another layer of appeal too: the Khomas100 near Windhoek is on the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series calendar for Saturday 22 August 2026, underlining the country’s rise as a serious gravel destination.

Other times to consider

May to July are also excellent, with similarly dry conditions and cooler temperatures that suit longer rides and safari-focused itineraries. September is another strong option, still dry and generally warm, though some areas can start to feel hotter later in the month.

December to February are the least attractive for most cyclists, with much higher temperatures and a greater chance of rain, even if riding remains possible with early starts and careful planning.

More information

• Cycling Namibia, our central hub for Namibia guides.
• How to plan a bike tour in Namibia, including practical tips and a look at tour options you can book.
• 3 of the world’s best bucket list bike rides, which includes the Trans Africa route through four African countries.
• The official UCI Gravel World Series website, with details on the Khomas100 stage.

5. Ladakh, India

Exploring Ladakh’s epic landscapes (photo credit: Pedal Nation)

Why cycle in August

August is one of the best months to cycle in Ladakh. This is when the high mountain roads and passes are most reliably open, giving riders access to one of the world’s great high-altitude cycling regions. In Ladakh, riding is never ordinary: routes regularly sit well above 3,500 metres and can climb beyond 5,000 metres, turning every day into a proper adventure.

August brings warmer daytime temperatures and a better chance of stable conditions, which makes this remote Himalayan landscape feel more achievable – and you’ll enjoy it more, too. The scenery is as dramatic as the altitude suggests, with barren mountains, vast valleys, Buddhist monasteries and long, quiet roads that feel completely removed from everyday life.

It is also a good month for riders who want support on the big climbs, as e-bikes are available on tours and can make the mountainous terrain more manageable without taking away the sense of achievement. For riders seeking a special high-altitude experience, August is a standout time to go.

Other times to consider

July and September are also strong options. July offers similarly open roads and pleasant riding temperatures, while September can bring clear skies and beautiful autumn light, though conditions begin to cool. Outside the summer window, snow and road closures can make high-altitude cycling in Ladakh difficult or impossible, so this is very much a short-season destination.

More information

• Cycling India, our overview of the country and its best regions for cyclists.
• Cycling in India, a detailed guide to the key regions including Ladakh, Rajasthan and Kerala.
• Altitude training for cyclists, with tips on the effects of training and how it works.
• 12 tips for cycling tours in India, including more information on the best times to travel.

What’s next?

• Cycling in September, with a look at six destinations and find out why September is one of the best months to ride.
• Cycling in July, our pick of the best destinations to cycle in the peak of summer.
• Cycling in June, if you want an early summer escape with slightly cooler temperatures
• 8 of the best cycling holiday destinations in the world 2026, with global inspiration for some amazing cycle tours.
• 6 of the world’s safest countries for 2025/2026, if you want the reassurance of travelling to country regarded as very secure for your cycle tour.
• 9 best gravel bike adventures in Europe, including a range of routes across Europe.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.