Here's the story, shortish version:
I have to take my vacation this year in August, probably early-to-mid. I want to go away for about two weeks; I've been to most of Western Europe and Russia, and to Brazil and Argentina; I'm not keen on hot weather; I like to experience new places.

What suggestions can you brilliant folks come up with for a not too hot, not too crowded August trip?

Scotland, if you haven't already been there. Scandinavia and Finland if you have.

I think Underhill's idea is excellent. This isn't Europe, but how about Canada -- like Quebec and Nova Scotia.

South Africa, Namibia or Botswana will be cool during that time and is an excellent vacation spot for two weeks.

Thanks, all, so far! South Africa sounds most intriguing...if I can force myself to fly that long...Scotland and Canada, too...hmmm

I just realized this heading sounded a little whiney; I do realize there are lots of folks not able to travel at all. It's just that this was gonna be the year of a month in China, and that's just not working out because of the timing, so...keep those suggestions coming!

Australia.

One thought - Australia, if you haven't been. Amazing place and huge enough to give plenty of options. August is late winter/early spring, so no hot weather and it's off season.

Relatively dry month and checking avg temps, Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) around 70F, Darwin (Kakadu and the crocs) around 85F, and Uluru and Sydney around 55F. The far south would probably be pretty cold, but with 2 weeks, there's lots to see otherwise. Kakadu and Uluru can be pretty miserable hot the rest of the year so I'd pick a cool time for those anyway.

Nikko, Hokaido, Sapporro, islands of Japan..it is hot and humid there in August but the islands are cool and wonderful.
I would suggest Australia or New Zealand also~

Hello Amy, I was going to say Australia, but Amp 322 beat me to it. Either South Africa or Queensland, Australia would do the trick. (Queensland would be warm but not hot, in the 70 - 75 deg F range.) However, both S.A. and Oz would involve long flights, that's true. But either would be worth it, IMO.

Another place to think about -- I hope this doesn't sound too corny -- is Alaska. I don't know if you've ever been there before.

North to Alaska.
Shetlands and/or Orkney.
Iceland.
Norwegian coastal steamer - midnight sun in comfort.

Try Poland and Slovakia!