9 of the Coolest Destinations to Escape the Heat this Summer
Sometimes it feels like you spend most of the year dreaming about summer (and summer vacations) and then, once it finally arrives, all you want is to be cool again. While there’s something to be said for how the grass is always greener—and technically, it is in most of these destinations—some savvy travelers are taking matters into their own hands and planning summer trips to cooler countries instead.
If the thought of the climbing mercury has you craving a cool(er) breeze, this go-to guide of offbeat cool destinations for summer is here to help take the heat off. You’ll find coastal destinations with mild summer temperatures including Hokkaido and cool climate cities for summer vacations, such as Reykjavik.
1. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Skip the midday siesta for the midnight sun on a trip past the Arctic Circle.
If you’re looking for the best places to escape the heat and make the most of your time off, you can’t get much better—or cooler—than Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Whether you want to relax on white-sand beaches, explore the red-hued villages, hike a mountain, or go late-night kayaking, this island archipelago has a surprising amount of activities (or places to actively appreciate the stunning scenery) on offer.
With average temperatures of around 53–60°F (12–15°C) and almost 24-hour daylight, summer in the Lofoten Islands is also the perfect time to search for wildlife (including sea eagles), or even go scuba diving—although, be warned, as tempting as the water looks, it’s a bit more bracing than balmy.
2. Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Scotland’s castles, lochs, and glens are spectacular come rain or shine.
When it comes to easy northern Europe summer travel ideas, you can’t overlook the Scottish Highlands. While summer visitors may feel like they’re rolling a dice with the weather—you definitely don’t want to forget your umbrella—there’s still something romantic about rainy summer days in the Highlands, especially if they include fairy pools and steam trains.
With temperatures averaging around 54–63°F (12–17°C), and plenty of activities to plan, even on rainy days, Scotland’s Highlands make for a sweet summer escape. Select highlights include searching for Nessie on a Loch Ness cruise, exploring the Isle of Skye, visiting a whisky distillery (or four), or squeezing all of them—and more—into a 3-day or 5-day tour.
3. Glacier National Park, Montana, US
Nothing says cool summer vacation quite like Glacier’s snow-capped peaks and thundering waterfalls.
Featuring snow-dusted mountains and glacier-fed lakes, Glacier National Park offers the epitome of a refreshing summer vacation. The ultimate choice for high-altitude escapes from summer heat, it may even snow in the high passes if you’re lucky—or unlucky, depending on how cold you want to be.
Fortunately, the weather in the valleys is a little milder, with daytime averages of around 70–79°F (21–26°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities such as fly fishing and white-water rafting. And while the park is popular with visitors during the summer months, opting for a guided nature walk or bike tour offers an escape from the crowds, along with an opportunity to learn more about life—and wildlife—in Montana.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
Swap heatwaves for hot springs on a trip to Iceland’s capital city.
If you're after a cool urban escape in the summer, you can't beat the capital of Iceland. While Reykjavik is often overlooked in favor of the nearby Golden Circle, it's easy enough to cover that on a day trip, followed by a visit to the Blue Lagoon, and then spend the rest of your time soaking up the city’s urban charm.
July and August may be the warmest months of the year here, but with temps averaging around 46–57°F (8–15°C), they’re ideal for exploring—especially on foot. Though many visitors skip through the city, if you linger a little longer you'll be rewarded with a front-row seat to its offbeat character, including street art, independent shops, and funky architecture.
5. Banff National Park, Canada
The Canadian Rockies put the “cool” into your summer vacation.
Banff makes for an all-round, pretty-as-a-picture summer vacation, whatever the weather. The crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies (and Alberta), nearby Banff National Park is arguably as sublime in summer as it is in winter. And unlike in Europe, where the Alps can still get pretty toasty in summer, Canada’s mountains can’t be beat—especially when it comes to mountain getaways for hot weather escapes.
Here you’ll find days warm enough to wear a T-shirt and evenings cool enough for a cracking fire under the stars (or a swim in Banff Upper Hot Springs), with plenty of amazing spots to visit, including Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Bow Falls.
Read more: 2 Days in Banff for First Timers
6. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Try not to get blown away by the Emerald Isle’s beautiful views—or brisk breezes.
Encompassing the best bits of stunning Western Ireland (hello, Cliffs of Moher!), the Wild Atlantic Way, is an ideal destination for a summer road trip from Dublin. Summer is the most popular time to visit Ireland though, so you’ll want to plan ahead. But the beauty of this stretch between Cork and Donegal is that you can take the coastal drive at your own pace.
Or, if you don’t feel like handling all the logistics, join a guided full-day tour or a multi-day expedition. And with temperatures ranging between 50–66°F (10–19°C), it’s one of those cool summer travel destinations that remains pleasantly below the radar of most sun-seekers.
Related: 9 Places You Must Visit in Ireland
7. Hokkaido, Japan
Trade Tokyo’s humid haze for a kaleidoscope of flower fields and top-tier foodie feasts.
Far enough north to escape the intense humidity of Tokyo and Kyoto, Hokkaido is up there with the best all-around cool summer travel destinations. With temperatures rarely breaching 78°F (26°C) and spectacular sights on offer, such as Furano and Biei’s flower fields in full bloom, Hokkaido is fast becoming Japan's premier summer (and winter) destination.
Merging world-class dining around the capital, Sapporo, with outdoor activities and plenty of cultural character, Hokkaido features everything from volcanic lakes to historic villages. It's easy to see why Japan’s northernmost island is becoming internationally renowned in its own right.
Related: 3 Days in Hokkaido for First Timers
8. Washington State, US
Spend a summer in the US Northwest’s temperate rainforests—rather than tropical ones.
One of the most popular cool weather US destinations in July and August, Washington State is known for its refreshingly mild weather, with average summer highs around 64–76°F (18–24°C). While city lovers will be happy exploring the streets of Seattle or charming coastal towns, those more drawn to the great outdoors are in for a treat.
Washington in summer offers a smorgasbord of activities, including whale-watching excursions off the San Juan Islands. Alternatively, frolic among alpine wildflower meadows in Mt. Rainier National Park, or explore the Hoh Rain Forest and Olympic National Park. And rather than handle all the logistics yourself, you can even opt for a day trip to make your vacation even more chill.
9. Queenstown, New Zealand
Go all out and embrace the wonders of winter in summer with a trip to New Zealand’s ski capital.
While it might feel like it's summer everywhere, especially when you're in the middle of a sweltering heatwave, it can be comforting to remember that it’s winter in the southern hemisphere. Queenstown is one of New Zealand's premier winter hubs, with June–August offering the best weather window for alpine adventures around The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
Nestled next to Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown welcomes travelers opting to swap the summer heat for a winter wonderland, one where you can hit the slopes skiing or snowboarding. Here, take a trip on the Skylineand sip local wine at nearby Onsen Hot Pools—all in the same day.
Related: Visiting Queenstown for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do
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