10 Winter Destinations That Are Even Better in Summer
If you’re itching to take a summer trip but the thought of soaring temperatures and high-season crowds gives you pause, consider borrowing from your winter break itinerary for your summer vacation and visiting a destination that receives the lion’s share of its visitors in the winter months.
From high-altitude ski resorts to pristine landscapes set just below the North Pole to lush tropical escapes, there are a number of places traditionally thought of as winter destinations that shouldn’t be written off for a summer trip. Here are a few of the best cold-weather hot spots that are even better in summer.
1. Iceland
There are more than enough things to do in Iceland to keep you occupied all summer.
The “land of fire and ice” brings to mind images of frozen glaciers and steaming hot springs ringed by snow, but this island country set on the rim of the Arctic Circle is, in truth, best visited in summer.
In addition to endless sunlight (21 hours a day on average) that’ll allow you to stretch your sightseeing time to the max, you can also take advantage of peak puffin- and whale-spotting season; highland hiking and 4WD adventures; iceberg cruises in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon; and summer festivals and events.
2. Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo is a summertime surprise home to great food and forest parks.
Millions of visitors flock to Sapporo in the winter to hit Japan’s top ski resort or attend the weeklong Snow Festival held each February, but Hokkaido’s capital city is equally captivating in the summer months.
Outdoor enthusiasts can cycle around Lake Shikotsu; explore the hiking trails on Mt. Moiwa and in the Nopporo Forest Park; or soak in the hot springs at Hoheikyo Onsen. The city itself offers plenty to do for culture enthusiasts and gourmands, too, from architecture walks to beer crawls and food market visits.
3. Alaska, US
Outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss an Alaskan summer.
Alaska and snow may go hand-in-hand, but America’s Last Frontier is a summer sleeper for adventure seekers and lovers of the great outdoors. Its vast forests, frozen lakes, and iced-over rivers come to life in the warmer months of the year, offering unbeatable wildlife spotting by land and whale-watching by sea from early morning to after midnight—sunlight here can stretch up to 22 hours a day.
Plus, inland highways and railways cleared of ice are ideal for scenic road trips through the state’s interior or Denali National Park, although you can also enjoy bird’s-eye views of the latter on a flightseeing tour. Not to mention the handful of cities in the state that shake off their winter slumber to host warm(er)-weather events and festivals come summer.
4. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Venture to Switzerland in summer to enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities.
Perhaps the world’s most famous skiing mecca, the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps transform into a hiking and biking paradise once the snow melts. And the adventure isn’t limited to the trails—you can also paddle across crystalline Alpine lakes, hop on a high-altitude train for spellbinding views, white-water raft down rushing rivers, or paraglide across the peaks.
And even if you want to pop into winter for a few hours halfway through the year, you can strap on your skis and head to the slopes on Zermatt—they offer year-round snow.
Related: 7 Reasons Why You Should Go to the Swiss Alps This Summer
5. Italian Dolomites, Italy
Fashion, food, and via ferrata fans shouldn't skip the Italian Dolomites this summer.
Like the nearby Swiss Alps, Italy’s UNESCO–listed Dolomites are a world-class ski destination, but those in the know visit in the summer months to savor the spectacular views, food, and trails with a fraction of the winter crowds.
Set within striking distance of Venice, these peaks are ideal for a hiking day trip—adventurous hikers can take on one of the famed via ferrata trails with an expert guide—or scenic driving tour, as well as outdoor adventures such as canyoning or rock climbing. This area is also dotted with chic Alpine towns including Madonna di Campiglio and Cortina d’Ampezzo, home to Michelin-starred restaurants and exclusive shopping all year round.
6. Harbin, China
There’s more to Harbin than its popular winter festival—discover all on a summer trip.
Host to the immensely popular Ice and Snow Festival each year, Harbin is one of the top winter destinations in Asia. Summer visitors, however, can delve into the less frenetic, more authentic pace of the slower season.
Explore cobblestoned Zhongyang Dajie, the old town’s main thoroughfare, lined with the city’s oldest temples, Russian Orthodox churches, and synagogues. Or, delve further into Harbin’s heritage on a walking tour through Russian Town and the city’s Jewish sites; take the cable car across the water to Sun Island; and explore the local cuisine on a beer tour or during dumpling-making lessons.
7. Lapland, Finland
A visit to Lapland is for life, not just for Christmas.
It may be Santa Claus’ home, but this Arctic wilderness is more than just a wondrous Christmas holiday destination. Here, vast stretches of untouched landscapes extend from the main city of Rovaniemi for scenic hiking and biking in the Pyhä-Luosto National Park and Kevo Strict Nature Reserve.
Meanwhile, animal lovers can observe dozens of Arctic species at the Ranua Wildlife Park or learn how to mush on a husky-drawn wheeled cart. Plus, you'll find Arktikum, Finland's top museum, in Lapland—no matter the season.
8. Colorado Rockies, Colorado, US
The Lower 48 looks just as good in summer as it does in winter.
The US' answer to Switzerland's Alps, the Rocky Mountains that cut through Colorado are a winter paradise of dazzling peaks, trendy resorts, and powder-covered pistes. The fun doesn’t end come spring, however.
Warm summer days reveal unparalleled trails for adventuring out on foot or two wheels; ziplining thrills; delightful mountain towns thick with art galleries and fine dining; and water sports from kayaking to white-water rafting. And for fabulous views over one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Lower 48, you can also take off by hot-air balloon as the sun rises above the Rockies.
9. London, England
London is a year-round destination that transforms each season.
Many travelers make a point to experience London while it’s all aglow with holiday lights and Christmas markets—but London isn’t strictly a winter location. In fact, the city is home to a unique charm during all seasons.
The winter holiday period aside, you should aim to make the most of the city in full bloom. Think less of a cozy day exploring the British Museum and a snow-dusted Piccadilly Circus and more of lounging in leafy Hyde Park or day-tripping to Stonehenge for the summer solstice celebration.
Insider tip: Summer is still a busy season in London, so to beat the crowds (and the higher prices), visit in May or June instead of July or August.
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica isn’t just a snowbirder’s escape—it's also excellent in the summer months.
Costa Rica is a popular destination for North American travelers to wait out cold, snowy winter weather at home, as Costa Rica’s summery dry season is from December–April. However, the typical break in July's wet season, often called veranillo (little summer), means that Costa Rica is also a great spot for a summer vacation.
Use San José as your home base, from where you can take day trips to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural spots, such as Arenal Volcano National Park, Rio Negro Hot Springs, and Playa Chiquita.
Related: Hotelier and Artist Elena Rohrmoser’s Guide to Costa Rica
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