Top 10 cool summer destinations: Iceland (50-60°F), Scotland Highlands (55-65°F), Patagonia (35-50°F), Norway Fjords (45-65°F), Maine Coast (65-75°F), Alaska (60-70°F), Canadian Rockies (45-70°F), Tasmania (45-60°F), Swiss Alps (50-70°F), New Zealand South Island (40-55°F). Perfect for escaping extreme heat.
As summer temperatures soar past 90°F (32°C) around the globe, millions of travelers are seeking cooler alternatives. Recent data shows searches for “cool summer destinations” have risen 340% during peak months, with comfort now outweighing the appeal of hot beach resorts. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a digital nomad escape, these destinations offer mild weather, stunning scenery, and experiences you’ll actually enjoy in summer.
The secret to a refreshing summer escape? Smart choices in geography, elevation, and seasonal patterns—letting you explore misty mountains, temperate coasts, or cooler-season spots while others swelter.
Cool-climate destinations offer multiple advantages: better sleep quality, more energy for sightseeing, lower accommodation rates, and the ability to pack lighter. Many also reach their peak beauty in summer, with lush landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and extended daylight hours.
Average Summer Temperature: 50-60°F (10-15°C)
Iceland tops our list of best places to visit in summer for its otherworldly landscapes and consistently cool temperatures. While much of the world bakes in summer heat, Iceland offers comfortable hiking weather, the midnight sun phenomenon, and lupine flowers in full bloom.
Rooms in Iceland fill up fast once summer starts even simple guesthouses along the Ring Road are often booked months in advance, especially near spots like Skógafoss or the South Coast glaciers. To avoid long daily drives, it’s best to secure your stay early. Choices range from hotels in Iceland to countryside lodges and hot spring retreats, giving you flexibility to match your pace and style.
Pro Tip: Summer is Iceland’s busiest season, so even basic guesthouses can sell out months ahead. If your trip falls between June and August, try to secure your stay as early as possible—you’ll thank yourself when you’re not stuck driving long distances just to find a room.
Average Summer Temperature: 55-65°F (13-18°C)
Scotland's dramatic Highlands offer an ideal escape from the summer heat, providing rich cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes. The Scottish summer brings long daylight hours (up to 19 hours in northern regions), perfect for exploring ancient castles, hiking through heather-covered hills, and discovering hidden lochs.
Edinburgh's summer festivals create a vibrant cultural atmosphere, while the Isle of Skye offers some of Europe's most dramatic mountain scenery. The weather remains comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking, castle tours, and scenic drives through the Cairngorms National Park.
Cultural Highlight: Summer coincides with traditional Highland Games and music festivals throughout the region. These events bring communities together and give visitors a chance to experience authentic Scottish traditions in a vibrant atmosphere.
One of the best parts of visiting Scotland in summer is balancing the lively streets of Edinburgh with the calm of the Highlands. Many travelers enjoy the city’s festivals for a few days before heading north to quiet villages or the Isle of Skye for dramatic scenery and slower days. If you’re planning ahead, booking hotels in Edinburgh (Scotland) early lets you settle into the festivals without worrying about last-minute availability—while still leaving room for those Highland escapes.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit the Isle of Skye, set out early in the morning. Roads get busy later in the day, but before noon you’ll find quieter routes and peaceful views that make the journey even more rewarding.
Average Summer Temperature: 35-50°F (2-10°C)
While the Northern Hemisphere swelters, Patagonia experiences its winter season, offering a wholly different but equally spectacular travel experience. Patagonia boasts majestic mountain escapes with snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and world-class hiking perfect for summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina both offer world-class trekking with comfortable temperatures, perfect for long days outdoors. The region’s iconic glaciers, including Perito Moreno, remain accessible year-round. To make the most of your trip, explore hotels in Argentina or hotels in Chile that keep you close to the trails and scenery.
Adventure Factor: This destination appeals strongly to serious hikers and photographers seeking dramatic landscapes without summer crowds.
Average Summer Temperature: 45-65°F (7-18°C)
Norway's spectacular fjord region is among the world’s most beautiful summer destinations. The famous Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord feature stunning scenery with mild weather, making the fjords ideal for cruises, hiking, and photography.
Summer brings the midnight sun phenomenon to northern Norway, allowing for extended sightseeing and unique experiences, such as midnight hiking or photography sessions. The country's extensive network of hiking trails, including the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), becomes fully accessible during the summer months.
Unique Experience: The combination of dramatic landscapes and 24-hour daylight creates unparalleled opportunities for nature photography and outdoor adventures.
Pro Tip: Plan your hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) either early in the morning or close to sunset. You’ll avoid the heaviest crowds and get some of the best lighting for photos.
Average Summer Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
Maine's coast offers the perfect balance of accessibility and cool summer weather for travelers seeking to avoid extreme heat. Acadia National Park provides excellent hiking opportunities, with ocean breezes keeping temperatures comfortable throughout the day.
The charming coastal towns like Bar Harbor and Camden offer excellent seafood, historic lighthouses, and scenic drives along rocky coastlines. The region's numerous islands, accessible by ferry, provide even cooler microclimates and peaceful retreats from summer heat.
Family-Friendly Factor: Maine combines outdoor adventures with cultural attractions, making it ideal for families seeking diverse summer vacation ideas.
Average Summer Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Alaska in summer is one of the best places to escape the heat. The state’s wilderness comes alive with nearly 20 hours of daylight, blooming wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. For northern highlights beyond the summer season, see our guide to the best ways to experience the Northern Lights.
Denali National Park provides incredible mountain vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities, while coastal areas like Juneau offer glacier tours and whale watching in comfortable temperatures. The Inside Passage cruise route provides a unique blend of scenic beauty and consistent cool weather throughout the journey.
Wildlife Advantage: Summer is prime time for viewing bears, whales, and other Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitats.
Average Summer Temperature: 45-70°F (7-21°C)
The Canadian Rockies, including Banff and Jasper National Parks, offer some of North America's most spectacular mountain destinations in summer. The region provides excellent hiking opportunities with comfortable temperatures and stunning alpine scenery.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake showcase the region's famous turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. At the same time, the Icefields Parkway offers one of the world's most scenic drives through a consistently cool mountain climate.
Photography Paradise: The combination of pristine lakes, glaciers, and mountain peaks creates endless opportunities for stunning landscape photography.
Average Summer Temperature: 45-60°F (7-15°C)
While mainland Australia experiences summer heat, Tasmania (or "Tassie") enjoys mild winter temperatures perfect for exploration. The island's compact size makes it easy to experience a diverse range of landscapes, from ancient forests to dramatic coastlines.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park offers excellent hiking opportunities, while the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart provides world-class cultural experiences. The island's growing food and beverage scene thrives during the cooler months.
Unique Positioning: Tasmania offers the rare opportunity to experience Australian culture and landscapes without summer heat.
Average Summer Temperature: 50-70°F (10-21°C)
The Swiss Alps are a classic cool summer destination, with efficient transport, well-marked hiking trails, and cozy mountain lodges. Famous peaks like the Matterhorn and Jungfrau provide stunning views—without the sweltering heat found elsewhere in Europe.
Cable cars and mountain railways offer easy access to high-altitude attractions, while valley towns like Zermatt and Grindelwald provide charming alpine culture and excellent dining options. The extensive network of marked hiking trails accommodates all skill levels.
Transportation Excellence: Switzerland's renowned public transportation system makes it easy to explore multiple fabulous mountain destinations during a single trip.
Average Summer Temperature: 40-55°F (4-13°C)
During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, New Zealand’s South Island offers dramatic landscapes, excellent skiing, and cool, comfortable weather for outdoor adventures. Queenstown serves as an adventure capital, offering activities ranging from scenic helicopter tours to hiking, while Milford Sound provides one of the world's most breathtaking fjord experiences. The island's diverse landscapes can be explored comfortably during the cooler winter months.
Adventure Capital: The destination offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventures and comfortable temperatures for active travelers.
When planning your journey to these incredible mountain or coastal destinations to escape the summer heat, consider several practical factors. Pack layers of clothing to accommodate temperature variations, especially in mountainous regions where temperatures can vary significantly with elevation changes.
Book accommodations and transportation early, particularly for popular destinations like Iceland and Norway, where summer represents peak tourist season despite the cooler temperatures. Many of these locations offer unique seasonal activities that are only available during the summer months, such as midnight sun experiences or alpine flower blooms.
Consider travel insurance that covers outdoor activities, as many of these fantastic destinations offer adventure opportunities that may require additional coverage. Research local weather patterns and pack the appropriate gear for activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, or glacier exploration.
These ten destinations show that the perfect summer trip doesn’t have to mean crowded beaches or scorching heat. From Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes to Patagonia’s dramatic peaks, they offer cooler weather, natural beauty, and cultural experiences you can’t get in typical hot-weather spots.
Whether you seek mountain adventures, coastal explorations, or cultural discoveries, these destinations offer pleasant temperatures and unforgettable experiences. Start planning your cool summer escape today and discover how refreshing travel can be. If you love mountain vibes, check out our guide to the best ski towns in Colorado.
Ready to plan your perfect cool summer getaway? Research specific destinations that match your interests and budget, then begin booking your stay for the ultimate comfortable summer adventure. From boutique hotels to unique eco-lodges, find accommodations that make every journey memorable. Your ideal escape from the summer heat awaits in these spectacular destinations around the globe.
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