Not everyone is cut out for the heat and that’s okay. Summer vacation is synonymous with soaking up the hot sun at the beach or at the pool all day, but for many, that’s not exactly the ideal. Vacation is all about taking a break from day to day problems and responsibilities to relax. If relaxing means escaping the heat summer brings to you, you’re certainly not alone/
Luckily for you, there are destinations around the world that make for great cool weather summer vacations. Whether you’re exploring urban attractions or outdoor adventures, these cities offer something for every traveler seeking relief from the summer heat.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is famously known for its foggy summers, thanks to the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean meeting the warmer air from the inland areas. This results in mild temperatures and a refreshing coastal breeze. The city experiences relatively stable temperatures year-round, with summer highs typically in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit (15-25°C), making it an ideal escape from hotter regions of Cali. The city is famously home to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and the scenic coastline, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration in comfortable weather.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle enjoys a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and frequent rainfall. The surrounding bodies of water, including Puget Sound and Lake Washington, moderate temperatures and create a refreshing environment. The city is known for its lush green landscapes, including parks like Discovery Park and the Washington Park Arboretum, which thrive in the cool, rainy climate. Despite the rain, Seattleites still embrace the outdoors with activities like hiking, kayaking and visiting nearby mountains like the Olympic and Cascade ranges.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver enjoys mild summers with plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. Situated on the Pacific Coast, Vancouver benefits from a maritime climate, resulting in mild temperatures and abundant rainfall. It’s surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including mountains, forests and ocean views to visit comfortably in summer. Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, offers a retreat into nature within the city limits. The city is also known for its diverse cultural scene, with vibrant neighborhoods like Gastown and Granville Island offering shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Despite being located near the Arctic Circle, Reykjavik experiences relatively mild summers, making it an ideal destination for exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Average highs in summer range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Iceland is known for its otherworldly landscapes, including volcanic fields, geysers, glaciers and hot springs. Reykjavik serves as a gateway to these natural wonders, offering opportunities for hiking, glacier tours and soaking in geothermal pools. Due to its high latitude, Reykjavik experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun during the summer solstice, providing long daylight hours for exploration and outdoor activities.
Bergen, Norway
Bergen is surrounded by stunning fjords, mountains and coastal scenery, offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. The cool temperatures in summer create a refreshing environment for exploring the outdoors. Despite its northern location, Bergen benefits from the Gulf Stream, resulting in relatively mild temperatures during the summer months. Average highs in summer range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Besides the weather, the cultural and history of this city makes it a worthy contender for best cool weather summer vacations. Bergen is rich in history and culture, with attractions such as Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Fish Market, where visitors can sample fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Edinburgh, Scotland
While summers in Scotland can be unpredictable, Edinburgh’s cooler temperatures and charming architecture make it a great destination for cool weather summer vacations. While temperatures can vary, Edinburgh generally experiences cool summers, with average highs ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). The coastal location and breezy conditions make it comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Edinburgh is renowned for its historic architecture, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.
The city’s medieval streets and landmarks provide a captivating backdrop for exploration. Also, Edinburgh is famous for its summer festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. These events showcase the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, attracting visitors from around the world.
Portland, Oregon
Portland enjoys a mild climate with relatively cool summers, thanks to its location in the Pacific Northwest. Average summer highs range from 21°C to 26°C (70°F to 79°F), making it comfortable for outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including forests, rivers and the nearby Cascade Range. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking and exploring parks such as Forest Park and Washington Park. Furthermore, Portland is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous art galleries, theaters and live music venues. The city also boasts a thriving food scene, with diverse dining options ranging from food carts to fine dining restaurants.
Wellington, New Zealand
If you travel to New Zealand or any other country in the Southern Hemisphere this summer from the Northern Hemisphere, you will be entering that country’s winter. Winter temperatures in Wellington typically range from 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F). While it can occasionally drop below freezing, especially during cold snaps, temperatures generally remain above freezing due to the city’s coastal location. Wellington is New Zealand’s cultural capital, known for its arts, music, and film scene. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including rugged coastlines, forested hills, and nearby mountains. This can be a less crowded, less hot and less expensive time to visit New Zealand.
However, Wellington is famously known as the “Windy City” due to the strong winds that can occur throughout the year. Visitors should be prepared for blustery conditions, particularly along the waterfront and exposed areas. Also note winter days in Wellington are shorter, with sunrise occurring around 7:30 am and sunset around 5:30 pm. However, even in winter, Wellington experiences relatively long daylight hours compared to higher latitudes.
Anchorage, Alaska
Enjoy cool temperatures and stunning natural beauty in this Alaskan city during the summer months. Anchorage experiences cool temperatures during the summer months, with average highs ranging from 16°C to 20°C (60°F to 68°F). The long daylight hours of the midnight sun allow for extended outdoor activities. The city of Anchorage serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of Alaska, including national parks, glaciers and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can take scenic drives, go fishing or embark on outdoor adventures such as hiking and kayaking. Despite its rugged surroundings, Anchorage offers cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries and performing arts centers. Visitors can learn about Alaska’s indigenous cultures, history and art scene while enjoying the cool summer weather.
Burlington, Vermont
Nestled in the Green Mountains, Burlington offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat with its cool temperatures. Burlington is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, with views of the Adirondack Mountains in New York and the Green Mountains of Vermont. The surrounding natural beauty provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities. The city experiences mild summers with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F). The cooler climate makes it an ideal destination for escaping the heat of hotter regions.
The Burlington area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, sailing and kayaking. Visitors can explore nearby parks, trails and waterfront areas, such as Waterfront Park and the Burlington Bike Path. Burlington also has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theaters and music venues. Spend your vacation exploring local art galleries, attending live performances or sampling Vermont’s craft beer and artisanal food scene.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken offers mild summer weather and a plethora of outdoor activities perfect for cool weather summer vacations. Nestled between two lakes and surrounded by mountains, Interlaken is surrounded by towering peaks, pristine lakes and lush meadows. The stunning natural scenery attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world. Interlaken enjoys a moderate climate during the summer months, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F). The cool mountain air provides relief from the summer heat.
The city is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and water sports. Visitors can explore nearby mountain trails, take scenic train rides or embark on adrenaline-pumping adventures like bungee jumping and skydiving. Interlaken serves as a gateway to some of Switzerland’s most iconic attractions, including the Jungfrau Region, Schilthorn and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. Visitors can take day trips to explore glaciers, alpine villages and scenic mountain railways.
