20 Exciting Getaways for Beating the Summer Heat

Summer often means relaxing on the beach, enjoying the waves, and strolling along boardwalks with ice cream in hand — unless you're not a fan of the heat.

For those in search of cooler retreats, these hidden summer destinations, ranging from New Zealand to Greenland, cater to those who prefer overcast skies and refreshing breezes. Plan your getaway to one of these spots to escape the sweltering summer days ahead.

U.S. Travel Destinations

Finding a consistently comfortable spot in the U.S. during the summer can be a challenge. Your best options for cooler temperatures are the mountains and coastal areas.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Alaska offers an ideal escape for those who enjoy mild summers. Rather than enduring the heat, head north to the breathtaking Denali National Park, where July temperatures average around 66 degrees, the warmest month. Visitors can wander through six million acres, traverse the scenic Denali Park Road, enjoy views of majestic snow-capped peaks from various viewpoints and hiking trails, and spot wildlife such as moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. The park features six campgrounds, perfect for pitching a tent in comfortable conditions.

San Francisco

In San Francisco, the persistent fog even has a nickname: Karl. This low-lying cloud cover blankets the city, shielding it from the sun that heats surrounding areas. In July, average highs hover around 70 degrees. Many residents from hotter regions flock to the Bay Area for a cool summer retreat, so as you capture photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, soak in the seaside atmosphere at Fisherman’s Wharf, or enjoy a meal in the Mission, you’ll be in good company.

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Just a two-hour drive from Seattle, Washington's North Cascades offer a refreshing retreat. By July, snow begins to melt from the highest trails, granting you the best access to the park. While July temperatures in the North Cascades average around 68 degrees, conditions vary significantly throughout the park. According to the National Park Service, the western side remains cooler compared to the east, where summer highs can reach 90 degrees. To escape the heat, focus your hikes around Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest and the Mount Baker Wilderness in those cooler western areas.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

New Hampshire's White Mountains are home to breathtaking alpine peaks draped in lush forests. The higher you ascend, the cooler the temperatures become. While lower elevations can reach summer highs in the mid-70s and sometimes higher, the peaks often remain chilly, with some not losing their snow cover until well into July. On Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast, summer temperatures typically range from 40 to 55 degrees. Visitors can escape the heat by exploring the numerous hiking trails or driving along the Kancamagus Highway, known as one of the most scenic routes in the U.S.

International Destinations

Finding cooler temperatures is much simpler overseas. In the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are reversed, making it possible to enjoy a taste of winter with a trip down south. Alternatively, northern destinations remain pleasantly mild during the summer months.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Summers in this East Coast province are brief and pleasantly cool, with July temperatures in the capital, St. John's, rarely surpassing 69 degrees. As Newfoundland and Labrador's largest city, visitors can take in the hilltop, castle-like Cabot Tower or enjoy a lively night out in the bustling town. Beyond the city, numerous hiking trails offer breathtaking ocean views and a sense of solitude. Further up the coast, spotting icebergs offshore is not uncommon, enhancing the cool-weather atmosphere.

Norway

In Norway, from May to July, the sun remains above the horizon, creating the phenomenon known as the 'Land of the Midnight Sun.' Despite the extended daylight, summer temperatures in this Scandinavian region generally stay in the mid-60s, with Tromsø averaging even cooler at around 59 degrees. Visitors can marvel at breathtaking natural wonders or explore Oslo for an urban vibe, enjoying the mild, breezy climate by the North Sea.

Iceland

Iceland enjoys a pleasantly cool climate year-round, with average temperatures in July for the southern region, including Reykjavík, hovering between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. These mild summer days are ideal for relaxing in Iceland's renowned hot springs and trekking to glaciers and enchanting waterfalls. It's also the prime season for exploring the highlands, which are inaccessible during winter. Similar to Norway, Iceland boasts the midnight sun, offering 18 to 24 hours of daylight each day for ample sightseeing opportunities.

Scotland

Summer temperatures in Scotland from June to August typically range from a comfortable 59 to 63 degrees, providing a cool respite for travelers as they explore castles, hike the Highlands, navigate dramatic coastlines, and hunt for the best haggis. Similar to its Scandinavian neighbors, Scotland enjoys extended daylight during summer; Visit Scotland indicates that the northernmost parts receive four extra hours of sunshine compared to London. This abundance of daylight allows visitors plenty of time to admire Edinburgh's historical landmarks, take day trips to Loch Lomond, and discover the enchanting Isle of Skye.

South Island, New Zealand

Embark on a road trip around New Zealand's South Island during the Southern Hemisphere's winter to experience a chilly climate and indulge in winter sports. The Southern Lakes region, especially Queenstown and Wanaka, offers a skier's dream, while the West Coast is dotted with numerous glaciers. On the east coast, Kaikoura boasts exceptional whale watching opportunities from June to August, with temperatures across the South Island generally ranging from 53 to 61 degrees.

Falls Creek, Victoria, Australia

Home to Victoria's largest skiable terrain, Falls Creek Resort sees maximum temperatures around 33 degrees in July, the height of the Australian winter. Although it requires a six-hour drive from Melbourne to reach, the reward is some of the finest powder in Australia while those in the Northern Hemisphere enjoy sunny weather. This destination is perfect for families, offering a variety of activities and endless entertainment. When you're not skiing, you can enjoy tobogganing, catch the weekly fireworks show, snowshoe, indulge in a massage, or savor a meal in the charming village.

Garzón, Uruguay

Visiting the Southern Hemisphere in summer doesn’t have to mean snow. This historic village in Uruguay, often referred to as a ghost town, enjoys pleasant 60-degree days in mid-July, creating an ideal setting for indulging in its renowned culinary scene. The main attraction is Restaurante Garzón, established by the famous Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, known from Chef's Table. Beyond dining, visitors can enjoy winery tours and exhilarating hot-air balloon rides.

Patagonia, Argentina

While Patagonia is well-known for its hiking during peak tourist season, winter presents a perfect opportunity for skiing in this Argentine paradise. In July, temperatures typically hover in the 30s, with ample snowfall to please avid skiers. One of the top ski resorts in Patagonia is Cerro Catedral, located just 12 miles from the quaint town of Bariloche. On your day off from skiing, take a cable car ride up Mount Otto for breathtaking views of the mountains.

Easter Island, Chile

Average high temperatures on Easter Island (known as Rapa Nui), a territory of Chile, hover around the mid-60s during June, July, and August. While visiting, you can admire the island's iconic long-faced statues known as moai and delve into the intriguing history of the Indigenous Rapa Nui people. There are over 900 moai on the island, many carved as early as the 10th century to honor the ancestors of the Polynesians who settled there thousands of years ago.

Cape Town

Summers in Cape Town can see temperatures soar above 100 degrees. However, from June to September, the city typically experiences comfortable highs around 63 degrees, making it ideal for hiking up Table Mountain to Maclear's Beacon, going whale watching, and visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach (though swimming in the frigid waters isn’t advisable). On cooler days, numerous museums and indoor attractions await, along with a thriving culinary scene that enhances Cape Town's reputation as a food lover's paradise.

Amsterdam

In July, with temperatures reaching around 72 degrees, visitors to the capital of the Netherlands can enjoy classic Amsterdam experiences like biking between attractions and navigating the canals by boat. However, it’s important to remember that July is Amsterdam’s rainiest month. On drizzly days, take the opportunity to explore the city's museums—be sure to visit the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House—as well as tour Heineken's oldest brewery.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Chamonix is renowned as a premier winter destination, celebrated for its snow activities and charming ski chalets. However, it’s also a fantastic summer retreat. The resort at the foot of Mont Blanc enjoys July temperatures in the low to mid-60s, perfect for hiking in the Chamonix Valley, sipping French wine outdoors, and taking a gondola ride to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, providing the closest experience to Mont Blanc without the need to climb it.

Ireland

Known for its overcast and rainy weather, Ireland is the perfect escape for those seeking a break from constant sunshine. In Dublin, the average high temperature reaches around 66 degrees in July, making it an excellent spot to enjoy a pint of Guinness, explore the gardens at Blarney Castle, and have a picnic in St. Stephen's Green Park. On the west coast, the breathtaking views of the renowned Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands await, accessible by ferry from Galway.

Greenland

Venture far off the beaten path this summer with a trip to Greenland, where temperatures peak around 50 degrees from June to August. This destination is a dream for nature lovers, offering a glimpse of glaciers, rugged coastlines, and wildlife like polar bears and walruses—perhaps the next best thing to Antarctica. However, getting there isn’t straightforward; most visitors opt for cruises, as flights from North America typically require a stop in Europe.

Slovenia

Slovenia is frequently included in trips to Croatia, yet this Balkan gem stands out with its breathtaking mountains and caves, which help keep the region cool in summer. Picture castles perched on cliffs and clear lakes mirroring snow-capped peaks. One of the most famous sites is Lake Bled, which features Slovenia’s only natural island, home to a picturesque 17th-century church. In July, the average high in Bled is 74 degrees.

Vancouver

Vancouver's mild climate is just one of its many charms. While it offers easy access to the famous Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, winters here are typically snow-free, and summers are pleasantly cool, with July temperatures averaging around 73 degrees. Alongside its year-round attractions like Gastown, Stanley Park, and the Vancouver Aquarium, visitors can also enjoy summer events such as the Celebration of Light at the end of July and the lively Vancouver Pride festivities, usually held in late July to early August.