5 Places Where Summer Is Not Miserably Hot (Cool Getaways to Escape the Heat)
Summer is great for travel—unless you’re melting the second you step outside. Instead of roasting in a humid city or a sun-scorched beach, why not head somewhere that’s actually cool and comfortable? Whether you’re looking for mountains, coastal breezes, or northern escapes, here are five amazing summer destinations where you won’t be sweating through your clothes.
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1. Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
🌡️ Average Summer Temps: 45-65°F (7-18°C)
Why suffer through brutal summer heat when you could be exploring glaciers, fjords, and snow-capped mountains? While much of the world is sweltering, Patagonia is in the middle of its winter season, making it the perfect cool escape.
✅ Epic hiking in Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares National Park
✅ Stunning blue glaciers & dramatic landscapes
✅ Fewer tourists = better prices & more solitude
Bonus: You can visit Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and say you’ve been to the end of the Earth!
2. The Faroe Islands, Denmark
🌡️ Average Summer Temps: 50-55°F (10-13°C)
Want jaw-dropping scenery without the tourist crowds? The Faroe Islands are a cool-weather dream, with green cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and puffins everywhere. It’s like Iceland, but with fewer people and more sheep.
✅ Stunning hiking trails & unreal coastal views
✅ No swarms of summer tourists (unlike Iceland)
✅ Long daylight hours for extra exploring
Bonus: Summer is prime time for puffin watching, and the islands have one of the most scenic airports in the world—the landing is unreal.
3. Canada’s Banff & Jasper National Parks
🌡️ Average Summer Temps: 50-75°F (10-24°C)
If you want mountain air, turquoise lakes, and zero humidity, Canada’s Banff & Jasper National Parks are the move. Summer is the best time to visit, with perfect hiking weather, wildlife spotting, and crystal-clear lakes that look Photoshopped.
✅ Hiking, kayaking, and scenic road trips
✅ Cool mornings & evenings—perfect for campfires
✅ Incredible wildlife, from bears to elk to mountain goats
Bonus: Take a road trip along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most stunning drives in the world.
4. Scotland’s Highlands & Isle of Skye
🌡️ Average Summer Temps: 55-65°F (13-18°C)
Scotland in summer = cool breezes, misty mountains, and cozy pubs—all while most of Europe is sweating through a heatwave. The Highlands and Isle of Skye feel like something out of a fantasy movie, with dramatic cliffs, moody lochs, and endless green hills.
✅ Castle hopping & whisky tasting in cool weather
✅ Epic coastal drives & scenic hiking trails
✅ No overwhelming summer crowds like Paris or Rome
Bonus: Scotland’s midnight sun means extra-long days—perfect for adventurers who never want to stop exploring.
5. New Zealand’s South Island
🌡️ Average Summer Temps: 40-60°F (4-16°C)
While the Northern Hemisphere is roasting, New Zealand is in full winter mode, making it the ultimate escape from summer heat. Whether you’re into hiking, road-tripping, or cozying up in a mountain lodge, New Zealand’s South Island has it all.
✅ Snowy mountain peaks & stunning fjords
✅ Hot springs & stargazing in Tekapo
✅ Adventurous activities like glacier trekking & bungee jumping
Bonus: Want a cool but beachy experience? The Abel Tasman National Park offers mild temps, golden beaches, and rainforest hikes—without the heat of tropical destinations.
