Looking to escape the heat this summer? Sick of sweating through your clothes and feeling like you’re melting?

Fortunately, there are plenty of cooler weather destinations to visit!

It is a great time to visit locations that are often too cold to visit in the winter, but make for beautiful travel weather in the Summer.

Why Cooler Destinations Offer a Summer Respite

When summer temperatures start to soar, it’s only natural to seek out cooler places to escape the heat. Fortunately, there are plenty of destinations around the world that offer a respite from the scorching heat.

One of the biggest benefits of traveling to cooler destinations during the summer is the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities without feeling overheated.

Whether you want to go hiking, biking, or simply take a leisurely stroll, cooler temperatures make it much more enjoyable.

Top 15 Cooler Weather Destinations

If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, there are plenty of cooler weather destinations to choose from. Here are 15 places that offer a refreshing break from the scorching temperatures:

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s capital city is known for its cool temperatures and stunning natural beauty. Reykjavik is the perfect place to explore glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Summer temperatures in Iceland hover between 50-60 degrees. So plan on cool temps, but beautiful scenery.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Located at the southernmost tip of South America, Ushuaia is a great place to escape the summer heat. The city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers plenty of outdoor activities.

This is a cold weather summer spot. You will want to bring a coat, gloves and hat to enjoy Ushuaia from June-August. Temperatures are 30-45 degrees during the summer months in the US. This is the winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

Nuuk, Greenland

Greenland’s capital city is a great place to explore the Arctic wilderness. The city is surrounded by fjords and glaciers and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.

Summer is the perfect time to visit Greenland because the temperatures are as hight as they ever get. The high in Summer is around 40 degrees. So once again, you need to pack you warmest winter gear to be able to enjoy your time in Nuuk.

Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas is located in southern Chile and offers a cool climate all year round. The city is known for its historic architecture and stunning views of the Strait of Magellan.

34-46 degrees is the typical temp for June- August. Remember it is Winter in Chile during our Summer months.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital city is a great place to escape the summer heat. Edinburgh is known for its historic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh is often rainy and green, but it is also a generally a temperate climate. Most summers stay in the mid-to-upper 60s. Perfect weather to explore the cobblestone streets.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway has some of the warmest temps on this list. Summer temps are in the low 70’s. So if you love the summer sun, but hate too much heat you will fall in love with Oslo.

Norway’s capital city is a great place to explore the outdoors. Oslo is surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains and offers plenty of hiking and skiing opportunities.

Helsinki, Finland

Finland’s capital city is a great place to explore the Finnish archipelago. Helsinki is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Plus the Finnish are known for being happy and friendly.

Helsinki summer temps are generally in the mid 60’s, so take a light jacket and enjoy the cooler weather.

Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s capital city is a great place to escape the summer heat.  Temperatures are  generally in the mid-60’s and often drizzling. Dublin is known for its historic landmarks, including Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska’s largest city is a great place to explore the great outdoors. Anchorage is surrounded by mountains and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Whether you are visiting Anchorage or heading out on an Alaskan cruise you will enjoy temps in the low 60s.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is one of the northernmost cities in the United States and enjoys cool weather most summers. Temperatures hover between the low to high 70’s. While it isn’t as cool as some on the list, it is much cooler than much of the US.

Portland has a fabulous food scene and is a great gateway to the rest of Maine. Plus beaches, shopping, and sailing.

Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand’s capital city is a great place to explore the great outdoors. Wellington is surrounded by mountains and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.

Wellington is experiencing winter in June-August so temp are lower than you might expect. Mid-50s are fairly common, making New Zealand a great place to visit during the heat of summer.

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island is the center of fun on the entire island. Beautiful red sand beaches have people flocking to the area, but amusement centers, fresh seafood, and Anne of Green Gables sites make people come back again and again.

Temps are in the 60-80 but with a beautiful ocean breeze that makes every temp feel comfortable.

Vancouver, British Colombia

Vancouver, British Colombia is a great place to visit in the summer to get away from the heat. This beautiful waterside city is one of the most stunning cities in Canada.

There are beautiful museums, amazing local food and tons of outdoor exploration available in Vancouver. Temperatures are generally in the low 70s.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falkland Islands offer a cool climate all year round.  Most of the summer temperatures are in the mid-sixties.

Stanley is the capital city and is known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife watching opportunities. If you want a peaceful getaway this is the spot for you.

Tips for Enjoying Cooler Climates

If you’re planning to visit a cooler climate this summer, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip:

• Dress in layers: The weather can be unpredictable in cooler climates, so it’s best to dress in layers. This will allow you to adjust your clothing as the temperature changes throughout the day.
• Pack warm accessories: Don’t forget to bring warm accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves. These items can make a big difference in how comfortable you are in cooler weather.
• Stay hydrated: Even though it’s cooler, you still need to stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Plan indoor activities: If the weather turns too cold or rainy, have a backup plan for indoor activities like museums, art galleries, or indoor sports.
• Enjoy the scenery: Cooler climates often have beautiful scenery, so make sure to take advantage of it. Go for a hike, take a scenic drive, or just enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the view.

Packing Essentials for Cold Weather Travel

When traveling to cooler weather destinations, it’s important to pack appropriately to ensure you stay warm and comfortable. Here are some essential items to consider packing:

First of all, you want to make sure to pack in layers so that you can enjoy all types of weather.

Clothing

• Warm, waterproof coat or jacket
• Thermal underwear or base layers
• Wool or fleece sweaters
• Insulated pants or leggings
• Waterproof boots or shoes
• Warm socks
• Gloves or mittens
• Scarf and hat

Accessories

• Sunglasses (even in colder weather, the sun can be bright and reflective)
• Lip balm and moisturizer (cold weather can be harsh on skin)
• Hand warmers (especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors)
• Portable charger (cold weather can drain your phone battery faster)

Miscellaneous

• Medications (make sure to pack enough for your entire trip)
• Travel adapter (if traveling internationally)
• Cash and credit/debit cards
• Travel-sized toiletries