I’m not a fan of hot weather. As soon as the thermometer starts to climb into the 80s, you’ll find me indoors with the AC on. So it’s no surprise that I like to skip my usual summer vacations and head to warmer destinations for places with milder climates—or even snow.
Luckily, since it’s summer in the north and winter in the south, there’s the entire Southern Hemisphere to explore. But there are also destinations across the Northern Hemisphere that stay pleasantly cool all summer long.
To help inspire your next “vacation,” here are nine destinations around the world for those looking to escape the heat, whether you’re looking for snow, sweater-friendly weather, or simply a break from the stifling heat and humidity.
Grampians National Park, Australia
Australia is famous for its blistering temperatures in the harsh deserts and rainforests along its north coast. But the southern part of the country stays cooler during the winter months of June, July and August — especially if you go higher.
That’s why Victoria’s Grampians National Park, about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, is the perfect cool-weather getaway. The average temperature in August is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
With hiking trails along waterfall-dotted mountain ranges, cool-climate wines and art ranging from ancient Aboriginal rock art to contemporary galleries, there’s plenty to do, taste and see here. As well as the cooler weather, winter is also low season, so there will be fewer crowds.
Accommodation varies from campsites to private rentals to hotels. Ultimately, we recommend Royal Mail Hotel (starting at $159 a night), is known for its two restaurants: the upscale Wickens, helmed by executive chef Robin Wickens, which serves a seasonal tasting menu, and the more relaxed a la carte restaurant Parker Street Project.
Bariloche, Argentina
Craving a summer ski trip? Head south to San Carlos de Bariloche, commonly known as Bariloche, in Argentina’s Patagonia. The ski season in this Andean mountain town starts in July and lasts through September, with temperatures hovering just above and below freezing.
Bariloche is a great alternative to the Swiss Alps, as long as you can accept the seasonal changes. The town was founded by German immigrants to Chile in the late 19th century, with immigrants from various Alpine countries following in the decades that followed. In the 1930s, the town redesigned its center to emulate Swiss Alpine architecture in an effort to boost tourism. (Bariloche is also particularly famous for its chocolatiers.)
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For a friendly downtown stay with points of interest, book a room Sheraton Bariloche Hotel (rates start at $170 or 18,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), or for a nicer stay on the outskirts of town, try Llao Llao Hotel (starting at $240 per night).
Lapland, Finland and Sweden
This northern region of Finland and Sweden is often considered a winter wonderland — especially the Finnish town of Rovaniemi, The official home of Santa ClausBut Lapland is also a pretty magical place to enjoy summer.
Temperatures typically hover around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with up to 24 hours of sunlight. For that reason, you shouldn’t expect to see the northern lights during a summer visit, but you can hike or bike through the Arctic wilderness here at almost any time of day.
Many visitors, including domestic Swedish and Finnish tourists, stay in cabins, but there are a few hotels in the area. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (starting at $257 a night) near Rovaniemi has a collection of freestanding stilt “nests” with glass windows.
Newfoundland, Canada
Summer temperatures in Newfoundland, Canada, often reach a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit (though heat waves are not uncommon, so be careful). Start this road trip by flying into St. John’s, the largest city on the island. Be sure to check out the colorful “jelly bean” houses on your way to the scenic overlook at Scenic Hill National Historic Site. Stay Alt St. John’s Hotel (starting at $189 a night) for harbor views and a fine dining experience.
Then drive 3 1/2 hours to Gander, home to the iconic Gander International Airport. Once a major refueling stop for transatlantic flights, the airport has welcomed The Beatles, Queen Elizabeth, and even Fidel Castro. The airport’s concourse is now a small museum dedicated to that history and its heartwarming role in handling diverted passengers on 9/11 (you may be familiar with this story from the Broadway musical “Come From Away”).
Finally, visit Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for hiking, camping or canoeing. Parks Canada hosts special programs throughout the summer—don’t miss the Indigenous programs, from fireside sharing circles to guided hikes with Mikmaw interpreters.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
It may be hard to believe that a destination on the equator could be cool, but the northern summer months kick off the Galapagos Islands’ cool season. Thanks to the Humboldt Current, which brings cold water from Antarctica to the islands, July and August can be quite cool in the Galapagos, often in the 60s or 70s.
That makes hiking through the islands a pleasant experience compared to the hot season when temperatures regularly hover in the 90s. Plus, the water carries important nutrients for marine life, meaning the waters are teeming with fish, sharks, turtles, rays—the list goes on.
While most visitors to the Galapagos cruise around the islands, mainland options are also available. You can even use points; stay Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton (starting at $251 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night) or Hotel Indigo Galapagos, an IHG hotel (starting from $413 or 85,000 IHG One Rewards points per night).
Related: The Best Galapagos Cruises for the Best Wildlife Adventure of Your Life
Iceland
Iceland is certainly not an obscure destination, with grand hotels — looking at you, Reykjavik version (starting at $615 or 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night)—and dozens of cruise itineraries. But for a cool summer getaway, the island nation is a pretty ideal spot, with temperatures hovering in the 50s from June through September.
To escape the peak season crowds — and The volcano may erupt again soon. on the Reykjanes Peninsula — rent a car and take the Ring Road around the country. The farther you get from Reykjavik, the less crowded it gets. Visit small towns and villages, swim in local pools or hot springs, and hike along volcanic hills or black-sand beaches (Reynisfjara is the favorite, but Diamond Beach by the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon sparkles with ice).
Looking for something a little more remote? Head to Iceland’s central highlands and stay at Kerlingarfjoll Plateau Base (starting at $430 a night), is being opened in 2023 by the team behind Retreat at the Blue Lagoon. This summer, the resort unveiled a series of geothermal baths, a great respite from hiking in the wilderness of Asgardur Valley.
Alaska
Interior Alaska can get quite warm in the summer, but if you head toward the coast, the weather will likely stay fairly cool throughout the season: Temperatures will range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on where you go.
If you’re in Anchorage (or just about an hour outside of it) Alyeska Resortwith rates starting at $299), you can explore cultural sites, museums, and state parks, like Chugach State Park. The park has more than 280 miles of maintained hiking trails, including dozens of shorter 2- to 5-mile hikes that are ideal for day trips.
Or you can choose one Southeast Alaska Tours to explore small towns like Ketchikan and Skagway, spot wildlife like bald eagles and brown bears, and maybe even catch a glimpse of an iceberg breaking off a glacier. Just be sure to bring a raincoat, as the area is notorious for getting rainy, especially in late summer.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s capital is a great summer getaway. Edinburgh’s temperatures often reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August, making it ideal for city walks. Stroll the cobblestone streets, visit Edinburgh Castle, or wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The city has no shortage of luxury hotels, but for something a little more off-the-beaten-path, consider Fingala converted supply ship, moored in the port district of Leith (starting from $456 a night).
When you get tired of city life, take a day trip to the Scottish countryside or coast. Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, is just a 20-minute train ride from Edinburgh, while the coastal town of North Berwick is just a 30-minute train ride away.
Svalbard, Norway
The icy Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is an unusual destination visited by cruise ships, but you can book a room at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen (starting at $182 a night) to stay in the main town of Longyearbyen, where you can day-trip to see wildlife (polar bears, walruses and seabirds, oh my!), drink beer at the world’s northernmost brewery and hike glaciers.
Bring a hat, jacket, and gloves, as temperatures are typically a comfortable 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. And while this is a popular aurora-viewing destination, keep in mind that you won’t be able to see the aurora unless it’s dark at night—and there won’t be any auroras in Svalbard until fall.
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