Photo: Contiki
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Listen, sunny park festival days spent swaying side to side with friends, listening to good music, are great! Reading by the beach as the waves slosh against the shore and create relaxing white noise – stunning! Stuffing tacos into your mouth at breakneck speed while you sweat out last night’s margaritas, perfection. But can’t we all agree that sometimes the summer just has too much sun, and sometimes we need more than just shade to cool down?
Not to be a party pooper, but I’m an autumn/winter gal, and cold weather is kind of my vibe. So, if you’re like me and miss the smell of rain or being able to wrap yourself up in a big hoodie, then these are some of the best cool weather summer vacation spots you can book to get the best of both worlds!
Consider your hemisphere
If you’re a Northern Hemisphere resident, the summer months are typically defined as mid-June to late September, and these will be the hottest of the year. So, if you’re looking for the best cool weather summer vacation spots why not switch hemispheres and head South where it will be winter? New Zealand, for example, is a lot more temperate during these months of the year!
And, if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, then your summer months are typically set during mid-November to March, so if you’re looking for a little chill in your bones, the Northern Hemisphere will be the place for you! How does skiing in Austria sound?
Top cool weather summer vacations
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Let’s bust some myths. You may think that South Africa, and perhaps the whole of Africa (though it is an extremely diverse continent), stays hot, hot, HOT, all year round. But it doesn’t – in fact, Cape Town has an average high of 20°C between July and September! This means you can hike up Table Mountain or paddle with the penguins under some sunshine that isn’t too hot or cold, it’s just right.
It’s technically winter in Cape Town between July and September, but you probably won’t be stumbling into any snow here. Pack your shorts and flowy dresses with a few cardigans as well.
Image source:Contiki
2. San Francisco, USA
Want to visit the USA but are more of a coast-cruiser than tree-hugger? San Francisco is perfect then! It’s a young and energetic city, famed for its hilly but gorgeous landscape and of course the bright red Golden (confusing) Gate Bridge. The average summer temperature sits around 19°C, so even though you’re in a city full of people you hopefully won’t be sweating too much!
Eager for Halloween? Why not take a tour of Alcatraz? You can also visit the city zoo, many peaceful parks, and of course the beaches! Other Californian hotspots like Los Angeles or Joshua Tree are only a few hours away by car, so there’s plenty of things to do in and around San Francisco in the summer.
3. South Island, New Zealand
Looking for the best cool weather summer vacation destination and also in a mood for adrenaline-inducing activities? Well, you’re in luck, because New Zealand’s South Island is totally the place to be. Not only is the country’s South Island home to Queenstown – where you can bungee jump, skydive, white water raft, catapult into the sky, and do basically any other insane thing you can think of – it also has some, quite frankly, frigid weather.
New Zealand’s weather generally trends warmer, but come July to August, the sun goes in and the rain and snow clouds come out. It’s nothing drastic though, but we do recommend packing some trousers and longer sleeves because this is technically New Zealand’s winter.
Image source:Contiki
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
A classic European destination that’s good for any time of year is Edinburgh! Fans of literature, castles, and history will absolutely love Edinburgh because it just has that lovely fairytale vibe to it. Christmas is a magical time here because of the markets and twinkly lights, but summer is just as beautiful, perhaps because it doesn’t get too hot! You can stop at many coffee shops around the city on sunny summer days, visit plenty of museums, and climb the sloped streets to the castle for a history lesson.
Edinburgh is a perfect base for your Scottish adventures as well, as you can travel out to the seaside St. Andrews, vibrant Glasgow, or the wild and breathtaking Highlands. Don’t forget to pack your camera because you’ll be snapping loads of pics.
5. The Andes, Peru
It seems like cool weather summer vacations call for mountain ranges and high altitude, so off to Peru you go. Making the hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is sort of a no-brainer, but the Peruvian Andes hold so much more wonder than just that! So take your time and explore all the nooks and crannies – maybe you’ll meet some llamas or condors along the way! There’s so much to do in Peru, so enjoy the mild weather and make the country yours.
Lima is very moderate this time of year (July-August), so you can cruise through the city trying local delicacies like Lomo Saltado without the heat sapping all your energy. And, if you still want to hit up the beach, the Peruvian coasts are dryer and more comfortable, but remember that SPF.
Image source:Christian Weiss / unsplash
6. Iceland
Of all the times to visit Iceland, summer is the best time because the days are longer and brighter so you’ll be able to pack more adventure into those 24 hours. The air remains crisp as you’ll be travelling fairly north of the globe, but the landscapes are so vivid in colour: the greens of the hills, blues of the fjords, blacks of the sand, and whites of the waterfall foam all stick out like natural gems for your viewing pleasure. If you’ve never travelled to Iceland before then you’re in for a major treat, and if you have, welcome back! Clearly you already know this is one of the best cool weather summer vacations.
You can visit the famed Blue Lagoon or have a hearty farm-to-table meal at Efstidalur family-run farm, and in the evening you may be lucky enough to catch shimmering northern lights. Reykjavik is full of surprises, so have fun uncovering them in 20°C weather.
7. Norway
Continuing with a Nordic Country theme, Norway is best visited in summer as this is when the cold country is at its warmest. Not only is Norway blessed with beautiful cities (as are many Scandinavian cities), it’s also covered in magical landscapes which include thick forests and fresh fjords. Whether you want to visit a sleepy fishing town, or a peruse through cultural museums, there’s a lot to do in Norway to keep you busy over your summer holidays.
Image source:Vidar Nordil Mathisen / unsplash
8. Uruguay
Back to Latin America, Uruguay is a hidden gem of this continent, and with June-August forming the country’s winter season, this is definitely one of the cooler places to visit in summer. Take a walking tour of Montevideo’s street art, munch on a choripan as you marvel at Plaza Independencia’s unique architecture, dip all your food into creamy dulce de leche sauce, and then make your way to the glittering coasts and sandy beaches for some total relaxation. There are also many local wineries and vineyards that you should 100% take advantage of.
If you’re looking for a party vibe that’ll offer VIP treatment, then Punta del Este is the place for you. It’s a glamorous beach resort location, akin to the French Riviera, but the prices are lower and so is the temperature! Who said us cold-weather fans don’t also want to enjoy the beach?
9. Melbourne, Australia
Speaking of the beach, Melbourne is perhaps one of the most famous beach destinations in the world! It might seem like this would be synonymous with devilish heat, but if you’re visiting between June and September, you’ll actually find the temperature is more on the easy breezy side than sweltering sunshine. You can still get your tan on, though, and of course you can stuff your face with as much fresh seafood as you can! The fun doesn’t stop in Melbourne, any time of the year, so this is probably the perfect holiday place for you, my fair-weathered friend.
Image source:Contiki
10. Patagonia, Chile
If you really want to cool things down in the summer, then you can’t go wrong with Patagonia. At the very tippy-tip of Chile is a true adventurer’s playground, filled with pure snowy mountains and crystal clear lakes. Hike steep slopes, cruise around glaciers, kayak on aquamarine waters, and even go for a horseback ride! Patagonia is also an ideal skiing destination this time of year, so make sure you head to Cerro Catedral for a bit. You won’t find anywhere on earth that’s more peaceful than here, so make sure you hit up the Patagonia Trail before it gets too popular!
11. Madeira, Portugal
You may think that Madeira doesn’t qualify as one of the best cool weather summer vacation spots because of its proximity to sweltering Morocco, but you’ll actually be surprised to learn that the oceanic winds wafting in from all sides make the island quite cool all year round. The coasts and beaches do stay warm, granted, but if you stick to the lush mountainous interior or the wild and tangled north, you’ll have a very pleasant time! There are many beautiful botanical gardens and natural reserves to explore, and many local wines to indulge in. What’s more, Madeira is home to many hiking adventures for the brave, so you can really test your mettle this summer.
Image source:Alex Meier / unsplash
12. Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
You think pastel-flanked mountains and fjords are only found in Scandinavia? Nope! Welcome to Newfoundland and Labrador, one of Canada’s most Northern provinces, and one of the most stunning cool weather summer vacations of all! This area of Canada has a rich history that involves even the vikings, so if you’re into that kind of thing there are plenty of local museums you can hit up. If not, there’s always plenty of hikes to challenge yourself, cruises along the fjords, and lots and lots of poutine to eat.
You may have guessed that this is also the place where beloved Labradors and fuzzy, loyal Newfoundland pups are from – that alone is a reason to visit.
13. Copenhagen, Denmark
Perhaps one of the warmer entries on this list, but still cool, Copenhagen is a gorgeous and trendy Scandi city. You may have seen colourful Nyhavn’s port all over your social media feeds, or the heaping plates of avocado toast and flaky pastries; and if these haven’t tempted you to visit yet, then I don’t know what will.
From the Little Mermaid, to the Design Museum, the symmetrical palace gardens, and the fact that you can cycle everywhere, Copenhagen is having a viral moment for a reason – there’s so much to do! The summer weather sits around 22°C, making it slightly warmer than some other destinations, but when you’re walking by the ocean or maybe even ferrying over to Sweden, you might feel a little chill.
Image source:Contiki
14. Arctic Resort, Finland
It seems Christmas has come early this year, or rather it exists all year round, all the way up in Northern Finland. Definitely on the colder side of cool, if you really hate the heat and would prefer to perpetually live in thick socks and wrapped up in blankets, then the Arctic Circle is the place for you. Skiing and visiting Lapland to give Santa your wish list are only some of the things you can do here, and you’ll also be able to experience the incredibly unique midnight sun!
15. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
While the Alps are most synonymous with winter, Après-ski, and tearing up the slopes, they make an equally gorgeous playground in the summer for any traveller who wants to enjoy idyllic hikes, view plenty grazing cattle in flowery fields, the occasional meadow, and of course some just right 20 degree weather!
Rent a car and meander through the winding roads up and down the mountains as you get to know this natural and wild area of the world. Don’t want to go it alone? Hop on Contiki’s Active Alps trip where you’ll get to experience some of Switzerland and a lot of Austria as well, staying in our stunning Austrian Gasthof!
Image source:Jonny Gios / unsplash
16. Cannon Beach, USA
Oregon may be known for pine trees and lakes and waterfalls, but did you know it also has a really gorgeous coast and an even more gorgeous beach? Yup, Cannon Beach is the place to be if you want to enjoy the ocean without risking dehydration.
This is a small coastal town right by the ocean, and standing tall and proud in the centre is Haystack Rock: a HUGE rock that is home to adorable tufted puffins! If you keep a respectful distance you can see the little critters scuttling along the beach and swimming together – how special is that?
17. Galicia, Spain
Golden beaches, dramatic coastlines, winding vineyards, and sparkling oceans: these are all synonymous with Spain, which is a summer destination that’s at the top of most travellers’ lists. It might strike you as being very warm, but that’s more characteristic of the south of the country, not the north, exactly where Galicia is.
This province sits just above Portugal (so you can always make a quiet drive down), and Santiago de Compostela is actually the arrival destination for the many hikers going along the Camino’s Santiago route. Galicia is also one of Spain’s biggest foodie regions, so bring an empty stomach because you’ll be treated to some delicious meals.
Image source:Alejandro Piñero Amerio / unsplash
18. Dolomites, Italy
Italy’s northern mountain range, the Dolomites, is the place to be. With average temperatures of 10-15°C, mirror-surfaced lakes, twisting mountain roads, meadows, and small villages dotting the scenery, this corner of Italy is a total dream. You’re also not very far from Venice or Lake Como, so fill up on spaghetti and tick off those bucket list items.
19. Ireland
And last but not least on our list of best cool weather summer vacations is Ireland, home to moody weather and misty rainfall and of course sweeping emerald landscapes to knock your socks off. From Dublin’s historic Guinness factory, to Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, and so much more, you could spend entire months exploring Ireland and uncovering the deep history and fabled ruins.
Alternatively, check out the Normal People filming locations if you’re in the mood for a dramatic and emotional summer – the weather certainly won’t get in your way.
Image source:Ruby Doan / unsplash
Where in the US has cool summers?
If you want to remain cool, calm and collected all summer-long in the USA, then sticking to the Northern states is your best bet. The East and West coast can both be quite warm, especially around Los Angeles or New York City, but places like Boston or Seattle are a little cooler, and the closer you get to Canada the more chilled vibes you’ll get. Stay away from states like Texas, Florida, or Arizona: their proximity to the Latin American border and the fact they’re home to deserts and everglades means they’ll be pretty hot.
Where is it cool in July and August?
As a general rule, the world’s Southern Hemisphere slows down for winter during the months of July and August, and the lower on the globe you go, the cooler it’ll get. New Zealand and Chile are some safe bets for pleasantly chilly weather, but certain Northern Hemisphere countries are good contenders as well such as Ireland and Norway.
