The ‘coolest’ places to beat the heat this summer
After last summer’s sweltering, record-breaking heat, many travelers are turning to cooler climates for this coming summer travel season. There’s no doubt that climate change is affecting seasonal weather patterns around the world, and the way we travel reflects that.
While beach getaways or European sojourns tend to be the favorites from June through August, travelers who opt for temperate weather destinations will be rewarded, likely, with fewer crowds and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Destinations like Greenland wow travelers with the legendary midnight sun, while Garzon, Uruguay, surprises with one of the best restaurants in the world in a small village of less than 200 people. Explore the fishing villages of Canada’s Maritime Provinces, or ski down a mountain in southern Australia.
Which destinations have our attention for a cooler summer season? Read on to discover the top coolcations for 2024.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Washington’s North Cascades National Park is a moody, majestic fairy-tale landscape of pristine wilderness and breathtaking natural beauty. Picture towering mountain peaks that rise up from lush forests and a soundtrack of cascading waterfalls. And with an average summer temperature of 51 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s the perfect balmy base for a cool summer getaway.
Summer in the North Cascades, while cooler than at other national parks, is still peak time for hiking the park’s miles of trails. Drink in spectacular views of snowcapped mountains as you cross alpine meadows brushed with streaks of wildflowers and dotted with bright-blue alpine lakes. Summer is also the time when wildlife in the park is most active, so bring binoculars for a chance to spot black bears, bald eagles and scruffy marmots.
Related: Pacific Northwest road trip: The San Juan Islands and Olympic National Park
The rivers of the park open up for recreation in the summer, too, when kayaks and canoes paddle through the alpine water, or across the glassy surface of Diablo Lake.
South Island, New Zealand
Not sure where to find a cool-weather summer vacation? Head to where it’s winter, of course. Traveling to the Southern Hemisphere during the winter season is a fantastic option to keep things chill. New Zealand‘s South Island, for example, combines breathtaking beauty and adventure during the winter — and with an average temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s definitely a coolcation.
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Your first image of New Zealand’s wintry landscape will be of snowcapped mountains dotted with alpine villages. If you’re a skier, you can enjoy a year-round ski season by heading to the South Island to experience the slopes of the Southern Alps. The region’s iconic fjords are straight out of a fairy tale in winter, dusted with snow and hushed in majestic silence.
Related: I flew 14 hours on a ‘couch’ — here’s whether Air New Zealand’s Skycouch was worth it
For travelers who like to keep things more relaxed, Queenstown, Wanaka and Arrowtown are known for their cozy vibes, with plenty of hearth-warmed taverns and restaurants, hot springs and cute boutiques.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer an East Coast alpine experience, where rugged peaks, lush forests and crystal-clear lakes set the scene for a relaxed, cooler summer. The average summer temperature in this part of New Hampshire is about 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
Summer is the perfect time to head to the charming mountain towns of North Conway and Lincoln, two anchor villages from which to explore the mountain trails. Experienced hikers can make the trek up Mount Washington, which rewards with gorgeous views over the rolling hills and valleys of New England.
Adventure seekers can flex their skills rock climbing or mountain biking throughout the mountain range as well, thanks to its rugged granite cliff faces and twisty single-track trails.
Come evening, hunker down in North Conway at the snug and cozy Chef’s Bistro for a fantastic locally sourced dinner and a strong cocktail.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Our neighbor to the north is always a stunner, no matter the season, but summer in Newfoundland and Labrador is particularly beautiful. The easternmost province of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador wows with rugged beauty, from cliffs that plunge into the churning Atlantic to delightful villages that are steeped in centuries of history and tradition.
Newfoundland and Labrador is a large province, so summer temperatures can range from 40 degrees Fahrenheit in northern Labrador to 60 degrees Fahrenheit down in Newfoundland and in the interior. Still, that keeps things quite mild even in the hottest months of summer. More hours of daylight means that you can fit so much more into a day’s adventure, as well.
Related: 5 small Canadian cities you can use points and miles to visit this year
Exploring coastal villages is one of the highlights of visiting this part of Canada, especially during summer when festivities are in full swing. Soak in the colorful houses of St. John’s, or the sleepy, laid-back living of Bonavista. Trace the region’s rich history as you explore the remnants of an ancient Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows, then stop into a local pub for live music and fresh seafood.
Newfoundland and Labrador is also epically beautiful, from the rugged East Coast Trail to the kayaking channels through fjords and bays. The province has quite a few national parks, including Gros Morne National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Falls Creek, Australia
Another captivating Southern Hemisphere destination, Falls Creek in Victoria, Australia, beckons with its wonderland scenery and an average temperature of just 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Located in the southernmost state, high in the Australian Alps, stunning views encompass spectacular snow-covered peaks, babbling streams and towering gum trees. The village of Falls Creek itself is packed with cozy ski lodges, chalets and quaint cafes.
Most travelers come to Falls Creek for winter sports, with more than 90 runs that cater to skiers and snowboarders of every skill set. You can also cross-country ski, snowshoe and snowmobile through the white, fluffy landscape.
Of course, the apres-ski scene in Falls Creek is just as exciting, with bars bubbling with live music, fantastic restaurants and lots of roaring fires in fireplaces.
Garzon, Uruguay
Uruguay is a fantastic option for travel anytime of year because it tends to receive fewer crowds than nearby destinations like Argentina or Brazil. For such a small country, it packs it all in, from fantastic food to stunning landscapes and ocean access.
Traveling to Garzon in the winter means green countryside, rural landscapes and a peaceful ambience — and an average temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit.
Garzon seems to be lifted from the pages of a storybook, with rolling vineyards and olive groves, hiking trails, and rustic taverns. It’s also home to renowned restaurants helmed by world-class chefs, making it a gastronomic hot spot. Restaurant Garzon, the vision of internationally acclaimed chef Francis Mallmann, is one of the best restaurants in the country and positively drips with a romantic ambience. The food here is rustic but elevated, from empanadas baked in the clay oven to homemade spinach ravioli, bricklayer steak and an impossibly perfect smoked chicken. The wine comes from both Uruguay and Argentina.
Cape Town
While we’re at it, let’s do one more in the Southern Hemisphere. Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the world’s greatest destinations, but its winter season means far fewer crowds, lower hotel rates and an average daily temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
As you arrive in Cape Town, you’ll be awestruck by the sheer beauty of Table Mountain, which will be blanketed in green in the winter months thanks to the rainy season. The Cape Peninsula is one of the most ecologically diverse destinations on the planet, so visitors will have the opportunity to see the area come alive with brilliant flora as they hike Table Mountain or navigate the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Cape Town is a foodie destination with bustling restaurants, cafes and markets and a vibrant wine scene. It’s also a place to experience fascinating museums, galleries and historical sites. The District Six Museum sheds light on South Africa and Cape Town’s heartbreaking history, while the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa spotlights the gorgeous art and culture of the region and beyond.
Amsterdam
Of course, you don’t have to steer clear of Europe entirely to have a cooler summer experience. Amsterdam‘s summer temperatures rarely hover above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Traveling to Amsterdam in the summer is an enchanting experience; the city comes alive with colorful flowers and the canals hum with activity.
One of the highlights of visiting Amsterdam in the summer is the abundance of outdoor opportunities. The city is strewn with parks and gardens where both locals and visitors love to picnic and enjoy the convivial energy. Vondelpark, the city’s largest park, is known for its outdoor concerts, while the Hortus Botanicus garden offers a peaceful escape from the rattle and hum of the city.
Cultural events are at their peak in Amsterdam’s summer, too, from open-air concerts and outdoor film screenings to art exhibitions. The Holland Festival, the Amsterdam Dance Event, and Open Garden Days are a few of the noteworthy experiences to check out in the summer.
The culinary scene in Amsterdam is legendary, from local markets to international fare across the top restaurants and eateries. Visitors can sample stroopwafels, herring and bitterballen all around the city, or sip cocktails on rooftop terraces before cruising the canals beneath the stars.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc may get the lion’s share of its visitors during ski season, but summer is an equally epic time to visit the heart of the French Alps. The area has an average summer temperature of 67 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect balmy escape, full of towering peaks, sprawling meadows and crystal-clear lakes.
One of the highlights of visiting in the summer is the network of hiking trails that traverse flower-strewn meadows and rugged peaks. The hike to Lac Blanc is one of the most popular, thanks to its views of the Mont Blanc range. Mountain bikers will also have the opportunity to tackle the region’s world-class trails and downhill tracks. For those who prefer to take it slow, there is the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
After exploring the pristine, raw nature, head back to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to dip into its rich food scene, from hearty raclette and fondue to pastries and local wine.
Greenland
One of the planet’s last great uncharted tourist territories is Greenland, where towering icebergs, majestic fjords and vast expanses of tundra create ample opportunity for adventure. The world’s largest island presents a perfect backdrop for an Arctic summer, where temperatures range between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the fleeting season.
Arctic wilderness is unlike any other landscape, and Greenland’s glaciers, rivers and mountains are no exception. One of the highlights of visiting Greenland in the summer is experiencing the midnight sun, where the sun never fully sets in the Arctic Circle, casting a soft glow over the landscape well into the night.
Wildlife is at its peak in Greenland during the summer, too. Visitors have the chance to spot seals, Arctic foxes, polar bears and even whales. Boat tours, kayaking expeditions and guided hikes are at their peak in Greenland over the summer.
The culture of Greenland is fascinatingly rich with Inuit traditions and practices. Travelers can learn about these ancient communities, as well as sample Greenlandic cuisine and participate in events and festivals. The National Day festival June 21 is the most celebrated summer event, where the entire country comes together for music, folk dancing and celebration of national identity.
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