Summer may be hot, but your vacation doesn’t have to involve sweat-drenched clothing and an endless pursuit for ice-cold water and air conditioning.
There are plenty of other cooler places around the world that offer opportunities for adventure, excitement, history, or serious relaxation, far away from the blazing hot sun. And the weather in these destinations isn’t just tolerable, it’s downright pleasant all summer long.
After years of trudging through too many summer trips in unbearable heat that left me hot, exhausted, and unmotivated to do much during the day, I decided to change course.
Now, I seek out cooler locations for my summer break, and my trips have never been better. I can plan for full days without worrying about waking up before dawn to beat the heat or taking frequent hydration breaks.
Here are five great places to have the coolcation of your dreams for a summer getaway you will actually enjoy.
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Iceland
Iceland is gorgeous in every season. In the winter, the northern lights dance in the sky nightly, and in spring, colorful wildflowers emerge from the melting snow, blanketing the country in shades of purple.
However, Iceland really shines in summer, making it one of my favorite times to travel to the land of ice and fire.
“Summer in South Iceland brings comfortable, refreshing temperatures in the 50s and 60s, making it one of the best times of year to visit,” says Friðrik Pálsson, owner of Hotel Rangá.
“With nearly 24 hours of daylight during most of the summer thanks to our Midnight Sun, there's more time to chase waterfalls, hike glaciers, explore black sand beaches, and experience Iceland at its greenest and most vibrant season, all without breaking a sweat,” Pálsson adds. “Pro Tip: Because the sun never sets, you can also bypass daytime tourism crowds by venturing out at night.”
If you are worried about having to give up swimming in exchange for cooler temperatures, don’t panic. There are many geothermal-heated pools throughout Iceland, and swimming and soaking in them is practically a national pastime all summer long.
The Blue Lagoon is arguably the most famous and most beautiful place to take a dip in the Nordic nation, but there are hot springs and traditional pools in just about every town. For ease of planning, consider booking a comprehensive summer vacation package with Icelandair.
Northern Japan
When many people think of Japan in summer, the sweltering Tokyo heat comes to mind.
However, Japan can still be a great spot for a coolcation if you know where to go. Take Hokkaido in the country’s north, for example, which offers cooler summers, flower fields, hiking, and excellent food.
Take a tour through the region with a local guide to experience Hokkaido’s highest peak, Mt. Asahi, and learn about local indigenous Ainu culture while making traditional dumplings. (My family and I enjoyed an Intrepid Family Tour.)
Temperatures in Hokkaido generally hover around the mid-70s throughout the summer with low humidity, which creates pleasant, mild conditions compared to most of the country.
When I visited Japan in summer, I also visited the cooler mountain town of Hakone, where average summer temperatures of around 64 degrees made it especially nice to hike, tour an outdoor sculpture museum, and relax in traditional onsens. Cooler temperatures make it appealing to book a longer trip. Just be sure to pace yourself.
Norway
With its multiple fjords, high altitude, and Atlantic airflow, Norway is a popular choice for coolcations throughout the summer.
Visitors can hike for hours, cruise a fjord, or sit at a harbor-side table all without worrying about the heat.
Within Norway, there are three distinct zones worth knowing about, says Terhi Runnalls, Head of Design and Communications for travel agency 50 Degrees North. Southern Norway, which includes Oslo, Bergen, and the fjord region, is the country’s most accessible entry point and has the widest range of experiences. Western Norway, which includes Ålesund, Loen, and Åndalsnes, features even cooler coastal temperatures and a dramatic inland region, she explains. Northern Norway, including Tromsø, Lofoten, and Senja, is the coolest part of the country.
“It’s ideal for travelers who want to slow down and follow the landscape, genuinely Arctic in character, remote, and under near-continuous summer daylight,” Runnalls says.
Outside of Oslo, where temperatures can reach the 70s, this region usually remains in the 50s and 60s. For my next coolcation, I am heading to Oslo, followed by a trip to Svalbard in northern Norway. An HX Expeditions expedition cruise will take me close to the North Pole to see icebergs and polar bears. For a land-based option, take a 50 Degrees North tour throughout Norway.
Alaska
Americans don’t need a passport to experience one of the best coolcation destinations: Alaska.
Alaska is the largest state in the union with stunning, otherworldly landscapes, diverse wildlife, and borderline chilly temps in summer. While temperatures vary by region, the state usually experiences mild temperatures in the mid-60s throughout the summer, rarely reaching above 70 degrees outside the state’s capital, Fairbanks.
During the summer months, Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife vary widely based on where you go. Because the state experiences extended periods of daylight throughout the summer, there are more hours for viewing glaciers, black bears, and whales, so you can cover more ground.
I think you’ll see the most with an expedition cruise; I sailed with HX Expeditions HX three times and think it gives visitors unparalleled access to some of the most remote parts of the Alaskan wilderness. I took part in zodiac rides, hikes, and lectures about the people of Alaska and the natural environment. Just be sure to pack appropriately for your potentially chilly adventure.
Finland
While much of Europe swelters under oppressive heat each summer, Finland remains refreshingly cool.
Summer temperatures in Finnish Lakeland are typically in the high 60s and visitors spend their days kayaking between islands, paddleboarding across glass-like lakes, and swimming in the region’s ubiquitous lakes.
One of the best lakes in the region is Lake Saimaa, popular for its unique wildlife, ancient rock paintings, and slow pace of cottage life during the summer months.
Beach bums will be happy in Finland too. Summer temperatures in the seaside town of Pori normally stay in the high 60s and visitors can paddleboard, take a dip in the ocean, play beach volleyball, or stroll on the town’s boardwalk while visiting the idyllic Yyteri beach.
Pori also has a natural conservation area that is well-suited for birding or hiking, and Finland’s classic saunas can be found throughout the country, so it’s easy to warm up if your coolcation gets a little too cold for your liking.
The Shortcut
Many coolcation destinations like Iceland, Alaska, and Norway get nearly 24 hours of daylight in summer, so there's more time for exploring.
Hokkaido and Hakone in Japan both run 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Tokyo, with Hakone averaging around 64 degrees all summer.
Alaska rarely breaks 70 degrees outside Fairbanks, making it one of the few passport-free coolcation options for U.S. travelers.
Finland's lakes and saunas mean you can cool off during the day and warm up at night if you start to miss the heat.
