Coolcations: Cooler summer holiday destinations for 2025

Kirsten Henton

The world is warming, and with it, some of our favourite holiday destinations. The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record and one that witnessed an "extraordinary streak of record-breaking temperatures."

While the impacts of, and issues surrounding, climate change are far greater than where we choose to unfurl our towels, the reality is that for many, the increased incidence of unusually high temperatures can make a place unbearably hot and ruin the hard-earned experience of a holiday.

Here, we're sharing a selection of alternative cooler destinations to consider for your summer break, or 'coolcation', if you don't like to see the mercury rise much above the mid-twenties.

What is a coolcation?
Why consider a coolcation?
Our top coolcation picks
Cooler destinations by month
Even cooler-cations to consider

The pretty port of Sauzon, Belle Île en Mer, Brittany © Alexander Demyanenko - Adobe Stock Image

What is a coolcation?

We've settled on destinations you can visit in June, July and August where maximum daytime temperatures hit an average high of between 17°C and 22°C, with ample sunshine and minimal rainfall; aka dream coolcation spots.

We're drawing from our climate data to share a comprehensive collection of places that offer warm and pleasant conditions with added extras like nature, history and an abundance of attractions to give you plenty of things to keep all ages entertained.

Why consider a coolcation?

Whether it's to do with health, wellbeing or just a personal preference led by one's own internal thermometer, for some, holidaying in high temperatures is a no-go.

Best ways to experience Austria in summer © JFL Photography - Fotolia.com

While this may mean foregoing some much-loved holiday favourites in the height of summer, such as Athens where, in 2022, temperatures reached 45°C forcing the closure of the Acropolis, it doesn't mean there aren't other places to explore.

Instead, it's an opportunity to go somewhere new, quite possibly quieter, and maybe even a little under the radar.

Climate change is an enormous subject and we're not trying to tackle that here. But the increased incidence of unusually high temperatures and frequency of flooding threatens everything from marine ecosystems and water supplies to increased sea levels and a greater risk of wildfires that, in turn, affect communities.

In this context, the damage to destinations that depend on holidaymakers, such as the low-lying Caribbean island of Aruba, where tourism constitutes 90% of its GDP, or even Greece, where tourism accounts for 15% of its GDP, is undeniable.

So, while we're suggesting alternative places to consider for your summer holiday to avoid excessive heat, don't forget the ones that we've long counted on that will likely still need your support. Perhaps just consider visiting them at a different time of year, which in turn helps to ease overtourism in the most popular destinations too.

Our pick of the top coolcation destinations

Our selection of countries in northern Europe largely guarantees sunshine and warmth in the peak summer months. Yes, it's a shift away from the shores of the Med but our pick of places includes countries that are more northerly, some elevated, ensuring temperatures remain comfortable.

These top destinations pay special attention to the Nordic nations, the Baltics and the Alps, which all (largely) promise long sunny days in summer.

Scandinavia & Finland
The Baltics
The Alps
UK & the Channel Islands
Far-flung coolcations
Cooler destinations by month

You may wonder why we've looked beyond our immediate continental neighbours of France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

This is simply because the weather from June to August isn't always as reliably good, but that's not to say they shouldn't be considered; far from it if you're planning a last-minute summer break and the weather forecast is on your side.

The historic port city of St Malo, Brittany, France © Antoine2k - Fotolia.com

Scandinavia & Finland

Denmark
Finland
Norway
Sweden

What these Nordic nations lack in high temperatures, they more than make up for in daylight. These northern European countries bask in some of the longest daylight hours through June, July and August. Take Helsinki, which sees as much as 19 hours per day dolloped with nine hours of sunshine in June.

The historic 17th-century waterfront of Copenhagen © Sergii Figurnyi - Adobe Stock Image

Daytime maximum temperatures across Scandinavia and Finland in summer float between 17°C and 22°C. Typically, July sees the warmest weather, perfect for getting out in the wilds of a Swedish woodland, swimming off the jetty in a rocky Norwegian archipelago or browsing galleries and sampling fine dining in any of Denmark's chic cities.

The Baltics

Estonia
Latvia
Lithuania

Less crowded, more affordable and just a bit different to your usual summer escape, the Baltic nations are wonderful options for a coolcation. What's more, it's easy to visit more than one in a single trip and with daytime maximum temperatures around 20°C to 21°C and hours of daylight and sunshine that rival Scandinavia, the real question is, why wouldn't you go in summer?

Summer's day on the Curonian Spit, Lithuania - photo courtesy of Lithuanian State Department of Tourism

If it's a beach break you're after, the expanse of soft sand that runs the length of Lithuania's west coast, much backed by fragrant pine forests, is fantastic for camping and bucket-and-spade fun. Around the corner, you'll find Riga, the Latvian capital, where striking architecture, modern history and a burgeoning gastronomic scene combine, while Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is an enticing city on the sea.

The Alps

Austria
France
Italy
Switzerland

The most extensive mountain range in central Europe is alive with wild flower meadows, bell-clad cattle, glistening lakes, vibrant centres and near-naked rocky peaks in summer. With many cities and mountain resorts, from Lake Garda and Geneva to Annecy, sitting at 400 metres (1,312 ft) and above, the elevation keeps the temperature in check through June, July and August, while sunshine is all but a certainty.

August in the Bernese Oberland just south of Bern, Switzerland © Murray Foubister - Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

And with the snow having receded, it's the perfect time to leave the winter layers and lace up your boots for hiking routes for all abilities, days out mountain biking, paddling, swimming and campfires. Of course, the Alps also serve up some of the finest hotels, spas and wellness centres in the world across the multiple countries it straddles, so finding R&R is pretty easy too.

UK & the Channel Islands

UK
Guernsey
Jersey

A staycation coolcation? Why not. Albeit a little unpredictable when it comes to the weather, the UK is an obvious choice. And, when the sun does shine, there's really nowhere else you need to be.

From the surf of Newquay and lively Pembrokeshire to the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, wide open sweep of Northumberland's beaches and idyllic platinum swathes of Scotland's Western Isles, a beach break is, in fact, more doable than you might expect.

Especially if you pack layers and waterproofs for every eventuality, and are happy to throw history, trekking, seafood and good pubs into the mix. Add family parks and attractions, and you're sorted.

Beach on the north coast of Jersey, Channel Islands © Alagz - Adobe Stock Image

For a taste of the continent, and temperatures peaking at an average of 20°C, the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey also offer up some of the most beautiful sandy beaches and bucket loads of ways to get out and about, from sea kayaking to cycling.

Museums and sights like WWII tunnels trace the islands' maritime heritage and more recent past, ensuring there's still lots to see if rain inadvertently swings by.

Far-flung coolcations

If distance is no object, then a hop across the pond to the giant outdoor playground of Canada is a no-brainer, especially the western states of British Columbia and Alberta, which are just spectacular without being too hot in summer.

Emerald Lake, British Columbia, Canada © Donyanedomam - Adobe Stock Image

Vancouver, the city that has it all from a hipster heart to seafront and mountains, is comfortable at 20°C to 22°C with eight to nine hours of sunshine each day. Meanwhile, Edmonton is similar with a touch more sunshine.

Across the border, Aspen in Colorado, the haven for powder-lovers in winter, is transformed into a summery wonderland of trails and camping opportunities with as much as 11 hours of sunshine per day. The island of Nantucket in Massachusetts, meanwhile, is the place to lap up fresh seafood and indulge in this historic town's maritime heritage, especially in June with daily highs of 21°C and nine hours of sunshine.

You might be tempted to think that destinations in the southern hemisphere, where countries are embracing their winter months from June to August, seem like a good idea for cooler temperatures but you might also get more cool than you bargained for. As well as the likes of Brazil, South Africa and Australia being very far away, the weather can be disappointing with more cloud and fewer daylight hours. The 'effort over reward' score here is low.

Cooler places in Europe for summer months

For many people, summer means Europe. The proximity and affordability of popular destinations make the continent a reliable option. But as the rising incidence of temperature extremes turns some people off our most beloved holiday spots, we've pulled together the top alternative destinations you can visit in Europe for a summer holiday instead.

June
July
August
More destinations

Cooler holiday destinations in June

Early summer is arguably the best time to get away before the crowds grow and temperatures peak. Our pick of the top cooler holiday destinations in June is an eclectic selection of countries you might not have considered before. Take Poland, with its edgy cities and Baltic Sea coast, along with average daily highs of 22°C in June.

Fairytale at Lake Bled, Slovenia © Csák István - Fotolia.com

Then there's majestic Slovenia, where warm days with average daytime highs of 23°C and eight hours of sunshine pave the way for exploring the mountains, lakes, beaches and cities. Of course, the higher you go into the country's share of the Julian Alps, the cooler things get.

Meanwhile, the mountainous Balkan nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina invites those keen to learn about its turbulent past and dive into its elevated capital, Sarajevo (some 437 m/1,434 ft up), where Turkish and Western influences mingle before discovering its rivers, gorges and valleys under an average of seven hours of sunshine per day in June.

Back to months

Cooler holiday destinations in July

Summer really starts to warm up nicely across Europe but if you're after a cooler holiday destination in July, there are lots of places where you can remain on the right side of the weather for you.

The Channel Islands including Guernsey and Jersey, with their golden beaches and fascinating tales to tell, are very inviting at this time with average maximum temperatures in the low twenties and, of course, within easy reach of the UK.

Summer day on Sao Miguel Island, Azores © Radomir Rezny - Adobe Stock Image

The North Atlantic archipelago of the Azores is where you'll have a temperate, almost semi-tropical experience with rocky peaks for hiking, whale watching and plenty of locally-grown exotic fruit and freshly-caught seafood.

Over in central Europe, Austria offers a bit of both: while Vienna gets a little warmer in July with the average daily high of around 26°C, the elevated medieval town of Kitzbühel in the mountain region of Tyrol is super sunny with seven hours per day but fresher at 19°C.

Back to months

Cooler holiday destinations in August

Avoiding the highest summer heat doesn't mean missing out on all the fun. If you're looking for a choice of cooler holiday destinations in August, we've got you covered.

Take Europe's most mountainous country, Montenegro, where hiking, zip-lining, camping and cycling in the northern Durmitor National Park is a must. Then there's Bolzano in the Italian Alps, where seven hours of sunshine and an average daytime maximum temperature of 21°C create ideal conditions for getting out and about.

Mighty Mont-St-Michel off the coast of Normandy © Diasp - Adobe Stock Image

A short trip across the Channel reveals the splendours of Normandy in northern France, where you'll see huge beaches lapped with history, castles, traditionally made cider and local hospitality, all enjoyed with average highs of 22°C and seven hours of sunshine.

Even cooler-cations

Of course, other destinations within the same vicinity merit consideration, but really only if you're going for activities that don't rely solely on good, warm weather.

Iceland, for example, is beautiful in summer with less of the frozen drama of winter and lots of ways to explore the island, not to mention trendy Reykjavik. But despite a peak of 21 hours of daylight in June and around seven to nine hours of sunshine through summer, with temperatures between 11°C and 13°C, it's definitely not a place you'll find warm conditions.

Tjornuvik village, Faroe Islands © Swen Stroop - Adobe Stock Image

It's much the same story in the archipelago of the Faroe Islands, where hiking, boat trips and history await along with long days and cool temperatures.

Closer to home, Scotland can be glorious in summer. With a spell of good weather, the Scottish Highlands are unbeatable, as are the Western and Northern Isles and cities like Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh, the latter host of the world-renowned fringe festival in August.

Across the Irish Sea, Ireland sparkles when the sun shines in summer. Go for the food, outdoor activities and history; stay for the people and, of course, the Guinness. Just remember it's a changeable destination that takes the brunt of fronts that come sailing in from the Atlantic, which can make this wet and wild.

All of these countries are great coolcation options, but we haven't included them specifically because the weather throughout summer is just too unpredictable and not as reliably good as others featured.

Can't find what you're looking for? Search for even more destination inspiration or, if you've settled on your next coolcation escape, browse our complete collection of travel deals and discounts to help you get there for less.

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton is Weather2Travel.com's editor. Kirsten writes, commissions and edits our travel features, liaising with our contributors and ensuring copy is spick-and-span. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Kirsten also freelances writing articles on travel, history and the outdoors for titles such as Scotland Magazine and BBC Travel.

Posted on Tuesday 1st April 2025

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