Looking for the best summer travel destinations where you can escape the blazing heat? Here are the coolest (literally) places to go!

One of the top travel trends for 2024 is the “coolcation” and it will be one of the most popular types of trips to take this summer.

A record number of travelers are looking to escape the heat this summer and visit cooler destinations instead — a recent survey found that 75% of travelers would prefer to spend their summer vacation in a destination that’s not as hot.

Extreme heat has made popular European summer destinations nearly unbearable in recent years, and destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, and Mexico have seen scorching summer temperatures as well.

These are the best destinations worldwide where you can beat the heat this summer.

1. Scotland

Sunrise over the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye in Scotland

One of the best summer destinations to escape hot weather is Scotland. The further north you go, the cooler it gets in the summer months.

Even in Edinburgh, the average high temperature is never above 65° F.

The Scottish Highlands are also an amazing destination to explore during the summer if you’re looking for a summer getaway with mountains, beaches, lakes, and more.

2. Australia

Sydney Opera House And Harbour In Sydney, Australia

Since it’s located in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are flipped and the Northern Hemisphere summer (June, July, and August) is actually Australia’s winter.

These are the coldest months of the year in Australia, although cold is a relative term — winters in Australia are pretty mild, with high temperatures in the mid-sixties.

It’s also the cheapest time of year to visit this pricy destination. In particular, it’s a great time to visit the iconic city of Sydney, which has nonstop flights from the United States.

3. Norway

Hiker standing on the top of Husfjellet Mountain on Senja Island in Northern Norway, Nordland

One of the BEST European summer destinations if you’re looking for cool weather is Norway.

Summer is a great time of year to take a Norwegian fjords cruise, or explore the stunning mountains and quaint towns of Northern Norway.

Norway is also a popular destination with solo travelers thanks to its high level of safety.

4. Argentina

A couple admiring some very scenic views outside Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina

Heading back to the Southern Hemisphere, Argentina is another great place to go this summer. Like Australia, winter in Argentina occurs during June, July, and August.

During these months, the temperature rarely rises above 62° F in Buenos Aires, and it’s even colder in Patagonia in the south — this is the best time of year to visit ski destinations like Bariloche.

Getting to Argentina is usually the most expensive part, but once you’re on the ground, it’s a very affordable destination and great for solo travelers.

5. Iceland

Northern Lights in Iceland

Another one of the best European destinations with cool weather is Iceland.

This country has been exploding in popularity lately thanks to its gorgeous scenery including waterfalls, glaciers, natural hot springs, and more.

Even in the summer, temperatures rarely get above the fifties here.

6. Alaska

Whale sighting in Alaska

Summer is the best time to visit Alaska, the largest and northernmost U.S. state. The best way to travel in Alaska is by cruise because you can visit multiple destinations in this vast state.

Even during the summer, it doesn’t get particularly warm in Alaska.

You can expect highs in the fifties in most places, making it perfect for a “coolcation” this summer.

7. Canada

Banff National Park

Finally, Canada is one more perfect summer destination to escape the heat.

There are so many great destinations to visit in Canada during the summer where you can enjoy mild weather, including Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.

Atlantic Canada is also a good summertime destination in Canada, where you can experience beautiful nature and enjoy cooler weather.

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