11 ‘coolest’ vacation spots to escape the heat this summer

Editor’s note: This is a recurring article, updated regularly with new information and offers.

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 and European sojourns tend to be the favorites from June through August, travelers who opt for temperate-weather destinations will likely be rewarded with fewer crowds and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Fortunately, since northern summer is southern winter, there’s the entire Southern Hemisphere to explore. But there are also destinations across the Northern Hemisphere that remain delightfully cool all summer long. 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. You can also explore the fishing villages of Canada’s Maritime Provinces or hike up a mountain in Australia.

Which destinations have our attention for a cooler summer season? Read on to discover the top coolcations for 2025.

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 winter 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 high temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s definitely a coolcation.

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.

TPG tip: Check in to the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Winter rates begin at $154 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

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 high 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 New England’s rolling hills and valleys.

Related: Breeze expands New England footprint with 3 routes from New Hampshire

Adventure seekers can flex their skills rock climbing or mountain biking throughout the mountain range, thanks to its rugged granite cliff faces and twisty single-track trails.

TPG tip: 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. The Fairfield Inn & Suites North Conway is just a mile away, and rates start at $136 or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Newfoundland and Labrador

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 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 in Newfoundland and the interior. Still, that keeps things mild, even in the hottest summer months. More hours of daylight means that you can fit so much more into a day’s adventure.

Related: 5 small Canadian cities you can use points and miles to visit

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 St. John’s colorful houses or Bonavista’s sleepy, laid-back living. Trace the region’s rich history as you explore the remnants of an ancient Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows, then stop at a local pub for live music and fresh seafood.

The province also has several national parks, including Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

TPG tip: Stay at the Alt Hotel St. John’s (rates start at $205 per night) for harbor views and a top-notch restaurant.

Grampians National Park, Australia

Australia is known for its soaring temperatures in its harsh desert interior and tropical rainforests along the northern coast. But the southern part of the country does cool down throughout the winter months of June, July and August — especially if you go up in elevation.

That’s why Grampians National Park in Victoria, about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, is an ideal cool-weather vacation destination. The average winter high is 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

With hiking trails along mountain ridges dotted with waterfalls, cool-climate wines, and art ranging from ancient Aboriginal rock art to contemporary galleries, there’s plenty to do, taste and see here. Cool weather aside, winter is also the offseason, so there will be fewer crowds.

TPG tip: Accommodations vary from campgrounds to private rentals to hotels. For the last, we recommend the Royal Mail Hotel (rates start at $144 per night), known for its two restaurants: the fine-dining Wickens by executive chef Robin Wickens, which serves a seasonal tasting menu, and the more relaxed a la carte restaurant Parker St Project.

Alaska

Interior Alaska can get fairly warm in the summer, but if you stick to the coast, it’ll likely be fairly brisk all season. Depending on where you go, temperatures will range from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit.

If you stay in Anchorage, you can explore cultural sites, museums and state parks, like Chugach State Park. It has over 280 miles of maintained hiking trails, including dozens of shorter 2- to 5-mile treks ideal for day trips.

Related: Snowy peaks and hot springs: A Fairbanks-Denali-Anchorage road trip

Or you can opt for a cruise in Southeast Alaska to explore small towns like Ketchikan and Skagway, see wildlife like bald eagles and brown bears, and perhaps even catch an iceberg calving off a glacier. Bring a raincoat, though, as this region is notoriously rainy, particularly in the late summer.

TPG tip: The upcoming Wildbirch Hotel, a JdV by Hyatt property, is one of the first upscale boutique hotels in Anchorage. Located in the downtown Mushing District, the hotel isn’t taking bookings just yet but is expected to open in late spring.

Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the world’s greatest destinations, but its winter season means far fewer crowds, lower hotel rates and an average high temperature of 67 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, 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.

TPG tip: Stay at the brand-new Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, one of TPG’s most exciting hotel openings of 2025. Rates start at $143 or 41,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Amsterdam

Of course, you don’t have to steer clear of Europe entirely to have a cooler summer experience. Amsterdam‘s average summer high temperatures hover around 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 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 city’s rattle and hum.

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 around the city or sip cocktails on rooftop terraces before cruising the canals beneath the stars.

Amsterdam is also celebrating its 750th anniversary with dozens of cultural events this year, making it one of TPG’s top destinations in 2025. On June 21, nearly 10 miles of the A10 ring highway surrounding the city will close to vehicle traffic for a solstice street party. From Aug. 20 to 24, more than 800 seafaring vessels will descend on Amsterdam’s waterways for Sail, the world’s largest sailing event.

TPG tip: The Rosewood Amsterdam, set in a historic 17th-century building, is opening just in time for summer. Rates start at $875 per night.

Bariloche, Argentina

Are you craving a summer ski getaway? Make your way to San Carlos de Bariloche, more typically called Bariloche, in Patagonia. The ski season in this Andean alpine town begins in July and runs through September, with temperatures hovering just above and below freezing.

Bariloche is a great dupe for the Swiss Alps, so long as you are OK with the flip in seasons. Germans who had originally immigrated to Chile founded the town at the end of the 19th century, with immigrants from various Alpine countries following in subsequent decades. In the 1930s, the town redesigned its center to emulate Swiss Alpine architecture to boost tourism. (Bariloche is also particularly known for its chocolatiers.)

TPG tip: For a points-friendly city-center stay, book the Sheraton Bariloche Hotel (rates start at $151 or 19,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), or for a more picturesque stay outside of town, try the Llao Llao Resort (rates start at $165 per night).

The French Alps

The French Alps may attract the majority of visitors during ski season, but summer is an epic time to visit. The area’s average summer high temperature is 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 be able to tackle the region’s world-class trails and downhill tracks. There is the Aiguille du Midi cable car for those who prefer to take it slow.

After exploring the pristine, raw nature, head back to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to sample its rich food scene, which includes hearty raclette and fondue, pastries, and local wine.

TPG tip: After a long day of hiking, relax at the Four Seasons Hotel Megeve with a massage at its luxurious spa. Room rates start at $690 per night in the summer.

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 when average high temperatures are in the mid-40s Fahrenheit during the fleeting season.

And now you can get there in just a little over four hours from the East Coast. United Airlines is launching the first direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to the new Nuuk Airport (GOH) in June.

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 can 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.

Greenland’s culture is fascinatingly rich with Inuit traditions and practices. Travelers can learn about these ancient communities, 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 a celebration of national identity.

TPG tip: Thanks to the new airport, several expedition cruise lines, such as HX and Viking, are debuting new routes directly from Nuuk instead of starting in Iceland and wasting days at sea. Rates this summer start at $11,492 per person on HX and $14,995 per person on Viking.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

It might be hard to believe that a destination on the equator can be cool, but the northern summer months start the Galapagos’ cool season. Thanks to the Humboldt Current that ferries frigid water from Antarctica up to the archipelago, July and August can prove quite cool in the Galapagos, usually in the 60s or 70s Fahrenheit.

Related: Best Galapagos cruises for an epic wildlife adventure of a lifetime

That makes hiking across the islands a pleasant experience versus the hot season when temperatures are regularly in the 90s. Plus, the current brings up vital nutrients for sea life, meaning the waters are teeming with fish, sharks, turtles, rays — the list goes on.

TPG tip: While most visitors to the Galapagos cruise around the islands, land-based options are available. You can even use points; stay at the Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton (rates start at $274 or 72,000 Hilton Honors points per night) or Hotel Indigo Galapagos, an IHG Hotel (rates start at $356 or 72,000 IHG One Rewards points per night).

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