When summer starts to feel less like a season and more like a slow roast, it’s time to seek out somewhere—anywhere—less sweltering. Forget the endless hum of air conditioners and the futile search for shade on scorched sidewalks. True relief is to be found in destinations where cool breezes, crisp mountain air, and refreshing waters are the norm.
The good news: The world is full of places where summer’s heat is nothing but a rumor. We’ve scoured the globe for the most delightful destinations to swap sunburn for sweater weather. Below are the best places to chill out (literally) this summer.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Siberia Valley in the Mount Aspiring National Park located near Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand.
While you’re sweating through July, New Zealanders are carving fresh powder on pristine slopes. Queenstown delivers winter wonderland vibes with breathtaking alpine scenery and cozy après-ski culture. After a day on the mountains, warm up with world-class Pinot Noir from nearby Central Otago vineyards. Southern Hemisphere winters mean you can trade your summer fan for a fireplace June through August.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
A view of a street in San Miguel de Allende.
This gem sits 6,000 feet above sea level, blessing it with perpetually pleasant temperatures while the rest of Mexico sizzles. Wander cobblestone streets lined with bougainvillea-draped buildings in comfortable 75 degree weather. The city’s artistic soul means you’ll find gallery hopping and craft shopping infinitely more pleasant without summer’s usual sticky situation.
Reykjavík, Iceland
View of Reykjavik, Iceland in 2025.
Iceland’s capital hovers at a refreshing 55 degrees during peak summer months, which is practically refrigerated compared to most European capitals. Endless summer daylight means more time for dips in geothermal pools, hikes across otherworldly landscapes, and whale watching in the North Atlantic. Plus, there’s something deliciously smug about needing a light sweater in August.
Tasmania, Australia
Julius River in Tasmania, Australia.
Australia’s island state offers cool maritime climates during their winter. The temperatures rarely dip below freezing, so it’s the perfect environment for exploring pristine wilderness, sampling cool-climate wines, and experiencing the MONA museum without the crowds or heat exhaustion. Consider it the perfect down-under chill-out.
Dalat, Vietnam
Pongour waterfall in Dalat, Vietnam.
Vietnam’s “City of Eternal Spring” sits in the Central Highlands, where elevations of 5,000 feet keep temperatures hovering in the pleasant 70s year-round. French colonial architecture, flower farms, and pine forests create a surreal microclimate that feels worlds away from Vietnam’s tropical coastline. Sip locally locally grown coffee while everyone else back home is drowning in iced everything.
San Fransisco, California
View of San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
Mark Twain allegedly claimed the coldest winter he ever experienced was summer in San Francisco—and the city’s famous fog (“Karl,” to locals) continues to deliver blessed relief. While most of Central and Southern California bakes, SF stays cool with temperatures rarely exceeding 70 degrees. Pack layers, sip from sourdough soup bowls, and feel superior to your friends melting in LA.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru.
This ancient Incan capital sits at 11,000 feet, ensuring cool, dry days even in summer. While Peru’s coastal regions swelter, Cusco offers crisp mountain air and temperatures that rarely exceed 70 degrees. Use it as your base for exploring Machu Picchu without the heat stroke that would accompany such adventures elsewhere. The altitude is your air conditioner.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Summer in Scotland’s capital means temperatures hovering around 65 degrees—perfect for exploring medieval streets without breaking a sweat. August brings the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where you can hop between hundreds of performances while your friends at home can barely move from their air-conditioned sanctuaries. Bonus: the long northern summer days mean extended twilight for outdoor dining.
Quebec City, Canada
Sailboat on the Saint Lawrence River in Downtown Quebec.
This French-infused fortress city rarely experiences the extreme heat that plagues other North American destinations. Summer temperatures hover in the comfortable 70s, perfect for strolling the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, dining al fresco, or exploring the nearby Montmorency Falls. The city’s European charm feels even more authentic without the need to constantly seek air-conditioned refuge.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The River Ljubljanica, flowing across the Slovenian capital.
Europe’s greenest capital stays remarkably comfortable during summer months, with temperatures typically in the mid-70s. The car-free city center, riverside cafés, and nearby Lake Bled create the perfect environment for leisurely exploration without summer’s usual sweat-soaked reality. Slovenia’s compact size also means you can easily escape to Alpine mountains or mediterranean coastlines if you need an even greater temperature change.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Woodland Park in Breckenridge.
Most people associate Breckenridge with winter skiing, but summer reveals this mountain town’s versatile charm. With average temperatures hovering in the upper 60s, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and ziplining without breaking a sweat. The unexpected summer delight? Dog sledding adventures with Siberian huskies who are equally happy to provide cuddles and kisses. Enjoy craft beers and local cuisine al fresco—something practically impossible during ski season or in sweltering summer destinations elsewhere.
Karuizawa, Japan
A lake on the grounds of the Karuizawa Prince Hotel.
Karuizawa, nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is Japan’s quintessential summer retreat. Just an hour from Tokyo by shinkansen, this highland town is granted cool, breezy air. Karuizawa is known for its lush forests, elegant old villas, and tranquil lakes like Kumoba Pond. The town’s chic boutiques, art museums, and charming cafés make it a favorite.
Sintra, Portugal
The Cabo da Roca Lighthouse.
Sintra, just outside Lisbon, is Portugal’s fairytale antidote to summer heat. Thanks to its unique microclimate and Atlantic breezes, Sintra stays noticeably cooler than the capital below. The town is a wonderland of whimsical palaces, lush gardens, and ancient forests. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a magical—and mercifully cool—summer getaway.
The Alps
The ski resort of Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps, France.
Whether you choose the Swiss, French, Austrian, or Italian sections, the Alps provide a magnificent summer cooling system. High-altitude destinations like Zermatt, Chamonix, or Innsbruck offer breathtaking mountain scenery with temperatures that remain comfortable even in July and August. Hiking trails through alpine meadows, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and charming villages provide endless exploration opportunities.
Julia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she oversees the brand’s social media platforms, covers design trends and culture, and writes the monthly ELLE Decoroscope column. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art, and lifestyle.
