17 Cold Places To Go If You Can’t Stand the Heat

We know you are anxiously trying to find a good destination on skyscanner to escape Dubai’s heat season. For those of you that are extra-tired from sweating, we have a list of cold countries and a few places there to blow the steam off.

But if you are looking for chic European summer — find our HEP (Heat Escape Plans) for Budapest (chilly), Milano (warmer), Limassol (the warmest).

South Africa

They have winter during the summer — that is all you need to know.

1. Cape Town

Enjoy the mild winter weather, visit Table Mountain, explore the V&A Waterfront, and take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak.

2. Kruger National Park

Experience cooler temperatures while enjoying world-class wildlife safaris and staying in luxurious lodges.

3. Stellenbosch

Visit this beautiful wine region with its cool winter weather, wine tastings, and picturesque vineyards.

Photo: Tobias Reich; Getty Images; Nenad Gataric

Switzerland

Our guide for the Swiss trip is here.

1. Zermatt

A charming mountain village at the base of the Matterhorn, perfect for hiking and enjoying alpine scenery.

2. Interlaken

Nestled between two lakes, offering a range of outdoor activities and breathtaking mountain views and chilly weather.

3. Lucerne

A beautiful city with a lake, historic old town, and nearby Mount Pilatus and Rigi for cooler weather excursions.

Photo: Young Shih; Tucker Monticelli; Patrick Robert Doyle

Norway

1. Bergen

Known for its beautiful fjords, Bryggen Wharf, and cool summer climate, ideal for exploring Norway’s coastal scenery.

2. Oslo

The capital city offers a mix of cultural attractions, museums, and cool, comfortable summer temperatures.

3. Lofoten Islands

Famous for their dramatic scenery, cool summer weather, and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring quaint fishing villages.

Photo: Mao Yuqing; Marian Rotea; Ansgar Scheffold

Sweden

1. Stockholm

Enjoy the mild summer weather while exploring the archipelago, historic Gamla Stan, and numerous museums.

2. Gothenburg

Known for its cool summer climate, botanical gardens, and proximity to the scenic West Coast archipelago.

3. Kiruna

Located in Swedish Lapland, offering cool weather, midnight sun, and outdoor activities like hiking and visiting the Icehotel.

Photo: Adam Gavlak; Efrem Efre; Anders Noren

Finland

1. Helsinki

The capital city offers cool summer temperatures, beautiful parks, and a vibrant cultural scene.

2. Lapland (Rovaniemi)

Experience the cool Arctic summer, visit Santa Claus Village, and explore the stunning wilderness.

3. Turku Archipelago

Enjoy cool weather, scenic islands, and outdoor activities such as boating and cycling.

Photo: Tapio Haaja; Nikolai Artamonov; Taneli Lahtinen

Iceland

1. Reykjavik

Explore the capital’s cultural attractions, enjoy cool summer weather, and take day trips to nearby natural wonders.

2. Golden Circle

Guide for you here. Visit Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area, all with pleasantly cool temperatures.

3. Vík í Mýrdal

Experience the dramatic black sand beaches, cool summer climate, and nearby glaciers and waterfalls.

Photo: Ferdinand Stohr; Khamkeo Vilaysing; Bernd Dittrich

New Zealand

1. Queenstown

Known for its adventure sports, stunning lake and mountain scenery, and cool winter weather during Dubai’s summer.

2. Rotorua

Explore geothermal parks, Maori culture, and enjoy cool temperatures and hot springs.

3. Christchurch

Experience cool weather, beautiful gardens, and easy access to the Southern Alps and nearby Akaroa.

Photo: Getty Images; Tim Preston Marshall

Canada

1. Banff National Park

Enjoy mild to cool summer weather, stunning mountain scenery, and outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing.

2. Vancouver

Known for its cool summer climate, beautiful waterfront, and proximity to mountains and beaches.

3. Prince Edward Island

Experience cool, pleasant summers, scenic beaches, and charming small towns.

Photo: Jacky Huan; Lee Robinson; Tobias Negele

Scotland

An as long as you are in the UK — don’t forget to have some fun in Londra (tips by us here)

1. Edinburgh

Explore the historic capital with its cool summer weather, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile.

2. Isle of Skye

Known for its dramatic landscapes, cool summer climate, and opportunities for hiking and exploring natural wonders.

3. Glencoe

Enjoy the stunning glens, cool temperatures, and outdoor activities like hiking and photography.

Photo: Gabriele Stravinskaite; Connor Mollison; Rumman Amin

Ireland

1. Dublin

Experience the vibrant city life, cool summer weather, and historical attractions like Trinity College and Dublin Castle.

2. Galway

Known for its cool summer climate, lively arts scene, and proximity to the scenic Cliffs of Moher and Connemara.

3. Killarney

Enjoy cool, temperate weather, beautiful lakes, and the scenic Ring of Kerry.

Photo: Gregory Dalleau; Chan Hyuk Moon; Mark Lawson

Estonia

1. Tallinn

Explore the mediaeval old town, enjoy mild summer temperatures, and visit the beautiful Kadriorg Palace and park.

2. Saaremaa Island

Known for its cool summer weather, historic castles, and beautiful beaches and nature reserves.

3. Lahemaa National Park

Experience cool temperatures, pristine forests, and picturesque coastal villages.

Photo: Uno Raamat; Eloi Smith; Hibiki Hosoi

Latvia

1. Riga

The capital offers cool summer weather, a charming old town, and vibrant cultural scene.

2. Jūrmala

Enjoy the cool Baltic Sea breeze, beautiful sandy beaches, and pine forests.

3. Gauja National Park

Known for its cool summer climate, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing.

Photo: Getty Images; Katrina Eglite; Anna Kovalova

Lithuania

1. Vilnius

Experience the cool summer weather, baroque architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

2. Trakai

Known for its cool temperatures, mediaeval castle, and beautiful lakes.

3. Curonian Spit

Enjoy cool weather, unique sand dunes, and charming seaside villages.

Photo: Gantas Vaiciulenas; Valdemaras D; Polina Kuzovkova

Austria

(not Australia)

1. Salzburg

Known for its cool summer climate, historic old town, and musical heritage.

2. Innsbruck

Experience cool temperatures, stunning alpine scenery, and a range of outdoor activities.

3. Hallstatt

Enjoy the cool weather, picturesque lake, and charming village atmosphere.

Photo: Zhang Xiaoyu; Patrick Robert Doyle; Nikolay Kovalenko

Germany

Our guide for a German trip here.

1. Munich

Explore the capital of Bavaria with its cool summer climate, beer gardens, and historic sites.

2. Black Forest

Known for its cool summer weather, dense forests, and charming villages like Triberg and Baden-Baden (which literally translates to “bathing bathing”) .

3. Berchtesgaden

Experience cool temperatures, stunning alpine scenery, and the beautiful Königssee lake.

Photo: Daniel Sessler; Yevhenii Deshko; Philip-Jahn

Patagonia

(Argentina/Chile)

1. El Calafate (Argentina)

Known for its cool weather and proximity to the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier.

2. Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Experience cool temperatures, dramatic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.

3. Ushuaia (Argentina, not Ibiza)

The southernmost city in the world, offering cool weather and access to Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Photo: Rachel Jarboe; Olga Stalska; Juan Pablo Mascanfroni

Australia

(not Austria)

1. Melbourne

Enjoy cool winter temperatures, a vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful coastal drives along the Great Ocean Road.

2. Tasmania

Known for its cool winter climate, pristine wilderness, and unique wildlife.

3. Blue Mountains (New South Wales)

Experience cool weather, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities like hiking and canyoning.

Photo: Dmitry Osipenko; Kunal Kalra; Calvin Kurlekar

by Sophie She