Cool Travel Destinations in July: 12 Places to Escape the Heat

These cool travel destinations in July are for travellers who want summer without the heatwave. While southern Europe, the Gulf and much of Asia swelter, the far north, the Atlantic islands and the high mountains stay fresh, green and comfortable for walking.

Twelve picks follow, each with typical July temperatures, what the month is really like and how busy it gets. All temperatures are rough daytime averages, not forecasts.

Why choose a cool destination in July

July is the hottest month across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Heat above 35°C is common in parts of southern Europe, and it shapes every day: early starts, long siestas, late dinners.

A cooler destination lets you walk at midday, sleep without air conditioning and keep the itinerary full. The trade-off is changeable weather: pack layers and a rain jacket, and accept a grey day or two.

12 cool travel destinations in July

1. Iceland

Reykjavík’s July days are usually around 13 to 15°C, with almost constant daylight. Highland roads and trails are fully open, and waterfalls run strong with snowmelt.

It is the busiest and most expensive month, so book cars and rooms early. When to Go: Iceland compares the summer months and the quieter weeks around them.

2. The Faroe Islands

Expect around 11 to 13°C, frequent mist and fast-changing light. Puffins nest on the cliffs, and the walking is at its best. Book ferries and helicopter hops early, as seats are limited.

3. Lofoten and Northern Norway

Midnight sun above the Arctic Circle, with days usually around 14 to 17°C. Ridge hikes, fishing villages and quiet beaches with cold, clear water.

4. The Norwegian fjords

Bergen and the fjords usually sit around 17 to 20°C, with green valleys and open mountain roads. Rain is common in Bergen, so plan flexible days.

5. The Scottish Highlands and Islands

Days are usually around 17 to 19°C, with long evenings for walking. Midges are active in still, damp weather, especially in the west; a breeze and repellent help.

6. The west of Ireland

Galway, Connemara and the Atlantic islands are usually around 18 to 20°C. Ferries to the Aran Islands run their full summer schedule.

7. The Azores

Mild and green, usually around 23 to 25°C on São Miguel, with sea breezes. Hydrangeas usually flower along the roads in summer, and sperm whales are offshore all year.

8. The Basque Country and Cantabria

San Sebastián and the green coast of northern Spain usually stay around 22 to 25°C, far below Seville or Madrid. Beaches, food bars and hill walks in one trip.

9. The Alps and the Dolomites

Altitude is the cooling system. Mountain villages around 1,500 metres usually see days around 20 to 23°C, cooler on the high trails. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so walk early.

10. Hokkaido, Japan

Sapporo is usually around 25 to 26°C, with lower humidity than Tokyo or Kyoto. Flower fields bloom in July, and the national parks are open for walking.

11. Atlantic Canada and Alaska

Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Alaska usually see days around 18 to 23°C. Whales feed along the coasts, and long daylight suits road trips. When to Go: Canada covers each province month by month.

12. The Peruvian Andes

South of the equator, July is winter. Cusco’s days are usually sunny and around 19 to 20°C, but nights drop close to freezing.

It is Peru’s busiest month, so book Machu Picchu entry and trains early. When to Go: Peru explains the trek seasons.

Cool July destinations at a glance

Destination	Typical July day	Rain	Crowds
Iceland	13 to 15°C	Showers	Very high
Faroe Islands	11 to 13°C	Frequent mist	Moderate
Lofoten	14 to 17°C	Changeable	High
Norwegian fjords	17 to 20°C	Frequent in Bergen	High
Scottish Highlands	17 to 19°C	Changeable	High
West of Ireland	18 to 20°C	Showers	High
Azores	23 to 25°C	Low	Moderate
Basque coast	22 to 25°C	Some	High
Alps and Dolomites	20 to 23°C in villages	Afternoon storms	High
Hokkaido	25 to 26°C	Moderate	Moderate
Atlantic Canada and Alaska	18 to 23°C	Moderate	High
Peruvian Andes	19 to 20°C, cold nights	Very low	Peak

Cool travel destinations in July by trip type

• Hiking: the Faroe Islands, Lofoten, the Dolomites and the Scottish Highlands.
• Road trips: Iceland’s Ring Road, Atlantic Canada and the Norwegian fjords.
• Food and culture: the Basque Country, the west of Ireland and Hokkaido.
• Wildlife: puffins in the Faroes and Iceland, whales in the Azores, Newfoundland and Alaska.
• Beach without heat: the Basque coast and the Azores.

Cool does not mean quiet

Cool destinations are popular in July for the same reason you are reading this. Iceland, Lofoten, Skye and the Dolomites are among the busiest places in Europe in high summer, and rooms in small villages go first.

1. Book rooms before flights where stock is small: islands, fjord villages and mountain huts.
2. Start walks early; car parks at famous trailheads fill by mid-morning.
3. Stay one village or valley away from the best-known base.
4. Use the long evenings: in the far north, a 9pm walk often has the trail to itself.
5. Travel midweek and avoid rental changeover days.

July, August or June for cool destinations?

Destination	June	July	August
Iceland	Highlands often still closed	Fully open, busiest	Open, calmer late, first aurora at month’s end
Norway and the Faroes	Long light, quieter	Peak	Busy, darker evenings
Scotland	Often drier, fewer midges	Busy, midges active	Busy, Edinburgh festivals
Alps and Dolomites	High trails still opening	Fully open	Fully open, busiest
Peruvian Andes	Dry, cold nights	Dry, busiest	Dry, easing late

If you can be flexible, late June often gives cool destinations their best balance of light, access and space.

How to pack for a cool July trip

Cool summer destinations change quickly. A sunny morning in Iceland or Scotland can turn to rain by lunch, so layering matters more than heavy clothes.

• A waterproof jacket with a hood.
• A warm mid-layer, such as a fleece or light down jacket.
• Quick-drying trousers and walking shoes with grip.
• An eye mask for bright Arctic nights.
• Sun protection: long daylight and reflected light still burn.

For lists by climate and month, see The Packing by Season System.

Cool travel destinations in July: quick answers

Where in Europe is not hot in July?

Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, the Azores, northern Spain and the Alps all stay comfortable.

Where is cool in July outside Europe?

Hokkaido, Atlantic Canada, Alaska and, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Andes.

Is it worth avoiding the heat in July?

If you plan to walk, sightsee in the middle of the day or travel with children, a cooler destination usually makes the trip easier.

More July ideas

For the general July picture, see our best travel destinations in July. For the long list region by region, see the best 100 travel destinations in July.

Prices change often in July; check before you book.