Global warming – or should we say global boiling – is changing the world of tourism.
Booking a summer holiday in 2025 has become difficult. You cannot always expect a sunshiny road trip or arriving at a destination with good weather because almost the whole world is becoming extremely hot between June and September.
But there are still some cool summer destinations where the weather is not too hot in July. So, if you are planning a holiday to a travel destination with mild weather in July without worrying about stifling crowds or sunburnt skin, our travel specialists agree that these 25 towns, cities, and countries are the best places to escape the heat in the summer of 2025.
25 Summer Destinations That Are Surprisingly Cool in July
1. Cape Town, South Africa
You may have thought that South Africa is hot, HOT, in summer. But it is one of the coolest destinations in July. The average high of 20°C remains between July and September, and since the weather is not too hot, you can hike up Table Mountain or, even better, visit Cape Town, where it is technically winter between July and September. No, it doesn’t mean that there will be snow here, but the weather is cool enough to call for both flowy dresses and a few cardigans.
2. San Francisco, USA
The USA is also one of the best countries to visit in the month of July, and if you are more of a coast lover, San Francisco is perfect for you! It’s young and full of life, and it is known for its comfortable temperatures that sit around 19°C even during summer. If you are looking for the best place to escape the heat in summer, San Francisco will welcome you with a cool and foggy atmosphere. Pack your cotton and linens!
3. South Island, New Zealand
Since New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the South Island is really cold even during summer, making it one of the best places to visit in July that is not hot. For those who come to Queenstown, either for bungee jumping, white water rafting, or skydiving, South Island offers the best weather in summer when it is neither too hot nor too cold. Sometimes, the sun might also go down, and the rain pours in July, nothing too dramatic, though, but we recommend this cool summer destination in July if you want to experience the onset of New Zealand’s winter.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
The proximity of Edinburg to the sea keeps the hot weather away, making it another one of the best places to escape the heat in summer if you’re traveling in July. A classic European destination with a plethora of vibes for literature and history fans, tourists absolutely love Edinburgh because not only does it have a magical atmosphere, but also a comfortable weather year-round. Even though Christmas is the most popular time to be there, summer is equally charming, with plenty of museums and cafés on sloped streets open for your summer adventures.
5. The Andes, Peru
The Andes Mountains are the coolest destinations to visit in July, quite literally, as the high altitude keeps the weather comfortable throughout summer. So whenever you go off to Peru, don’t worry about heat strokes or sunburns. Make your way to the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or the Andes Mountains. Even Lima has very moderate temperatures during July and August). However, the Peruvian coasts are much dryer, but even then, more comfortable than the rest of South America.
6. Iceland
For the trendy tourists who want to plan their ‘coolcation’ trips in July, Iceland is one of the best places to escape the heat in summer. The afternoons might see temperatures of higher Fahrenheit, but, ironically, this is the time when Icelanders take their business outside. After all, they want to make the most out of their time in summer before the icy winters arrive again. With almost 20 daylight hours and weather that is not too hot in July, there’s more than enough time to explore Reykjanes Peninsula, Troll Peninsula, and other wonders of Iceland.
7. Melbourne, Australia
If you want to plan a beach escape, chances are that you are looking for places to visit in July that are not too hot. Speaking of which, Melbourne is one of the most famous summer destinations in July! It might seem like Melbourne, being in Australia, would have dog days of summer. But the reality is quite the opposite. If you’re visiting between June and September, you’ll be met with the cool southern ocean breeze in Melbourne. In fact, there might also be cold fronts during the spring and summer months in the city.
8. Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia is another great destination to soak up some sun without getting sunburnt, as Patagonia, Chile, isn’t full of hot air, even in July. The Patagonian summer is filled with mild days and cool nights – honestly, it makes it one of our favorite summer destinations, which is surprisingly cool in July! So, hike away or backpack across Chile’s Torres del Paine or watch wildlife on Peninsula Valdés because the summer heat isn’t stopping you from achieving your holiday dreams.
9. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira, the Portuguese island, is surprisingly delightful in summer, thanks to its lush and mountainous terrace and the Atlantic location. Summer brings cool and breezy vibes, which make Madeira, Portugal, one of the best travel destinations with mild weather in July. Relax on the beach, watch dolphins and whales, or sample local cuisine – the island is yours to do as you like in your breezy summer dresses, hair down, minus the sun tan.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen might be one of the warmer entries on this list, but still cool enough to escape the heat in summer. Copenhagen has long summer days and bright summer nights, and it looks as gorgeous as ever in July when you visit Nyhavn’s port, the Little Mermaid, or the Design Museum. The cool weather in July also lets you cycle almost everywhere, and since the temperature sits around 22°C, you can practically walk by the ocean anytime you like or, even better, ferry over to Sweden for more chilly summer breezes.
11. Lapland, Finland
If you ask us for one reason why you should visit Lapland in July, it would be the Midnight Sun. So basically, the sun doesn’t set under the horizon throughout summer, which makes the nights less since they’re all bright and sunny all the time. Float in one of the lakes to experience the magic of the Midnight Sun. Lapland is above ordinary when you visit in July because the peace and quiet are even more amplified with the warm and mild temperatures. Even the hottest days would only exceed 20°C.
12. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Switzerland might be the best country to visit in the month of July, especially the Alps. Don’t sleep on the Alps thinking they’re only perfect for the winter, as you can hike and bike along the summery trails, take a refreshing dip in the lakes, or take a wine tour of the vineyards spread across Valais, Vaud, Grisons, and Ticino.
13. Galicia, Spain
Galicia is also not too hot in July because it lies in the northwest of Spain. The cooler summer temperature brings forth the beauty of lush green landscapes, golden beaches, the coastlines, and even the winding vineyards. The Cies Islands is a must-visit summer destination in July, and the cool atmosphere makes it an ideal chance to party along the beaches or swim in crystal-clear waters. Afterward, you can stroll along the historical cathedral and old town.
14. Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites mountain range covers more than 6,000 square miles and is located in northeast Italy, which means that between the deep valleys and the jagged peaks, you will find the most peaceful vacation in July without the summer heat. The mountain spas, wine, and great cuisine also make the trip exciting, and you can end by visiting the great mountain town of Ortisei or Lake Misurina.
15. Kenya
July is when the weather is not too hot in Kenya, which makes it a great time for wildlife viewing, especially when you want to experience nature and travel in an ethical and sustainable way. The temperatures will rarely go down 20°C along the coast. However, the evenings are still chilly, especially in Nairobi. It is worth visiting this country in July for safari adventures since there is plenty of wildlife to spot, from colorful birds to cheerful monkeys residing in treetops.
16. Kent, UK
Kent is the warmest and sunniest part of the UK in June, July, and August. However, even then, it is considered one of the coolest summer destinations. It is the perfect base for year-round fun, and the top attractions here include the Garden of England, the cobblestone streets of Canterbury, and the rolling vineyards of Chapel Down and Tillingham. If you’re still considering which country is best to visit in the month of July, Kent proves that there is an altogether different kind of energy in your travels when the sun shines and it is still not too hot outside.
17. Paris, France
If you’re thinking that Paris is cool, COOL in summer – well, it might not be. But if you’re wearing light clothing, drinking plenty of fluids, and wearing sunscreens, then Paris could be one of the best places to visit in the month of July. Summer days have an average temperature between 15 and 25 °C, which is why July is a high season for tourism. All those stylish Parisians don their finest midi-skirts and button-down shirts. Be ready to follow suit if you’re visiting in July.
18. Oslo, Norway
During the summer months, the residents and tourists in Oslo spill out onto the streets because the bitter, snow-dusted winter is out, and in are the warm summer days and nights. While freezing temperatures are more popular among adventurous tourists, July is meant for exploring, eating, and connecting with the locals of this Norwegian capital. The 17 hours of sunlight a day calls for ziplining adventures, tours of botanical gardens, film screenings in outdoor cinemas, and so much more.
19. Seychelles
If you want to visit Seychelles in July thinking that it will be surprisingly cool, know that you will find not only the vibrant coral reefs, sweeping white beaches, and clear blue waters. The pleasantly warm temperatures coo the diverse wildlife, like Aldabra giant tortoises and rare magpie robins, to come out of hiding and greet the honeymooning couples, the adventurous families, or the solo travelers who visit Seychelles in summer months, particularly for this reason.
20. Provence, France
Provence gets the cold and dry wind from the North in summer via the Rhône Valley, which makes it a cool summer destination to visit in July. And why visit Provence in summer? For the lavender fields, of course! Miles and miles of purple glowing under the July sun bring tourists from all over the world to witness their breathtaking beauty, who stay back a little longer to taste the luxurious Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine and Côte’s-du-Rhône wines.
21. Puglia, Italy
Puglia is the best-kept secret summer destination in Italy, and only a few tourists consider this destination for cooler holidays in July. Puglia is slower and quieter, but the stunning beaches can give tough competition to the Sicilian landscapes. The majority of the tourists that arrive in Puglia in summer are Italians. However, many people from all over the world also know it as one of the best places to escape the heat in summer and come to see The Cave of Poetry, Polignano al Mare, and the charming Italian town Alberobello with their own eyes.
22. Cornwall, UK
Cornwall is surprisingly cool in July because the ocean is what keeps this destination chilly, even in hot summer months. Summers may not be as hot as the South East, making the picture-perfect beaches, natural rock pools, and cobbled streets in historic towns the perfect host for summertime travelers. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, for example, has 200 acres of gardens and woodland, which you can explore. You can end the day by eating fresh crab at the seafront restaurant.
23. Canggu, Bali
When it comes to countries that aren’t too hot in July, how can we forget Southeast Asia? Canggu is a beautiful coastal village in Bali, the most beautiful Indonesian province, which has a 10 km long beach. And what better time to visit it than summer in July, when you can surf, eat, and party in any way you like? There are plenty of casual cafés now serving everything from vegan to hibiscus cocktails. So, while Bali is in its sunny prime, book your tickets for your July trips!
24. Corsica and Sardinia
Many people wonder what the difference is between Corsica and Sardinia. It is a simple one – Corsica is a quiet beach; Sardinia is a wild beach. Corsica calms you down; Sardinia stirs something in you with its historical sites. However, if you want to plan a trip in July to a place where it doesn’t get as hot, Corsica and Sardinia are your best bets. They have natural beauty, and the sun-filled summers are warm but still comfortable. However, Corsica is much cooler than Sardinia in July.
25. Naxos, Greece
Naxos bears the northern winds in summer because it is a Cycladic Island. Even though this is the last spot on this list, whenever picking the places to visit in July that are not hot, don’t forget to keep Naxos on top. It is fairly cool compared to the rest of Greece. Its sandy beaches, its dunes (Plaka Beach), and the coast of Mikri Vigla are masterpieces of nature. While the temperature remains pleasantly warm and windy, you can either spend time on the land or head over to the mountain village tavernas for generous homemade wines.
