The best European cool climate destinations to visit in summer

If you don’t like hot weather, you might want to reconsider booking a trip to a typical European summer vacation destination this year.

Last August was the third warmest recorded globally, very close to August 2023 and 2024. The continent experienced a June 2025 heat wave that led to the closure of some French schools, a ban on outdoor work in some parts of Italy and the closure of the Acropolis. close to visitors for several afternoons.

These conditions may not be ideal for exploring everything Europe has to offer, but fortunately, there are many places in Europe where temperatures tend not to be as high. If you’re looking for milder climates, check out these nine destinations that have become hotspots for “cool locations,” allowing travelers to escape the oppressive heat and humidity, or even find snow and warm weather.

Lapland, Finland

Average high temperature in July: 71 degrees Fahrenheit (for Rovaniemi)

This region of northern Finland is often thought of as a winter wonderland, particularly the Finnish city of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of santa claus. But Lapland is also a magical place to spend the summer.

Since sunlight lasts up to 24 hours, you shouldn’t expect to see the Northern Lights during a summer visit, but here you can hike or bike through the Arctic wilderness at virtually any time of day.

TPG Tip: Many visitors, including Finnish domestic tourists, stay in cabins, but there are some hotels in the region. He Arctic Tree House Hotel near Rovaniemi there is a collection of free-standing “nests” on stilts with bay windows. Bookable through Hyatt Mr. and Mrs. Smith AssociationRates start at $365 or 26,250 World of Hyatt points per night. (Please note that Hyatt plans to update its awards chart in May, so those prices may increase).

Iceland

Average high temperature in July: 58 degrees Fahrenheit (for Reykjavik)

For a cool-climate summer vacation, it doesn’t get much better than the island nation of Iceland, which boasts temperatures of up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit from June to September.

To escape the peak season crowds, rent a car and head to the ring road that circles the country. The further you get from Reykjavik, the less crowded it will be. Visit small towns and villages, swim in a local pool or hot springs, and hike along volcanic hills or black sand beaches.

TPG Tip: Hotel Ranga, a Hilton Honors property, is conveniently located along the Ring Road. Nightly rates start around $570 or 100,000 Hilton points, or you can redeem a free night certificate.

Edinburgh

Average high temperature in July: 66 degrees Fahrenheit

Scotland’s capital is a great summer city break. Edinburgh temperatures typically reach a high of 60 degrees in July and August, which is perfect for strolling the cobblestone streets, visiting Edinburgh Castle, or strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.

When you’re fed up with city life, take day trips to the Scottish countryside or coast. Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, is just 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh, while the seaside town of North Berwick is just half an hour by train.

TPG Tip: You can earn and burn Honors points in The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hiltonwhere summer rates start around $492 or 100,000 points per night.

Svalbard, Norway

Average high temperature in July: 49 degrees Fahrenheit (for Longyearbyen)

Travelers often visit the frozen Arctic archipelago of Svalbard through cruise. If you decide to explore it by land, base yourself in the main town of Longyearbyen. From here, you can take day trips to see wildlife (polar bears, walruses, and seabirds, oh my!), have a beer at the world’s northernmost brewery, and go hiking along glaciers.

Bring a hat, coat and gloves, as temperatures usually hover comfortably around 40 degrees throughout the summer. And while this is a popular destination for the northern lights, remember that you won’t be able to see the aurora unless it’s dark at night, and there won’t be in Svalbard until autumn.

TPG Tip: There are no points hotels in Longyearbyen (yet), but award-winning travelers still have options. For example, the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen It can be booked through platforms such as Amex Travel and Journey to Chasewith rates starting at $398 per night.

Amsterdam

Average high temperature in July: 72 degrees Fahrenheit

Active travelers will thrive in Amsterdam, which offers plenty of outdoor activities each summer. Head to Vondelpark, the city’s largest park, to picnic alongside locals or attend open-air concerts. The Hortus Botanicus garden was first planted in the 17th century and, to this day, offers a peaceful escape from the noise and bustle of the city.

TPG Tip: The recently inaugurated Amsterdam Rosewood (from $995 per night) is a luxury accommodation option in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal district. Reserve through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts to enjoy perks like free breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 pm check-out, and a $100 property credit to use during your stay.

The French Alps

Average high temperature in July: 70 degrees Fahrenheit

The French Alps may attract the most tourists during ski season, but summer is an epic time to visit. Temperatures hover around 60 degrees, ideal for exploring the area’s towering peaks, expansive grasslands, and crystal-clear lakes.

One of the highlights of a summer trip here is the network of beautiful hiking trails and world-class mountain biking trails. The hike to Lac Blanc is one of the most popular thanks to its views of the Mont Blanc mountain range. There’s also the Aiguille du Midi cable car for travelers who prefer to take it easy.

Recharge in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, which offers a rich food scene with plenty of raclette, fondue, pastries and local wine.

TPG Tip: Do you like hiking but not camping? The world of Hyatt Mr & Mrs Smith Collection has a host of alpine-inspired properties in the ski village of Megeve, and rates are often rock-bottom at this time of year. Heart of MegèveFor example, it has summer rates starting at $183 or 18,125 Hyatt points per night.

Copenhagen

Average high temperature in July: 71 degrees Fahrenheit

In Denmark, a heat wave is defined as three consecutive days in which the average maximum temperature exceeds 25 degrees Celsius, or just 77 degrees Fahrenheit. And while that happened a few times last year in Copenhagen, summer weather in the Danish capital tends to hover more in the “pack a sweater in your bag just in case” range.

Rent a bike to explore the city’s charming neighborhoods and parks and be sure to set aside a day to Tivoli Gardensthe amusement park that inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland. Or take a dip in the harbour, which is perfectly safe for swimming and popular with locals. There are several designated places where it is free to enter.

TPG Tip: The sustainable mindset 1 Hotel Copenhagen – one from TPG best new hotels of 2025 — opened last year, with nightly rates starting around $250. Or you can reserve the Villa Copenhagen through Choice Privileges from around $394 or 35,000 points per night this summer.

Faroe Islands

Average high temperature in July: 55 degrees Fahrenheit (for Torshavn)

Located between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are a volcanic archipelago of 18 main islands known for their spectacular cliffs. Due to its remote location on the North Atlantic Ocean, you can expect lots of wind and rain, but never heat, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees in the summer.

Summer is also puffin season. The seabirds come to nest on land in May and stay until August, when they return to the sea with their new puffins.

Scandinavian Airlines and Atlantic Airways offer direct flights to the Faroe Islands from Copenhagen, or you can fly Icelandair from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Vagar Airport (FAE) directly.

TPG Tip: The capital of Torshavn is an ideal base for day trips to smaller towns around the islands, and is home to one of the The best Hilton hotels in the world.. Use your Honors points on the Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islandswhich has rates from $263 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Gota Canal Trail, Sweden

Average high temperature in July: 71 degrees Fahrenheit (for Toreboda)

The 200-year-old Gota Canal stretches along a picturesque stretch of Swedish countryside from Lake Vanern to the Baltic Sea. With average high temperatures of 70 degrees and almost 18 hours of daylight per day, summer is the best season to experience the region by cycling through the surrounding areas. Gota Canal Trail Whether you prefer a short day tour or a longer bike tour. And more than 50 miles of the trail are along a car-free towpath, making it safe for travelers of all ages to enjoy.

TPG Tip: Start in the canalside town of Toreboda, a three-hour train ride from Stockholm Central Station. There aren’t many point properties here, but you’ll find some fun and unique accommodations, like the Norrqvarn Hotel & Resort in Vänerportavailable in Trip to Capital One. Standard rooms cost around $160 per night, or you can splurge on sleeping in a tent or a giant mushroom.

In a nutshell

Now is a good time to start thinking about your summer trips, and these nine European vacation spots are perfect if you’re looking to beat the heat. While you plan, be sure to check out our Tips to save on summer airfareas well as the best ways to redeem points and miles for flights to Europe.