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As most of us who are still not consumed by AI and unhinged orange blokes know, the planet is sadly heating up, and summers across the world, including Europe and the US, have become more and more unbearable.
It was only a few years ago that the green pastures of England managed to survive 40 °C heat for the first time, thanks to a combination of using wheely bins as makeshift pools and eating sausage rolls straight from the freezer!
And whilst I have been known to enjoy the warm winds of summer blowing through my fraying top knot, I must admit that sometimes you just need an escape… and when it’s stifling hot even in the usual frozen wilds of the North, I’m not thinking, ah yes, Rome sounds perfect this time of year.
I’ve made that mistake before.
Instead, my mind wanders to the cool winds of Iceland or the refreshing peaks of the Alps, where I can finally breathe again without my lungs bursting into flames!
And so, here are The Broke Backpacker team’s suggestions on the best places to beat the heat this summer.
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Why We Need to Beat the Heat
Unless you’re one of those leather bag type Brits permanently tanning in Benidorm, the vast majority of humans actually don’t prefer the temperature outside to be closing in on that of the actual sun itself.
And unfortunately, with temperatures rising, that means that traditional summer vacay spots where you’d usually enjoy hot but still pleasant weather have become hotter than a vindaloo in hell!
So this is where we need to expand the net and look at different types of destinations. Some of them are still beach destinations, but maybe further north. Others take you to an altitude where even in summer, you can find snow! So don’t worry, there’s a new cool summer destination for everyone.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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The Best Destinations to Beat the Heat in Summer
Alright then, I’m sweating enough as it is typing this out, let’s get this thing moving so I can jump on the next plane to somewhere frosty asap!
1. Hossegor, France – Maz
Salt air, seafood and spritzers are de rigueur in Hossegor, and they all come ice cold, perfect for beating the heat. Maybe the ice-cold air is hyperbole, but it’s definitely refreshing, and I acknowledge that seafood and spritzers differ from the usual budget backpacking menu…
This aside, I highly recommend a visit to Hossegor to beat the summer heat, and no matter your budget, there are options for you! Because after all, taking a walk along the coast and a refreshing dip into the ocean is magic money can’t buy and nature’s best remedy for the sizzle fest that is summer in Europe. It’s the perfect spot to hit up in June as temperatures are pleasant and the kids are still in school!
Top Things to do in Hossegor:
- Surf, duh! Surfing in Hossegor is world famous, but there are always surf lessons if it’s your first time. Don’t be shy!
- Visit the local market and head to the beach; there’s nothing like fresh produce and ocean dips on tap to stay cool.
- Scoot through the forest with the wind in your hair and hide from the sun as you see a different side of Hossegor to the coast.
- Venture out to a vineyard, Domaine de la Pointe is just down the coast and is one of France’s last standing sand vineyards, and a winery tour here is truly unique.
- Find peace in yourself and with the heat by practising yoga outdoors. The best way to beat the heat, in my opinion, is to embrace it!
Top Places to Stay in Hossegor
- Best Airbnb – Conveniently Located, Luxurious Cabin
- Best Hotel – Hôtel Les Hortensias du Lac
- Best Hostel – Surfhostel Hossegor
What is the weather like over summer?
Whether you need to be at the seaside, lakeside or poolside to beat the heat, Hossegor has options for you. The weather is warm and summery, but not suffocating, with fresh sea breezes that make the air temperature feel cooler. It’s typically 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), which is perfect for me.
2. Northumberland, UK – Aiden
Northumberland is the UK’s definitive underrated summer escape — a land of empty beaches, storybook castles, and sweeping moorland that never bakes under the sun. Photogenic as fuck, it’s nowhere near as famous as other British beauty spots, meaning you get more of it to yourself.
It’s seriously, blissfully uncrowded compared to most holiday spots. You can hike, cycle, or stargaze in peace. The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park offers summer nights alive with constellations, and the rolling Cheviot Hills provide cool, airy walks even on the warmest days. It’s one of the true hidden gems in the UK.
Top Things to do in Northumberland:
- Explore Bamburgh Castle & Beach – Check this medieval fortress towering over one of Britain’s best beaches.
- Walk Along Hadrian’s Wall – Follow in ancient Roman footsteps through rolling countryside and visit forts like Housesteads for epic views. Don’t go chopping down any trees, though!
- Stargaze in Northumberland International Dark Sky Park
Top Places to Stay in Northumberland
- Best Airbnb – The Byre
- Best Hotel – The Cookie Jar
- Best Hostel – Newbrough Bunkhouse
- Best Glamping – Wild Northumberland Glamping
What is the weather like over summer?
While much of England sizzles (and the Scottish Highlands disappears under midge swarms), this northerly county stays refreshingly mild, with daytime highs rarely pushing past the low 20s°C thanks to a crisp North Sea Breeze.
3. Interlaken, Switzerland – Nic
Heading into the mountains is the perfect way to beat the heat in the summer. Forget packed out beaches or sweating your way around the overcrowded sights of Europe’s block buster cities, for me, the Alps come a calling once the mercury starts rising.
With cheap flights available to nearby Geneva, this stunning region is pretty easily accessible without breaking the bank too. Plus, whilst accommodation might be a touch spenny, there’s a heap of cheap activities like hiking, via ferrata, mountain biking, climbing, SUP boarding and swimming in the many lakes and rivers surrounding the town. If you’ve got a bit of extra cash, you can cool off even further with epic canyoning trips, white water rafting, sky diving and bungee jumping!
Renting a car here is the optimal way to get around; this way, you can explore all the smaller villages and get out to some of the more off-the-beaten-track trails, routes and trails. But fear not, there’s plenty on offer if you don’t, and public transport is top-notch, and tours are also run to many must-visit places from Interlaken.
If you’re up for it, you can even head up to some of the highest mountains in Europe and experience snow in summer! How’s that for cooling off and beating the summer heat!?
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to do in Interlaken:
- Interlaken is named after its two main lakes, Brienz and Thun. Here you can swim, SUP, kayak, or just relax by the water’s edge.
- Go paragliding! This was one of the most amazing things I did here, and you can even see the Eiger in all its glory.
- Jump on the incredible Jungfraujoch to really cool down at the top of this stunning mountain, you can even go sledging in summer!
- Cool off with a splash by canyoning in some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll ever see and some of the most challenging commercial routes in the world.
- If cool isn’t enough and you want to be actually freezing in summer, then go white water rafting in glacial waters, which sure woke me up!
- There are also heaps of places to visit around Interlaken if you want to see some lesser-visited spots.
Top Places to Stay in Interlaken
- Best Airbnb – Central studio
- Best Hotel – Post Hardermannli
- Best Hostel – Interlaken Youth Hostel
What is the weather like over summer?
Summer is an amazing time to explore Interlaken, and it opens up a whole host of activities not available in winter. The town sees massive swings between mild summer weather in the valley to much cooler and even cold temperatures at altitude.
Temperatures are usually around 20–28°C (68–82°F) in July and August in town, and in the evening,s it can even drop down to around 12–16°C (53–61°F).
Expect 5–15°C (41–59°F) around 2,000m, and close to 0°C (32°F) on the highest peaks (Jungfraujoch, 3,454m). There will also be permasnow on many of the mountains.
4. Norway & The Fjords – Clair
Wide open spaces, epic scenery at every turn. Welcome to the New Zealand of the north, the Norwegian Fjords. With their UNESCO World Heritage status, Geiranger Fjord and Nærøy Fjord might be the most well-known of these geological anomalies, along with Sogne Fjord, Norway’s longest and deepest, and to the west of Bergen, Hardanger Fjord. Tho these may be amongst the most famous, in reality, there are over 1000 of these inlets carved out, over time, along the coast of Norway.
Historic villages, churches and scenes of summer wild flowers will unfold as you weave your way along roads worthy of only the world’s fanciest car commercials. Depending on your desired direction, you will no doubt find yourself passing through some of the bigger towns in the area, such as Bergen, Stavanger or Alesund (a mere stone’s throw from Alaska), where you can stop for the night or enjoy some of Norway’s super-strong coffee. The entire Fjord area is quite vast, and thus planning a trip here takes particular attention.
You don’t need to be a big hiker to enjoy the fjords. There are walking trails for all levels, plus some challenging ones if you want adventure, but you can also take a cruise down the Fjords, enjoy Europe’s most scenic train ride, or just sit with coffee and a cinnamon bun while enjoying the view. Sounds pretty dreamy, right?
Top Things to do in The Fjords:
- Get in the Sauna, get out and get in again! Even in the summer.
- Take a boat trip through Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Hike to Trolltunga, the Troll’s Tongue rock ledge or Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
- Go kayaking on Nærøyfjord and paddle between giant cliffs.
- Travel on Flåm Railway, between Myrdal and Aurlandsfjord
- Bike-cycle around, it’s the Nordic way!
- Rather not go alone? Check out Contiki or G Adventures
Top Places to Stay in The Fjords
- Best Airbnb – Entire rental unit in Stavanger
- Best Hotel – Hotel 1904 – Ålesund
- Best Hostel – City Hostel Bergen
What is the weather like over summer?
Summer is an amazing time to visit Northern Norway. Not only is the temperature often between 18-23 degrees Celsius, perfect for outdoor activities and if you time your visit right, you may get to experience some of the unique summer festivities of the Nordic region. While I concede Norway is not a budget destination, it’s certainly worth a place on your great bucket list, and those long summer nights are an experience you will never forget.
5. The Dolomites, Italy – Dani
While the rest of Europe is floundering around fighting for a space on an overcrowded beach, the Dolomites offer a cooler, calmer alternative. Tucked away in Northern Italy, this mighty alpine region is the perfect reprieve from the summer heat.
The Dolomites are home to fresh, crisp mountain air, ridiculously dramatic landscapes and temperatures that stay blissfully below the sweltering heat of the cities. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your day hiking without boiling, then throw on a light jumper and enjoy an Aperol as the sun sets over the rugged peaks.
Summer in the Dolomites feels softer and greener. Frolick in meadows, scale the Italian mountains and settle in for magical sunsets in the evenings. It’s one of the most magical places in Italy to visit. Sold yet? 😉
Top Things to do in The Dolomites:
- Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop for iconic alpine views and accessible trails
- Visit Lago di Braies and rent a wooden rowboat on its gorgeous emerald waters
- Fly on Europe’s longest zipline at 1,600 meters in San Vigilio di Marebbe
- Take the cable car to Seceda and walk along its dramatic ridgeline
- Explore the village of Ortisei for local crafts, Tyrolean charm, and mountain cuisine
- Relax in an alpine spa with panoramic saunas and outdoor hot tubs
Top Places to Stay in The Dolomites
- Best Airbnb – Juel Apartments
- Best Hotel – Hotel Garnì Caminetto
- Best Hostel – Museo Ostello
What is the weather like over summer?
Summer in the Dolomites is pretty mild compared to the rest of Europe, making it an ideal escape from the summer heat. From late June through September, temperatures during the day usually range between 20°C and 25°C. However, they can sometimes climb to around 30°C (I like to avoid hiking on these days!)
If you’re hiking, you’ll find that at higher elevations, it’s noticeably cooler! Often dropping to around 10°C at night, even in the peak of summer. So you’ll want to be sure to pack some warm.
6. Iceland – Samantha
Iceland is a full-on bucket list destination for many, and there’s no better time to visit than summer! While the rest of the Northern Hemisphere sizzles, this green northern isle not only rarely exceeds 21 °C, but also comes complete with the magic of the midnight sun.
I still remember it being 3 AM and looking like it was 7 PM at the absolute latest…and there’s no better way to experience this magic than out on the island’s vast and surreal nature. Oh, and then there’s this amazing fact: Iceland is one of the only places on the planet with no mosquitoes!
Sure, it may be a bit expensive, but some pricey locales really are worth it. Especially when you’re trying to beat the heat (and the crowds) in a season that’s becoming increasingly boiling in most of Europe. With relatively cheap flight options, you’re going to want to get on the road quickly, with a car/RV rental being the easiest way to see the best Iceland has to offer. Though adventurous travellers might find that it’s a pretty gnarly place to go bikepacking or motorbiking in.
Driving the Ring Road around the country is one of the most iconic road trips in the world for a reason, and various incredible hikes to glaciers, volcanoes and other screensaver-esque scenery are what draw most here. Wild camping is allowed all over, and the various geothermal lagoons are absolutely worth the hype. Whatever your outdoorsy summer travel style is, I can assure you that Iceland’s got it.
Top Things to do in Iceland:
- Check out the South Coast of Iceland on a guided day trip
- Snorkel in between two tectonic plates
- Hike Sólheimajökull Glacier
- Learn about Iceland’s history on a Reykjavik walking tour
- Go on a volcano hike with a geologist
Top Places to Stay in Iceland
- Best Airbnb – Waterfall Lodge
- Best Hotel – Farmhotel Efstidalur
- Best Hostel – KEX Hostel
What is the weather like over summer?
I popped into Iceland in late June, and it was chilly, especially at night! While June-August is the warmest time of the year, it’s still significantly colder than most other Euro Summer destinations. Think temps as low as 10 C with highs of 25 C on a particularly balmy day! Not exactly swimming weather, but there are plenty of hot spring lagoons to dip into!
7. The Rockies, USA – Tomás
If the North American summer heat is frying your brain, there’s one place that’ll cool you right back down: the Rocky Mountains.
The Rockies are a region that stretches across multiple states, but the heart of them is in Colorado. You’ve got easy access to the park straight from Denver.
With towering peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and stunning trails, it’s the ultimate antidote to sticky city heat, and a place to remember what refreshing actually means.
You don’t have to be a hardcore mountaineer to enjoy the Rockies either — there are mellow hikes, scenic drives, nice camping spots, and a lot of wildlife-spotting opportunities. It’s beautiful nonetheless.
And you can always stick around Boulder to fuel up on craft beer and pizza. Whatever suits you!
Top Things to do in The Rockies:
- Hike up to Emerald Lake or Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Drive Trail Ridge Road — one of the highest paved roads in the US. The views are outrageous.
- Go rafting for a serious cool-off.
- Spot wildlife at dawn or dusk — elk herds roam right through Estes Park.
- Grab a craft beer in Boulder or Fort Collins after a long mountain day.
Top Places to Stay in The Rockies
- Best Airbnb – Fall River Condo
- Best Hotel – Courtyard by Marriott
- Best Hostel – Boulder Adventure Lodge
What is the weather like over summer?
The beauty of the Rockies is that the higher you go, the cooler it gets. Down in Estes Park or Boulder, you’ll see 25–30°C (77–86°F) summer highs, but go down by the alpine trails and you’ll be chilling at 10–20°C (50–68°F). Even in July, you might stumble across patches of snow. You get to choose how fresh you wanna get.
8. The Azores, Portugal – Tomás
Bathed in fresh Atlantic waves, this volcanic archipelago is a collection of beautiful islands waiting to scream adventure into your face.
The good thing about the Azores is that it’s got a climate of its own, so it’s never as hot as mainland Portugal, which can get BRUTAL in the Summer.
The main island is São Miguel, and that’s typically where you’d start your trip. But you have plenty of flight connections to the rest, and boats running between the closest ones, too.
I’ve been about 5 times at this point, and it still impresses me at each new visit. The air is so fresh, the green is so green, the blue is so blue…
Expect great hikes, both along the coast and into volcanic craters, beautiful waterfalls, deep, lush forests, and excellent cheese!
Photo: @monteiro.online
Top Things to do in The Azores:
- Hike around Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo in São Miguel, two absolute showstopper crater lakes.
- Go on a whale & dolphin watching adventure.
- Bathe in the natural volcanic hot springs – Poça da Dona Beija is a good one, and Terra Nostra Park is a must-visit too.
- Boat hop around São Jorge, Horta, and Pico.
- Sample top-notch cheese with a local producer!
- Climb Pico – the highest mountain in all of Portugal. It’s one of the main reasons people come to visit the Azores.
Top Places to Stay in The Azores
- Best Airbnb – Wooden Tiny House
- Best Hotel – Palácio Santa Catarina Hotel
- Best Hostel – Azores Youth Hostels
What is the weather like over summer?
The weather in the Azores is never too hot, nor ever too cold. It’s not totally uncommon to experience all 4 seasons within the same day. You’ll see the sun, you’ll feel the rain, it’ll get a bit chilly, and potentially a slight mystical mist.
Expect temperatures between 20–26°C. Warm enough for swims and hikes, but cool enough to actually enjoy them without melting.
9. South Island, New Zealand – Maz
Now, this is really getting away from the heat. Firstly, you can’t get much further from pretty much anywhere than New Zealand. Secondly, it’s winter in the southern hemisphere! So retire those swimmers for a couple of weeks and hit the slopes in Te Wai Pounamu, the South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Literally, could there be a more perfect escape from the scorching sun of summer than to literally escape to winter no less! But winter down on the South Island is something else! That’s when this magical place comes alive for the second main season of the year.
Whilst many famous hikes and swimming might be off the agenda for all but the brave, there are plenty more reasons to visit New Zealand. Adventure definitely isn’t! Places like Queenstown and Wanaka transform into snow-blanketed winter sports heavens with world-class runs to suit all levels. Then there’s the apres ski in a hot tub… now that’s how I wanna spend my summer! :-p
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to do in the South Island, NZ:
- The number one activity in Aotearoa, in my opinion, take a South Island Road Trip
- Cruise Lake Te Anau on a historic motor yacht and walk around Fiordland National Park
- See Queenstown from the sky and fly over Milford Sound
- Go for a surf or see some seals at the Esplanade in Dunedin
- Indulge in wine tastings at off-the-beaten-track cellar doors, including New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave
- Hike one of the great walks or national parks
- There are so many wonderful things to do in Aotearoa, you could even explore the North Island, as well.
Top Places to Stay in The South Island, NZ
- Best Airbnb – Crystal Waters
- Best Hotel – Peppers Bluewater Resort
- Best Hostel – Tasman Bay Backpackers
What is the weather like over the Northern Hemisphere summer?
I don’t think too many people would instantly recommend backpacking New Zealand in the Northern Hemisphere summer… But maybe I’m biased as someone who loves the heat.
It’s definitely our winter, and it’s relatively mild, with lots of sunny, clear days and some decorative snow if you’re lucky.
10. Panglao, Philippines – Taya
Call me biased, but as a diver, there’s nothing like slipping 20 metres below the surface to beat the heat. Down there, the fish have it figured out, and Panglao in the Philippines is the proof in the pudding. This place is an underwater playground for anyone curious enough to take the plunge.
The coral reefs here are something that’ll hook you in and keep you coming back. With more marine species found here than in Japan or the Mediterranean, Panglao Island boasts SUCH a rich biodiversity that the whole island has been declared a national park.
And it’s not just about tanks and wetsuits. Hop on a boat to Balicasag Island, let the wind whip through your hair, and keep your eyes peeled for the occasional breach of a dolphin or two. Stake out a spot on the powder-white sand, then when the sun starts to bite, swap beach towel for snorkel and explore Panglao’s coolest hideaways – the ones beneath the waves.
Photo: @Rhenzy
Top Things to do in Panglao:
- Visit Balisag Island and the Virgin Islands on a boat tour
- Panglao is one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. Why not get your PADI here?
- Catch a dreamy sunset from Dumaluan Beach. It’s busy, but for good reason!
- Hop on a day trip to Bohol to check out the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary
- Check out the boat cruise on the deeply scenic Loboc River
Top Places to Stay in Panglao
- Best Airbnb – Banyan Villa
- Best Hotel – Epic Suites Bohol
- Best Hostel – Bohol Coco Farm
What is the weather like over summer?
Like most of Southeast Asia, Panglao runs hot and sticky through summer. It’s also the wet season, which only pushes the humidity higher. The rain, when it comes, is a welcome break – dropping the temperature just enough to make things bearable, but don’t expect the climate to be any less than rainforest-like!
Daytime temps straddle the high 20s to low 30s. This only makes the water conditions even more gloriously warm and inviting, which is only more of an excuse to dial up the beach bum life by the water.
Insurance for Travel
Travelling to cooler places during the summer usually means heading off the beaten track or to somewhere that includes mountains, rivers, beaches and even a volcano or two! So, it’s best to be safe and get yourself some decent travel insurance!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Destinations to Beat the Heat
That’s all, folks! We hope you’ve found your inspiration if, like us, you’d much rather spend your summer exploring milder climates and adventuring in the mountains than tanning on a beach with Bev from Wolverhampton!
Because if I’m honest, once the mercury rises above 25, I’m a puddle of a person and need to desperately beat the heat, asap! And if you’ve got this far, my friend, I think we’re on the same page about that!
So get out there and enjoy your summer in the cool mountains, breezy beaches or well, by just giving up and heading down under and back into winter!
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