Want to escape the heat this summer? You’re not alone. Many travellers are now seeking cooler climates for their next getaway (searches for ‘cooler holidays’ jumped 300% year-on-year in 2024, according to Google Trend analysis by Selling Travel).
Undoubtedly, the rise in global temperatures has increased demand for summer travel in milder temperatures. But coolcations – a portmanteau of cool and vacations coined by Condé Nast Traveller – also offer the chance to explore traditionally less-popular areas and reduce the strain of overtourism.
Additionally, the increasing interest in adventure holidays, such as the hiking and biking tours run by Exodus, has pushed travellers to regions with milder temperatures.
So, if you’re looking for active holidays in cooler climates, check out our top five best cool summer destinations this year… we’ve even added a bonus tip should you still be seeking inspiration.
Best cool summer destinations this year
1. The Lofoten Islands, Northern Norway
Above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten archipelago of Norway looks resplendent under the midnight sun of summer. From the end of May to the middle of June, the sun never sets, promising 24-hour daylight to all who visit. And yet, though the lights are always on, the temperatures remain relatively mild, with average highs of around 15C (60F) from June to August.
Your Exodus adventure
Our Hike the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands adventure takes you to the most beautiful trails in the archipelago, summiting peaks for sky-high views over the mountainous landscape. The chance to spend four nights in waterside rorbuer, traditional fishermen’s cabins, provides a scenic insight into the heritage of the islands.
The trip also visits the lesser known, but no less beautiful, Vesterålen archipelago, where you hike the Dronningruta (The Queen’s Route), tracking sea, mountains and beach, before exploring Nyksund, a one-time fishing village turned ghost town, which is now a creative hub after a revival spearheaded by a group of German enthusiasts.
2. Norway, Sweden & Finland
Cool in every sense of the word, the Nordic trio of Norway, Sweden and Finland are ideal destinations when you want to escape the sometimes-roaring heat found further south. Summer temperatures in the capitals, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki, for example, range from 11C (52F) to 24C (75F) on average with extended hours of sunlight maximising your day.
Your Exodus adventure
Explore all three on our Best of Norway, Sweden & Finland trip, a country-hopping adventure that combines city explorations with visits to some of the nations’ natural wonders. You tour all three capitals, including boat trips around the islands of Oslo and Stockholm, while also visiting Gothenburg, Sweden, and Turku, Finland. There’s also time to wander around the magnificent Suomenlinna sea fortress in the Helsinki district.
3.The Baltics
Other countries that experience milder, shorter summers are the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In northeastern Europe, the Baltic states experience temperatures strongly influenced by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, resulting in pleasant summer temperatures between 16C (61F) and 20C (68). These countries tend to have longer daylight hours too, sometimes up to 19 hours.
Your Exodus adventure
Those agreeable temperatures make summer the perfect time to try our Cycle the Baltics tour. On this country-spanning trip, you’ll explore old towns, enchanting castles and incredible national parks by bike. And thanks to pleasant temperatures in the summer, you can comfortably tackle forest trails, lakeshore paths and cobbled streets.
Highlights along this varied ride include scenic routes through thick woods in Lahemaa National Park, cycles across meadows in Otepaa (known as Estonia’s Switzerland) and exhilarating rides surrounded by high dunes in the Curonian Spit National Park. These epic cycling routes are broken up with visits to the medieval Old Town of Riga and the fairytale Trakai Castle, situated in the middle of Galve Lake, Lithuania.
4. Iceland
Between June and August, Iceland is blessed with long daylight hours, dry inland weather and temperatures hovering around 13C (55F), making it the perfect destination for a summer hike. The snow fully recedes at this time of year, meaning you get to experience iconic landscapes and remote hiking trails in all their vibrant colours, from deep green grasslands to bright blue lakes and brooding red shrubbery, while whale watching is also fantastic during this season.
Your Exodus adventure
On the 10-day Iceland Explorer trip, you’ll start by visiting some of the country’s most famous sights, including Thingvellir’s immense fissures, the Strokkur geyser, and Gullfoss Waterfall. On Day 3, your journey heads east, where you can view the mighty waterfalls of Skógafoss at its best, thanks to milder temperatures melting the snow.
Next, you’ll travel to Dyrhólaey, the southernmost point in Iceland, where you may spot minke, humpback, fin and pilot whales and seals from the promontory. Studlagil Canyon is particularly spectacular this time of year too and you’ll get to visit it on Day 5.
If the conditions are good, you can visit Diamond Beach, just across the road from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can still see massive blocks of glacial ice scattered around like diamonds against the black sands, even in summer. These months are also popular for spotting bird life, particularly in the sheltered lagoon of Álftafjörður, where you can see thousands of whooper swans.
5. Loire Valley, France
Situated further north than other notable appellations, like Bordeaux and Rhône, the Loire Valley generally has a slightly cooler climate in comparison, making it a great choice for a cool summer getaway. The Loire Valley has a continental climate tempered by a moderate Atlantic breeze, which means it’s usually lovely and sunny in summer, without getting too hot. Average temperatures usually hover around 25C (77F) in July and August.
Your Exodus adventure
Known as the Garden of France, due to the abundance of orchards and world-class vineyards, it’s the perfect place for exploring on foot, and our Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux tour ensures you see the most breathtaking places.
So, for one week this summer, indulge in local wine tastings and visit some of the finest fairytale chateaux. Highlights of our trip include a scenic walk and wine tasting along the Loire to Vouvray; a visit to the iconic 16th-century Château de Chenonceau followed by a tranquil stroll along the Cher River and exploring the majestic Château Royal d’Amboise, which houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.
You’ll also discover the beautiful Saumur-Champigny vineyards and enjoy a guided walk in Saumur town. Afterwards, a tasting session with a local wine producer allows you to sample glasses of their AOP Saumur-Champigny wine amid picturesque landscapes.
Next, it’s onto the Renaissance Gardens of Villandry, where you’ll explore the extensive grounds and castle. To cap off the week, enjoy a final hike towards Azay le Rideau castle before bidding farewell in Beaumont-en-Véron.
Bonus destination: The Cotswolds, England
If you want to explore a little closer to home, why not visit the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Britain – the enchanting Cotswolds? Covering more than 1,245mi (2,000km), the honey-coloured villages, rolling landscapes and fascinating Iron Age hill forts make this area a wonderful place for a summer getaway. And during June, July and August, you’re more likely to experience good weather with warm average temperatures that fall between 20C (68F) and 26C (79F).
Your (private) Exodus adventure
One of the best ways to explore this region is by bike, so why not try our Cycle the Cotswolds: Oxford to Bath trip? On this six-day adventure, which is only available as a private group adventure, your journey begins in the university city of Oxford with a walking tour before cycling to Burford, a town filled with Georgian townhouses, Cotswold stone cottages and traditional pubs. Known to many as the gateway to the Cotswolds, you’ll set off from Burford the following day towards charming cafés in Bourton-on-the-Water and the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold.
On Day 3, your route heads south, where you’ll spot the 17th-century weavers’ cottages in Bibury and cycle along the ancient Roman roads of Cirencester before riding through Minchinhampton Common, one of the largest grassland commons in the Cotswolds.
Next, you’ll arrive in Bath, where you’ll ride past King Charles Highgrove Estate, and along the Fosse Way canal path. A visit to the Roman Baths, for which the city is named, offers a fascinating glimpse into its past. This Cotswolds cycling holiday ends with a wonderful circular ride via Lacock and Bradford-on-Avon.
Not found your perfect trip… yet? Contact us for more advice on where to find the best adventure travel in cooler climates.
