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I’m not a hot weather person. As soon as the thermometer starts climbing toward 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll find me indoors with the air conditioning blasting. So it should come as little surprise that I choose to forego the usual summer vacations in favor of milder — or perhaps even snowy — climes to warm-weather destinations.

Fortunately, as northern summers are southern winters, there is all of the southern hemisphere to explore. But there are also places throughout the Northern Hemisphere that stay pleasantly cool all summer long.

To help inspire your next “chill,” here are nine places around the world for those looking to escape the heat, whether you’re looking for snow, sweater weather, or the lack of oppressive heat and humidity.

Grampians National Park, Australia

Australia is known for its harsh desert interior and its soaring temperatures in the tropical rainforests along its northern coast. But the southern part of the country gets colder in the winter months of June, July and August – especially if you get up higher.

That’s why Grampians National Park in Victoria, about three hours from Melbourne, is an ideal cool-weather vacation spot. Average temperatures in August are in the mid-50s Fahrenheit.

There’s plenty to do, taste and see here, with hiking trails along mountain peaks dotted with waterfalls, cool-climate wines and art from ancient Aboriginal rock art to contemporary galleries. Cold aside, winter is also the off-season, so crowds will be less.

Accommodation varies from campgrounds to private rentals to hotels. For the last, we recommend Royal Mail Hotel (starting at $159 per night), known for its two restaurants: the fine-dining Wickens by executive chef Robin Wickens, which offers a seasonal tasting menu, and the more relaxed a la carte restaurant Parker Street Project.

Bariloche, Argentina

Are you craving a summer ski getaway? Make your way south to San Carlos de Bariloche, more commonly known as Bariloche in Argentine Patagonia. The ski season in this Andean alpine town starts in July and runs through September, with temperatures hovering above and below freezing.

Bariloche is a great dupe for the Swiss Alps, as long as you’re okay with a flip in the seasons. Germans who originally immigrated to Chile founded the town in the late 19th century, along with immigrants from various Alpine countries in the following decades. In the 1930s, the town redesigned its center to imitate Swiss Alpine architecture to boost tourism. (Bariloche is also particularly known for its chocolatiers.)

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For a points-friendly city-centre stay, book Sheraton Bariloche Hotel (rates start at $170 per night or 18,500 Marriott Bonvoy points), or for a more scenic stay outside the city, try Llao Llao Hotel (Rates start at $240 per night).

Lapland, Finland and Sweden

In Finland and Sweden this northern region is often thought of as a winter wonderland – especially the Finnish city of Rovaniemi, Official hometown of Santa Claus. But Lapland is a pretty magical place to spend a summer.

Temperatures are typically in the 60s, with sunshine lasting 24 hours. For this reason, you shouldn’t expect to see the Northern Lights during a summer visit, but you can hike or bike here through the arctic forest at any time of the day.

Many visitors, including local Swedish and Finnish tourists, stay in cabins, but there are few hotels in the region. This Arctic Treehouse Hotel (Rates start at $257 per night) Rovaniemi has a collection of stand-alone stilted “nests” with picture windows.

Newfoundland, Canada

Summer temperatures in Newfoundland, Canada are usually in the pleasant high 60s Fahrenheit (though heat waves are not uncommon, so be careful). Begin this road trip by flying into St. John’s, the largest city on the island. Be sure to visit the colorful “Jellybean” houses on your way to Scenic Hill National Historic Site for a scenic lookout. stay at Alt Hotel St. John’s (rates start at $189 per night) for harbor views and top restaurants.

Then, drive 3 1/2 hours to Gander, home of the iconic Gander International Airport. Once a crucial refueling stop for transatlantic flights, the airport has also welcomed the Beatles, Queen Elizabeth and Fidel Castro. The airport lounge is now a small museum dedicated to this history and its poignant role in receiving diverted passengers on 9/11 (you may be familiar with this story from the Broadway musical “Come From Away”).

Finally, visit Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a hiking, camping or boating adventure. Parks Canada runs special events throughout the summer – don’t miss Indigenous events from fireside sharing circles to guided hikes with a Mi’kmaw interpreter.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

It may be hard to believe that a place on the equator can be cold, but the northern summer months usher in the Galapagos’ cool season. Due to the Humboldt Current, which carries cold water from Antarctica to the archipelago, July and August can prove quite chilly in the Galapagos, typically in the 60s or 70s Fahrenheit.

As opposed to the hot season, when temperatures are regularly in the 90s, these islands make hiking a pleasant experience. Plus, the current brings vital nutrients to marine life, meaning the water is teeming with fish, sharks, turtles, rays — the list goes on.

While most visitors to the Galapagos cruise around the islands, land-based options are available. You can also use points; stay at Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton (Rates start at $251 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night) or Hotel Indigo Galapagos, an IHG Hotel (Rates start at $413 or 85,000 IHG ​​One Rewards points per night).

Related: The Best Galapagos Cruises for the Epic Wildlife Adventure of a Lifetime

Iceland

Iceland is definitely not an under-the-radar destination with big hotels — looking at you, Reykjavik edition (Rates start at $615 per night or 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) — and dozens of cruise itineraries. But for a cool-weather summer vacation, the island nation is a pretty ideal destination, with temperatures in the 50s Fahrenheit from June through September.

To avoid the high-season crowds — and the A volcano that may erupt again soon On the Reykjanes Peninsula — rent a car and make for the Ring Road that circles the country. The further you go from Reykjavík, the less crowded it will be. Visit small towns and villages, swim in local pools or hot springs, and hike along volcanic hills or black-sand beaches (Rennisfjara is a favorite, but the diamond beach glistens with ice by glacial Lake Jökulsárlón).

Are you looking for something more remote? Head to Iceland’s Central Highlands and stay there Highland Base Kerlingarfjoll (rates start at $430 per night), which the team behind The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon opened in 2023. This summer, the property opened a series of geothermal baths, which are a welcome respite after hiking in the wilderness of Asgardur Valley.

Alaska

Interior Alaska can get quite warm in the summer, but if you stick to the coast, it’ll be fairly brisk all season: temperatures will range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on where you go.

If you live in Anchorage (or about an hour outside of it Alyeska Resort, where rates start at $299), you can explore cultural sites, museums and state parks like Chugach State Park. It has more than 280 miles of hiking trails, including dozens of shorter 2- to 5-mile treks that are ideal for day trips.

Or you can choose to cruise Southeast Alaska to explore small towns like Ketchikan and Skagway, spot wildlife like bald eagles and brown bears, and maybe even catch an iceberg floating off a glacier. Bring a raincoat, however, as the region is notoriously rainy, especially in late summer.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital makes a great summer city break. Temperatures in Edinburgh typically peak in the 60s in July and August, perfect for walking around the city. Wander the cobblestone streets, visit Edinburgh Castle or stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. There is no shortage of luxury hotels in the city, but for something more unusual, consider FingalA converted supply ship is docked in the Leith harbor district (rates start at $456 per night).

When you’ve had enough of city life, take a day trip to the Scottish countryside or the seaside. 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 30 minutes away by train.

Svalbard, Norway

The icy Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is another destination usually visited by cruise ship, but you can book a stay here. Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen To stay in the main town of Longyearbyen (rates start at $182 per night). From here, you can take day trips to spot wildlife (polar bears and walruses and seabirds, oh my!), drink beer at the world’s northernmost brewery, and go glacier hiking.

Bring a hat, coat, and gloves, as temperatures often sit comfortably in the 40s Fahrenheit throughout the summer. And while this is a popular northern lights destination, remember that you won’t be able to see the aurora until it’s dark at night — and there won’t be any in Svalbard until fall.

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