Most travel blogs define “Cool” as “Hip.” We define “Cool” as Temperature.
If you are looking to escape the heat, you don’t need a list of “Cute Towns”; you need a weather report. We analyzed historical weather data for July and August to find destinations that statistically guarantee you won’t need to sweat.
To make this list, a destination must have an average daily High of under 22°C (71°F) during the peak of summer. However, be careful of the humidity—read our guide on Fake Coolcations to see why Stockholm can be tricky.
The 2026 Coolcation Temperature Index
| Destination | Country | Avg July High | Crowd Level | Cool” Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Svalbard | Norway | 6°C (42°F) | Very Low | ❄️❄️❄️ Extreme |
| Akureyri | Iceland | 13°C (55°F) | Low | ❄️❄️❄️ Heavy |
| Nuuk | Greenland | 8°C (46°F) | Very Low | ❄️❄️❄️ Heavy |
| Newfoundland | Canada | 20°C (68°F) | Low | ❄️❄️ Breezy |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 19°C (66°F) | High | ❄️❄️ Mild |
| Galway | Ireland | 19°C (66°F) | Med | ❄️❄️ Rainy |
| Dolomites | Italy | 21°C (70°F) | Med | ❄️ Altitude |
| San Francisco | USA | 22°C (71°F) | High | ❄️ Foggy |
Top Picks Breakdown
1. Akureyri, Iceland (The Arctic Garden)
- The Vibe: While Reykjavik gets the crowds, Akureyri in the North gets the Midnight Sun without the bustle.
- The Stats: With an average high of 13°C (55°F), it is physically impossible to overheat here.
- Best For: Hikers who want 24 hours of daylight.
2. Newfoundland, Canada (The Windy Rock)
- The Vibe: Raw, Atlantic power. Iceberg Alley is often still active in early summer.
- The Stats: The constant ocean breeze keeps the “Real Feel” temperature around 18°C (64°F) even on sunny days.
- Best For: Introverts who want absolute silence and no crowds.
3. The Dolomites, Italy (Altitude Cooling)
- The Vibe: You can still eat Italian pasta, but without the Italian heat.
- The Physics: Temperature drops by approx 0.6°C for every 100 meters you climb. At 2,000 meters in the Dolomites, it is 10 degrees cooler than in Venice below.
- Best For: Foodies who can’t give up pizza but hate sweating.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland (The Grey City)
- The Vibe: History, ghosts, and rain.
- The Stats: Edinburgh rarely breaks 19°C (66°F). It is one of the few major European capitals where few hotels even bother installing AC because it simply isn’t needed.
- Best For: Urban travelers who want museums, not mountains.
The Extreme Option
Svalbard (The Deep Freeze) If you are truly heat-intolerant, Svalbard is the nuclear option.
- Avg Temp: 6°C (42°F) in July.
- Warning: You will need a winter coat.
- Why go: It is the ultimate status symbol of the Coolcation era. While your friends bake in Barcelona, you are drinking hot cocoa next to a glacier.
Warning: 24-hour daylight here. Pack your Midnight Sun Gear.
