12 Cool Destinations in the World in July To Avoid the Heat (2024)

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By the time July comes around, summer is well underway in the Northern Hemisphere, while temperatures across the Southern Hemisphere start to drop as winter moves in. Generally, July is a great time to travel if you seek hot weather and plenty of sunshine, but what if you want to stay somewhere cooler?

Luckily for you, many places offer cooler temperatures, too. To learn more, here are 12 cool destinations in the world in July, perfect for a cooler getaway. We selected these entries based on temperatures below 72°F (22°C) and the absence of a rainy season in July.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

In July, Amsterdam experiences highs of 77°F (22°C), making it a pleasant city to explore without getting too hot. This vibrant capital city is famed for its colorful, narrow houses, unique cultures, artistic heritage, and enormous canal systems. Popular attractions in the city include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam Centraal.

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The best way to get around Amsterdam is by bicycle or boat. These modes of transport allow you to cover more of the city in a shorter space of time, so you’ll be able to see and do more. That said, getting lost down the winding streets is also excellent fun.

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Sydney, Australia

Sydney is one of Australia’s largest and most popular cities. During the Australian summer (December to February), temperatures across the city can reach highs of 81°F (27°C), which can be too hot for tourists who prefer cooler weather. Luckily, in July, average daily highs only reach 63°F (17°C).

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These lower temperatures make it more comfortable to explore the city, so you have no excuse not to fill your days with many attractions. Some of the main highlights in Sydney include the Sydney Opera House and its impressive design, the enormous Darling Harbour, the arched Harbour Bridge, and the iconic Bondi Beach with its beautiful white sand and turquoise waters.

Read also:UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Santander, Spain

If you want to enjoy a classic beach vacation in Spain without the hot July temperatures, consider Santander on the north coast. Santander is a lively coastal city in the Cantabria region of Spain. The city is best known for its Spanish culture, impressive landscapes, old squares, and long sandy beaches.

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July is Santander’s hottest month, but temperatures rarely exceed 68°F (20°C). You’ll spend your city break in Santander exploring museums, eating traditional Spanish food, swimming in the sea, and hiking the coastal path. Some of the major tourist attractions in the city include Palacio de la Magdalena, Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico, and Centro Botín. Meanwhile, Playa de Mataleñas, El Sardinero, and Playa de la Magdalena are the best golden-sand beaches in the city.

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Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, Canada, isn’t just a picturesque city with good vibes and various cultures. It’s also pleasantly mild and dry almost all summer, and July is a great time to visit. In July, Vancouver’s temperatures reach highs of 72°F (22°C), and the weather is usually very dry. These are the perfect weather conditions to explore the city.

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Vancouver is a diverse city offering a vast range of experiences, an abundance of things to see, and a unique landscape comprising a dense city and the North Shore Mountains. When you’re not walking to Prospect Point for the best views or admiring world arts and cultures in the Museum of Anthropology, find the whistling Steam Clock in Gastown and hike in the North Shore Mountains.

Read more:Must-Visit Cities in the World

Cannon Beach, Oregon, United States

Cannon Beach is a tiny coastal city in northwest Oregon. It’s best known for its long sandy beach and Haystack Rock, which stands tall in the ocean. With July temperatures of approximately 66°F (19°C) and a small population (1,500), Cannon Beach is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a cooler and more relaxed summer vacation.

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The main things to do in Cannon Beach revolve around the coast. When you’re not walking along the beach or looking for puffins at Haystack Rock, you’ll likely find yourself hiking along the coast in Ecola State Park or picnicking at Arcadia Beach. However, there are some exciting things to check out in the city, too. These include the lively downtown area, Coaster Theatre Playhouse, and Icefire Glassworks.

Read also:Most Beautiful Cities Around the Globe

Ostend, Belgium

If you’re looking for a cooler beach vacation in Europe, consider Ostend, located in the Flemish Region on Belgium’s northwestern coast. Ostend is a charming coastal city known for its long sandy beach, vibrant promenade, and mild July temperature. You can expect average daily temperatures to reach 70°F (21°C) in July. Therefore, you can enjoy the beach and its surroundings without getting too hot.

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After enjoying your fair share of the beach, explore the city. The architecture is fascinating, with the neo-Gothic-style Church of St. Peter and St. Paul being a fine example. Don’t miss the Mercator ship, either. Meanwhile, the city also has a lively shopping district and food scene filled with traditional Belgian delights.

Read also:Visa-Free Countries

Reykjavik, Iceland

If you prefer colder temperatures, Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is a solid July vacation destination. In July, temperatures in Reykjavik and the surrounding area rarely surpass 57°F (14°C). As a result, don’t forget to pack plenty of layers. Reykjavik is an excellent place to base yourself for an Iceland road trip.

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Travelers can access the iconic Iceland Ring Road from the north and east. This allows you to easily reach some of the island’s most famous attractions, including Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and Dyrhólaey cliffs. You’ll also find plenty to look at in the city. Reykjavik has countless traditional cafes and restaurants, the Hallgrimskirkja and Sun Voyager landmarks, and Rainbow Street.

Read more:Hidden Countries To Visit

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is another destination that offers cooler temperatures and relatively dry weather in July. Buenos Aires is a fascinating city with fantastic nightlife, excellent food and drink, and a rich architectural and cultural heritage. During the day, take to the streets, searching for the city’s most iconic landmarks. Points of interest include Cementerio de la Recoleta, Plaza de Mayo, and Palacio Barolo.

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In the evening, tuck into traditional food and drink at the Buenos Aires Market and party the night away at Uptown Bar in the Palermo Hollywood district. In July, temperatures often linger around 59°F (15°C), so you must pack warm clothing.

Read more:Secret Romantic Getaways

Stockholm, Sweden

The next cool destination on our list is Stockholm, Sweden. In July, the average temperature in the Swedish capital is 64°F (18°C), with daily highs sometimes reaching a lovely 77°F (22°C). Stockholm is a beautiful city jam-packed with intriguing architecture, breathtaking islands, bustling street food markets, and a rich culture.

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The island city encompasses 14 islands, so there is much to see. Start your adventure in the Old Town (Gamla Stan). You’ll find famous landmarks and attractions here, such as the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace, the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, Stortorget Square, and the Nobel Prize Museum. Then, visit Skeppsholmen Island, discover the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and jump on a sightseeing cruise of the Stockholm Archipelago.

Read also:Stunning Small Towns in Europe

San Francisco, California, United States

July is an excellent time to visit San Francisco, California. In July, you can expect drier weather and temperatures of 66°F (19°C). However, the city is the best place to visit if you want to take life at a slower pace. Life moves fast in San Francisco, and there are many things to see, so you’ve got to be prepared to pack your days with famous sights, good food, and live entertainment.

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Famous attractions and landmarks you can’t afford to miss during a visit to San Francisco include Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, and Golden Gate Park. In the evenings, head to Cityscape for the best sunset views.

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Tallinn, Estonia

July is the hottest month in the Estonian capital, but temperatures only reach highs of 72°F (22°C), while the average daily temperature tends to hover around 64°F (18°C). Estonia’s cultural hub, Tallinn, is most famous for its historic walls, cobblestoned Old Town, and rich history.

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During your visit, you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring the city’s iconic architecture. Highlights include the 15th-century Kiek in de Kök defense tower, the 13th-century Tallinn Town Hall, and the 15th-century St Olaf’s Church. You can also admire the city’s colorful architecture in Tallinn Main Square. Other popular attractions in the city include Eesti Kunstimuuseum, Kadriorg Park, and Balti Jaama Turg Market.

Read also: Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Oslo, Norway

The final destination on our list is Oslo, Norway’s capital. Oslo is most famous for its modern and historic architecture, but it’s also much loved for its beautiful scenery. In July, temperatures in the city reach 77°F (22°C), which is warm enough to enjoy the city’s scenery and not too cold to get in the water at Oslofjorden.

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Spend your time in the city wandering the streets, searching for the best architecture, sailing along the Oslo Fjord, looking for the city’s best views, and tucking into delicious food at one of the many street food markets. The main sights you don’t want to miss in Oslo include the Oslo Opera House, the Fram Museum, Nakholmen Island, the Royal Palace, and Oslo Street Food.

Read also: Cheap Places To Live In

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