Summer, Sun, No Heat - 11 Places for a Cool Summer Vacation

Summer is in full swing and the thermometer often breaks the 30 °C mark - while some can hardly get enough heat, others are already looking forward to the end of the heat season.

However, summer vacation doesn't have to mean sweating: there are plenty of places that promise a milder cool down and pleasant temperatures during the German summer - even in Europe. The travel experts at Travelcircus have done their research and identified 11 vacation destinations to escape the summer heat.

In the search for the best places for a summer cool down, we chose various methods: Internet articles were scoured, team discussions took place, and ultimately ChatGPT was consulted. For the final selection of 39 places, all vacation destinations located outside of Europe were filtered out. Additionally, places whose average temperature in July and August exceeds 25 °C were not considered.

For data research, the platforms climate-data.org, klimatabelle.de, and klimatabelle.info were used. The data from climate-data.org, for example, comes from a climate model that includes over 220 million data points and utilizes weather data from thousands of weather stations worldwide.

36 °C and it's going to get even hotter? Please no! If you don't want to spend your summer vacation sweating, you should pay close attention now: Here are the final top 11 best places for a pleasantly mild summer vacation - chosen based on the overall results of three categories: sun hours, temperature, and rainy days.

First on our top 11 list is Oslo, the capital of Norway. With an average temperature of 21.6 °C and 7.5 sunshine hours daily in July and August, summer here is definitely not too hot.

Whether it's relaxed walks along the fjord, exciting excursions into breathtaking nature, thrilling explorations through one of the many museums, or a culinary journey through the local food scene - the pearl of the north has a lot to offer.

If it does get a bit too warm, you can cool off in one of the many idyllic swimming spots found both along the fjord and in the countryside and on the city's riverbanks. But be careful: the average water temperature in July and August is 16.5 °C - definitely not for the faint of heart.

10th place goes to the second largest city in the Netherlands: Rotterdam, with only 0.02 points ahead. Home to a university, various colleges, a music academy, and an art academy, it also hosts the largest seaport in Europe. This makes the city an important hub for international trade and goods transport.

With an average of 6.2 sunshine hours in July and August and a pleasant 21.25 °C, Rotterdam definitely has T-shirt weather - and what could be better than exploring the vibrant cultural scene under a bright blue sky?

Whether you are an architecture fan, history lover, or art enthusiast: The creative heart of the Netherlands offers something for every taste. Marvel at the impressive collection of artworks from various eras at the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, stand under skyscrapers like De Rotterdam in the Central District, or visit a variety of restaurants and shops in the Markthal - boredom won't come easily in the modern metropolis of Rotterdam.

9th place in our evaluation goes to the Basque Country, specifically Bilbao. This vibrant city in northern Spain offers a unique combination of historical culture and modern architecture.

Stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Casco Viejo, as Bilbao's old town is also called, admire traditional Basque architecture or try local specialties - the possibilities are nearly endless.

With an average of 19.2 °C in July and August and about 7.5 hours of sunshine daily, the capital of the Basque Country offers nearly perfect conditions for extensive sightseeing without sweating.

8th place goes to Germany's largest island, an idyllic travel destination on the Baltic Sea: Rügen. Picturesque landscapes, miles of sandy beaches, and dreamy swimming spots invite relaxation and create vacation vibes. The best part: The average temperature for July and August is about 19.35 °C - perfect weather for all those who dislike a summer full of record temperatures.

How about a hike in the Jasmund National Park along the cliff coastline and the characteristic white chalk cliffs with a breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea?

7th place in our top 11 goes to The Hague, the political center and seat of government of the Netherlands. Yet the city has so much more to offer than the International Court of Justice: a vibrant art and culture scene, numerous museums, stunning beaches along the North Sea coast, as well as a wide range of water sports, restaurants, and shops make The Hague a worthwhile vacation destination.

With an average temperature of 17.9 °C and 9.7 sunshine hours per day, it's pleasantly warm in this Dutch coastal city in July and August, but definitely not too sweaty. All the better for exciting explorations and thrilling excursions. Whether it's history, politics, art, culture, or a beach vacation - The Hague's diversity is enchanting.

With a narrow lead of 0.16 points, 6th place goes to the Swedish metropolis Malmö. It is the third-largest city in the country, after Stockholm and Gothenburg, known for its modern architecture, cultural diversity, and lively atmosphere.

With an average of 21.1 °C in July and August, Malmö is also the perfect destination to escape the summer heat in Germany.

The city captivates with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages - however, Malmö offers not only historical sights but above all: progress, modern urbanity, and a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The colorful harbor city has already implemented various initiatives to promote renewable energies and environmentally friendly modes of transport.

5th place goes to a lively and charming city that captivates its visitors with a unique blend of history, culture, and Scandinavian lifestyle: Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.

From historical beauty to contemporary culture - Copenhagen offers a wealth of activities and attractions and is also known for its bike-friendly streets and paths. How about an active adventure vacation with a bicycle tour through the Venice of the North? With an average of 17.6 °C in July and August, it's easy to keep a cool head - and despite the glorious 10.1 sunshine hours per day.

4th place in our top 11 also goes to Denmark. With a narrow lead of just 0.1 points, Aarhus ranks as the second-largest city in the country among the pleasantly temperate vacation destinations. For good reason: With an average of 9.8 sunshine hours at 17.15 °C in July and August, the City of Smiles welcomes its visitors with a friendly vibe, hygge, and genuine joy of life.

Aarhus is a modern metropolis that is home to some of Denmark's most popular museums. From KØN - Gender Museum Denmark to the ARoS Art Museum with its rainbow panorama to the open-air museum Den Gamle By - culture enthusiasts will be completely satisfied.

But there's much more to discover. How about a stroll along Varna Beach/Ballehage Beach with a visit to the artwork The Endless Bridge? Designed by architects Niels Povlsgaard and Johan Gjødes, it was first exhibited in 2015 as part of the 'Sculptures by the Sea' event. It is now open from April to October and offers a unique experience by the sea - whether you like to jump in the water or just take a walk.

The first place among the top 3 goes to the stunning island of Madeira. Located about 951 km southwest of Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean, it is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Known as the 'Flower Island' due to its lush vegetation, Madeira offers a unique combination of breathtaking landscapes and impressive nature.

Especially remarkable: the mild climate. In July and August, the thermometer reaches an average of about 24.5 °C - which, combined with a water temperature of 19.5 °C, is really quite pleasant.

Who would have thought? Second place in our evaluation goes to the homeland: In Heringsdorf on Usedom, it does get warm during the summer months of July and August, but with an average of 18.9 °C, it's far from terribly hot.

The perfect weather for biking along the coast, long walks on one of the idyllic sandy beaches, exciting water sports activities like sailing or kitesurfing, or a thrilling exploration of attractions such as Stolpe Castle or the Peenemünde Historical Technical Museum.

The well-deserved 1st place goes to a truly magical travel destination: Rovaniemi in Finland, also known as the home of Santa Claus. While winter activities such as husky sledding, ice fishing, or feeding reindeer are on the agenda, the endless forests and rivers invite hiking, canoeing, or exploring the breathtaking nature in summer.

A very special highlight: Santa Claus Village. Here you can not only meet Santa Claus and visit his elf workshop, but you can also cross the magical Arctic Circle - an experience that is sure to be remembered!