Looking to escape the heat this summer? These destinations are for you.

For some, summer is synonymous with scorching heat and beach days, while others flee the sun in search of relief from the season's high temperatures. Which camp are you in: do you love the heat, or are you already missing winter? The city of Dublin, and Ireland in general, is an ideal summer destination for anyone looking to escape the heat. Temperatures rise a little more each year, and episodes of intense heat are becoming more frequent. If you are looking for a place to escape a heat wave, there are plenty of options, both in France and abroad. Many vacationers are now looking for the opposite of traditional southern destinations: a bit of cool air, sea breeze and pleasant temperatures to make the most of their holidays. Mild and cool summers! From windswept coastlines and oceanfront cities to Nordic destinations, it is entirely possible to plan a truly cool getaway. Discover our selection of the best summer destinations to enjoy the season without suffering through extreme heat. Reykjavik, Iceland: the essence of Nordic freshness Reykjavik, Iceland: the essence of Nordic freshness. If there is one European capital where you will not need air conditioning in the middle of summer, it is Reykjavik. In July, the warmest month of the year, daytime highs usually hover around 13 or 14 °C, while nighttime temperatures are close to 9 °C. Reykjavík comes alive during summer. ️ Long daylight hours, colorful streets, outdoor cafés, and waterfront views make the city feel especially vibrant during the season. Pro tip: Evening walks around the harbor are even better under the midnight sun. pic.twitter.com/TIaUPB2ELh — Guide to Iceland (@guidetoiceland) June 10, 2026 On the other hand, the days are very long thanks to the midnight sun. With its volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and geothermal baths, Iceland offers a complete change of scenery, with no risk of heat waves. Dublin, the Irish capital: always mild weather Ireland has a particularly mild oceanic climate. In Dublin, summer temperatures rarely exceed 22 °C. The days are pleasant for exploring the city, discovering traditional pubs or heading to the island’s wild coastlines. In Vancouver, summer temperatures range between 22 and 25 °C. The country offers an excellent alternative for those who want to enjoy summer without enduring intense Mediterranean heat. And why not consider Vancouver, Canada, with its mix of nature and moderate temperatures? Located on the Pacific coast, Vancouver usually enjoys much milder summers than many major North American cities. Related article The 5 Least-Known (And Most Spectacular) Destinations To Save Your Last-Minute Summer Vacation Its proximity to the ocean helps keep temperatures pleasant, often ranging between 22 and 25 °C during the summer. It is an ideal destination for combining hiking, urban beaches and nature exploration. France also offers refuges from the heat For those on a tighter budget, or simply for those who prefer not to fly or travel too far, there are French cities where heat waves are not part of everyday life for residents. However, you will not find them in the south. If you want to escape the heat, avoid the southern half of the country, and not only the Mediterranean coast, where temperatures often soar in July and August. Instead, Brittany and the northern departments welcome tourists looking for cooler weather. Brest: the champion of summer coolness Thanks to its location at the western tip of Brittany, Brest is one of the coolest cities in France during the summer. Average highs barely reach 21 °C in July and August, while nighttime temperatures usually remain between 13 and 14 °C. Here, the ocean acts like natural air conditioning. As a result, heat waves are generally less frequent and less intense than in the rest of the country. Cherbourg: sea air above all Located in the Manche department, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin also has a very mild oceanic climate. Even in the middle of summer, temperatures usually remain moderate thanks to the influence of the sea. It is an ideal destination for enjoying Normandy’s beaches, coastal landscapes and hiking trails without suffering through the heat. Brittany is truly underrated. Here is the city of Saint-Malo. As expected, the coolest places are found along the coast, especially along the English Channel. For example, you could base yourself in Saint-Malo for a few days and enjoy a pleasantly cool vacation in Brittany. Related article The 5 least known and most spectacular destinations to save your summer vacation at the last minute Although this famous “privateer city” attracts large numbers of visitors every year, it keeps one valuable advantage: generally cooler temperatures than most other French towns. The sea breeze softens the heat, making walks along the ramparts especially pleasant, even in the middle of August. Quimper and the far west of Brittany More broadly, the entire western part of Brittany is a safe bet for vacationers looking for cooler weather. Towns such as Quimper, Douarnenez and Audierne generally enjoy moderate summers thanks to the constant influence of the Atlantic. At a time when French summers are becoming increasingly hot, the northwest of the country remains one of the regions least affected by extreme heat. News reference Matthier Goar, LeMonde,. (02/09/2024). Climate: a milder summer in 2024, but still above seasonal averages .