Beat The Summer Heat In These 6 Cool-Weather Havens
Snow-capped Mount Illimani overlooks the city of La Paz, Bolivia at dusk getty
For most people, the ideal getaway must involve a tropical beach. But whether it's for vacation or permanent relocation, there are downsides to tropical living that you should consider.
Tropical destinations tend to be warm year-round, with little seasonal variation in temperature. You'll likely need air conditioning—or at least a few fans—to live comfortably, which drives up utility costs.
Humidity and precipitation levels are also higher in tropical regions. Long rainy seasons, dense vegetation, and persistent moisture often mean more insects, including mosquitos.
These destinations are prone to extreme weather, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones, which can disrupt daily life and damage infrastructure.
If you love travel but aren't a fan of sweltering heat, there are alternatives. Certain cities offer reliably cool, comfortable climates no matter the season. Here are six cool-weather havens worth considering this summer. Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá is the ideal place to escape hot and sticky weather. You can count on cool temperatures around 58°F (14.5°C) year-round, with only slight fluctuations depending on the amount of sunshine on a given day.
At about 8,660 feet (2,640 meters) above sea level, Bogotá benefits from thinner air, which contributes to lower temperatures. Many high-elevation cities in South America offer this same refreshing climate.
Why visit Bogotá? Colombia's capital buzzes with around 8 million people and boasts a vibrant art and culture scene. Whole neighborhoods like Usaquén transform into craft markets on weekends.
The city offers a cutting-edge food scene and serious coffee culture, with some of the world's best beans brewed to perfection. Explore historic districts like La Candelaria and unique attractions like the Gold Museum and salt cathedral. Aberdeen, Scotland
For fans of cool weather, why not visit the coldest city in the U.K.? Located in northeastern Scotland—further north than Denmark and much of southern Sweden—Aberdeen has an oceanic climate with an annual average temperature of 48°F (9°C).
Despite its latitude, winters are milder than expected, averaging 39°F (4°C) from December to February. You'll experience dramatic swings in daylight hours, with fewer than seven hours of sun near the winter solstice and more than 17 in summer.
Aberdeen is perfect for history lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, golfers, and whisky-drinkers. Landmarks like St. Machar's Cathedral and Brig O'Balgownie, the oldest bridge in Scotland, provide historical charm.
Nearby nature reserves offer hiking and wildlife watching, and over 50 golf courses dot the region, including some of the oldest courses in the world. You'll also find more than dozen whisky distilleries. Puebla, Mexico
Though Mexico is known for its beaches and heat, it also offers cool-weather escapes like Puebla. Sitting at 6,890 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level, Puebla enjoys a mild climate.
The daily mean temperature is 63°F (17°C), with minimal seasonal change. April to August are the warmest months, averaging 66°F (19°C), while November to March averages 59°F (15°C). Humidity stays comfortable at 58% year-round.
Puebla is rich in history, founded in 1531 and famous for its Spanish baroque architecture. The UNESCO-listed historic center features ornate cathedrals, palaces, and buildings adorned with azulejo tiles.
It's also a gastronomic hub, known as the birthplace of mole poblano and chiles en nogada —two cornerstones of Mexican cuisine. Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington's temperatures stay in a comfortable range throughout the year, rarely going above 79°F (26°C) or below 39°F (4°C). The average temperature is a pleasant 56°F (13°C), with warm summers and cool winters.
Known as the windiest city in the world, Wellington gets strong southerly winds from the Cook Strait, often making it feel even cooler than it is.
New Zealand's capital is compact and walkable, with arts, culture, food and coffee, and history nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbor. It's an excellent base for outdoor adventures, with rolling hills, bays, and beaches all within reach. La Paz, Bolivia
At over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, La Paz is one of the world's highest cities. Its elevation keeps temperatures cool year-round, with a daily mean of about 46°F (8°C), putting it on par with Bergen, Norway, temperature-wise.
Despite its dry climate, the city gets heavy rain from December to January, which can lead to mudslides. Low oxygen levels at this altitude may cause altitude sickness or breathing problems, so acclimatization is essential.
Once adjusted, visitors can enjoy the city's dramatic setting in a valley of the Andes. Terracotta-roofed buildings blanket the hillsides, and cable cars offer stunning views across the city.
Explore colorful markets like the Witches' Market, known for indigenous crafts and herbal remedies. La Paz also stands out for its affordability. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik never gets truly hot. With a subpolar oceanic climate, it maintains a daily mean of 41°F (5°C) year-round. Summers are cool, between 50°F and 59°F (10°C and 15°C), and winters range from 29°F to 33°F (-2°C to 0°C).
Winds from the North Atlantic keep Reykjavik's summer temperatures lower than those of mainland cities at similar latitudes, while the ocean moderates its winter cold, making it surprisingly similar to New York City in winter.
Iceland's capital is rich in culture, with museums, concert halls, and landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church. But its biggest draw is nature—the northern lights, geothermal spas, whale-watching, and hiking, all just outside the city limits. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Retiring Abroad On A Military Pension—3 Expat Havens For U.S. Veterans By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Escape The Crowds At These Portuguese Beaches Only The Locals Know By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Top Retirement Havens In The Philippines From Just $1,000 A Month By Kathleen Peddicord
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