20 Countries Where You Can Cool Off | ExpatWoman.com
 

20 Countries Where You Can Cool Off

If you've had enough of the suffocating heat and humidity that summer brings, then head to a country where the lower the temperature, the better!

Posted on

19 July 2015

Last updated on 2 January 2018
20 Countries Where You Can Cool Off
Most of the time, holidayers and expatriates will seek warm places to visit or live in. But if you already live in climates like the desert heat in the United Arab Emirates, or the sticky humidity of North-West America, you might wish to opt for a more chilled-out destination. 

So if you're looking to escape the heat, check out the possibilities below for some immediate relief while the mercury climbs high. Beat the heat! 


1. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton is a great summer escape if you love a cooler climate. It has stunning natural beauty, great beaches, whale watching and traditional Celtic music and dances every night of the week in summer so you can join in the fun! 


2. Mexico City, Mexico

Despite its reputation, Mexico's capital is actually pretty great. It's filled with great and interesting neighbourhoods, fascinating musuems, terrific archaeological treasures and the best public square in North America. Best of all, at 7411 feet altitude, the climate is fine and dandy all year round. 
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3. Seattle, Washington

Not only is the cooler weather an attractive trait of Seattle's, Pike Place Market is one of the best of its kind in the entire country, and the city's stunning geography, islands and nearby natural splendor make this a can't miss vacation and expatriation spot. 


4. Galway, Ireland

Galway, Ireland
 
"I've travelled around, I've been all over this world. Boys, I ain't never seen nothin' like a Galway girl..." Galway city may not be the biggest city in Ireland, but it definitely has the biggest heart. And in an area of the world that's notorious for generally being cooler over the summer months, there's no reason not to stop by this beautiful place. 


5. York, United Kingdom

York, United Kingdom
 
Yes, the United Kingdom has cooler weather. In fact, it's infamous for its rainy summer days and freezing cold summer nights. However, if it's cooling down you're after, there's no better place than the north of England. York's rich, historical background makes this a playground for anyone living or visiting here.
SEE ALSO: Explore the UK's top cities to live in

6. Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye takes its name from the old Norse sky-a, meaning 'cloud island', a Viking reference to the often-mist-enshrouded Cuillin Hills. Visit here and you'll find a 50-mile-long patchwork of velvet moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and towering sea cliffs. All come with a nice, cool breeze! 


7. Stockholm, Sweden

The country's capital offers visitors and residents cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of medieval Gamla Stan. And due to the country's northly position, it's a definite summer advantage in that temperatures are rarely extreme and humidity levels are not high.


8. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland
 
It says it in the country's name: ice. Cold. No humidity. A perfect destination to get away from any boiling summer. The country's capital is coastal, and renowned for the late-night clubs and bars in its compact center. Which is fab when you need summer entertainment!


9. Auckland, New Zealand

Did you know that Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens? Plus, considering the Oceania area of the world celebrate winter when we do summer, it only makes sense to use this as your chiller destination for your summer break. 


10. Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia
 
By the time July in Sydney rolls around, winter is offocially in full swing, with it being the coldest month of the year and temperatures averaging a brisk minimum of 9 degrees... Hurray! A perfect place to take in the city's clear skies, and engage in outdoor activities without profusely sweating. 


11. Santiago, Chile

It's a country that is generally rainy and chilly all year around, so gives impressive relief of any heat when visiting or living here during the summer season. With its impressive mountain ranges, Chile is in fact a great ski resort destiantion! 
SEE ALSO: Our how-to guide to overcoming intercultural shock

12. Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá is Colombia's beating heart, an engaging and vibrant capital cradled by chilly Andean peaks and steeped in sophisticated urban cool. Do you need any more convincing?


13. Quito, Ecuador

Nestled in a long, narrow valley in the Andes on the slopes Volcano Pichincha to the west, Quito enjoys a spectacular natural setting. It's well known for its Spanish colonial buildings dating back more than 500 years! Plus, a small gondola ride up to the Pichincha volcano offers impressive views.

 

14. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa
 
Generally, the summer season for most expats is in fact, winter for those from South Africa. So travelling to the vibrant city of Cape Town in July/August will prove splendidly chilly for cold lovers. Be ready for a spot of rain, too!


15. South Georgia Island, Antarctica

Do we need to explain? Antarctica is a very cold place on planet Earth! If you plan on visit, you'll enjoy an epic adventure acros the extraordinaty landscape of this country.


16. Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities. A popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains and invites outdoor pursuits of all kinds, but also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes. 


SEE ALSO: The highest cities and altitudes in the world where you can live

17. San Francisco, Washington

San Francisco
 
It's really not as hot in San Francisco as it is in other American areas during the summer months. So cool off in their moderate, humid-free summer weather with great events, entertainment and things to see and do. You'll be comfortable in a few layers or more! 


18. Buenos Aires, Argentina

During July and August, you'll find daytime highs hovering between 10 to 15 degrees celsius and nighttime temps staying above 5 to 7 degrees celsius. Although the weather is coldest during these months, most attractions remain open, making this a sweet, albeit chilly, time to visit - perfect!


19. Thimphu, Bhutan

You may experience occasional heavy falls of rain during the afternoons however to see Bhutan so green and full of clear streams and waterfalls is worth it.


20. Potosi, Bolivia

At a cracking 4,090 metres above sea level, Potosi is one of the highest cities in the world. Thus, inevitably, proves to be a little chillier during summer.