Summer isn’t for everyone. We know, we know…it’s a small group of individuals. But they exist, nonetheless. So while many people in the northern hemisphere count down the minutes until they can clock out and head to the nearest beach for a straight shot of vitamin D, others count the days until the heat breaks and cooler temperatures blow in. With this in mind, July through September is perfect for those who favor cooler weather to go south…WAY south. The southern hemisphere is in the thick of winter, so destinations like Peru and Australia are much more temperate if the heat isn’t your speed. If staying north of the equator is more realistic, plenty of destinations have milder summers for a “coolcation,” especially in northern Europe and the upper reaches of North America. Regardless of the vibe you’re looking for, we’ve got several fantastic destinations to inspire a cooler getaway this summer. But if the heat is your speed, we’ve got you covered with our summer destination guide. Or perhaps you’re looking for destinations that are good for a digital detox to unplug fully from daily life.

Keep reading for eight destinations worldwide, many in the southern hemisphere, that boast milder or colder temperatures from June to September. Psst…We also prefer to escape the heat!

Denali National Park, Alaska

Named for the mountain at the epicenter of the park, Denali National Park in Alaska is within driving distance of both Anchorage and Fairbanks, making it the most accessible national park in the state. Summer is peak season for Denali with comfortable weather and the longest days of the year. While the park is open year-round, tours and activities are available only during the few summer months. Denali is the perfect destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s great for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature, go camping, hiking, or catch sight of a Grizzly. Take a bus tour or hop off and bike through the park to see sites at your own pace. Denali offers plenty of outdoor activities like rafting, ATV tours, ziplining, and guided hikes. Head to the Denali Sled Dog Kennels to visit the four-legged superstars and see demonstrations of how they work. Camping is available within the park, but there’s also lodging along the outskirts. If you wait till late summer (August/September) to visit, you might snag a deal and the chance to see the northern lights. It’s also a great time to catch sight of wildlife with fall vegetation beginning to bloom. Bears love to eat berries that ripen at this time!

Lima, Peru

We love Peruvian food and will use any excuse to dig in. Visiting Lima in winter is the perfect opportunity to dive into Peru’s heartier dishes and visit award-winning restaurants. It’s also one of the best times to hike Machu Picchu, attracting many visitors from June to August. These months see outdoor festivals, temperatures are great for taking bike tours, and if the dates align, you’ll be lucky to celebrate Peruvian Independence at the end of July with lively celebrations centered around the country’s culture and heritage. The Malecón in Lima offers stunning ocean views on a cliffside promenade where you can watch surfers take on challenging waves that are present in winter. Explore markets to taste local produce and cuisine, and browse clothing and accessories made from alpaca wool – something plentiful this time of year.

Montevideo, Uruguay

The capital of Uruguay is an unassuming city, relaxed in nature but vibrant in culture. Montevideo is a food hub, serving up grass-fed beef, Uruguayan barbecue, hearty sandwiches, and dishes from immigrant cultures like Italian and Middle Eastern. Known for being an epicenter of futbol (or soccer), Yerba Mate tea, urban beaches, and beautiful, verdant parks, this South American city has so much to offer. Explore one of many food hall markets, start the day with dulce medialunas (small, sweet croissants), and order Milanese like Anthony Bourdain at a restaurant called Jacinto. Montevideo was founded as a Spanish fortress in the 18th century, a period of time that can still be seen today along the edges of Ciudad Vieja (the Old City). This oldest neighborhood in the city boasts cobblestone streets and townhouses sporting murals and street art. Book lovers and literary aficionados will be pleasantly surprised to learn that Montevideo is a UNESCO City of Literature for having an exceptional collection of independent bookshops. Visit the National Museum of Visual Arts, which holds the most extensive collection of Uruguayan art, or visit the Museo del Futbol. Dine at Cafe Brasilero in Ciudad Vieja, a restaurant dating back to 1877. After you’ve enjoyed a satisfying meal, take a stroll down La Rambla - the largest sidewalk in the world, stretching along 14 miles of coastline. La Rambla is a great opportunity to see most of Montevideo’s main sites, including Ciudad Vieja and popular beaches.

Montreal City, Canada

French Canada is exactly where we want to be this summer. Look no further than Montreal for a taste of French culture on the North American continent. This vibrant Quebecois city provides a European-style getaway without going to Europe. Similar to Chicago in summertime, Montreal comes alive for the months when the sun is shining bright and warm. And how do they celebrate? With festival after festival! Montreal’s summer festival season is famous, taking over public spaces from May to September for everything from film to theater, dance to comedy, and more. Outdoor dining is at its peak with every rooftop, patio, and terrace filled with diners. Summer is a rare chance to experience Montreal at its most vibrant peak season. However, the best part is the temps will stay relatively cool compared to summer elsewhere.

Pärnu, Estonia

Considered the “summer capital” of Estonia, Pärnu is a Baltic retreat between Riga and Tallinn. A quaint, charming beach town, Pärnu is a summer destination for those who live in the Baltic and Nordic regions of Europe, making it a great alternative to the more tourist-heavy beaches along the Mediterranean. With its long, sandy beach, colorful old houses that once served as trading centers in medieval times, and impressive coffee scene, Pärnu is a great option to stop for a day or two on a larger Baltic trip. Perhaps you make it a weekend visit while in Riga? See the Old Tallinn Gate, which greets you before walking into a park that leads to the beach. Grab some snacks and a good book while finding a spot along the Pärnu Beach Promenade to enjoy a little sun and sand. Surprisingly, while the temperatures in Pärnu are mild (average summer temps are in the 60s with warmer days peaking in the 70s), the water gets warm if you fancy a dip. Enjoy outdoor music festivals and indulge in Estonia’s famous spa and sauna traditions. After all, Pärnu is home to many medical and leisure spas and spa hotels. Might as well take advantage of a little R&R while you can!

Queenstown, New Zealand

For those looking to cool off while the northern hemisphere is blazing, Queenstown is a wintry wonderland with plenty of snow and skiing. Pack your bags for a peak “apres” vibe from June through September in this New Zealand gem. Queenstown boasts slopes for every experience level and a fun, welcoming scene to enjoy when you hang up the skis. Grab a glass of pinot noir, which Queenstown has become famous for, or head to one of many craft breweries. Disconnect and recharge by getting out in nature or treating yourself to a spa day. Dine at chef-driven concepts with exceptional cuisine or local cafes to feel what it’s like to live as a Kiwi. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, Queenstown is a breathtaking backdrop for a winter getaway in the southern hemisphere.

Riga, Latvia

Located on the Baltic Sea, Riga is a great destination to visit during summer for less heat and a milder climate. Old Town Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of architectural styles, dating from medieval times to Art Nouveau. In fact, Riga has one of the most concentrated collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. Explore Elizabetes Street and the Riga Art Nouveau Centre for a few key spots to see this style of architecture, or go outside of the Old Town towards the “Quiet Centre” neighborhood. The style is interesting to see juxtaposed with the medieval elements throughout the city, like cobblestone streets and the famous Riga Cathedral. The blend of representation from different centuries is something you can’t experience anywhere else quite like this. For a slower pace, get out of the city and take a day trip or weekend getaway to the Baltic coast. Without the larger tourist crowds that many of the popular hotspots in Europe come with, Latvia’s west coast is quiet and serene. The Art Nouveau architecture extends to some of these coastal towns, but with an added touch of seaside charm. Enjoy outdoor activities, water sports, and quiet beaches.

Tasmania, Australia

Let’s be honest, Tasmania doesn’t have the best weather for a typical vacation. However, if you’re genuinely looking to cool down and see some grey skies (we get it, the summer blues are a thing!), Tasmania is the perfect destination. Grab a few of those books you’ve been meaning to read, perhaps a journal to write reflections, and anything else you haven’t had time for, and get ready to settle in, nice and cozy. Tasmania’s winters are cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-50s. So basically, late fall in the Midwest and New England. The perks of visiting in winter include fewer tourists, winter sports and festivals are all the rage, and an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Southern lights. You might even say Tasmania is magical in winter, with an enchanting air you can’t experience any other time of year.