12 Cool Destinations in Europe To Beat the Heat in July

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In July, temperatures across Europe can soar well above 86°F (30°C), making everyone look for cool destinations to beat the heat. For example, in July, Bodrum, Turkey, experiences highs of 95°F (35°C). While these temperatures are perfect for beachgoers searching for the best sun, they aren’t ideal for tourists who enjoy cooler temperatures.

Luckily, though, many places in Europe aren’t as hot in July. These destinations are often easier to explore if you don’t enjoy hot weather. With that in mind, here are 12 cool European destinations in July. We selected these entries based on temperatures below 72°F (22°C) and the absence of a rainy season in July.

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Faroe Islands 1/5

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Reykjavik, Iceland 3/5

Copenhagen, Denmark 4/5

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Copenhagen, Denmark

In July, Copenhagen experiences daily highs of 70°F (21°C), with average temperatures around 65°F (18°C), making it an excellent option for travelers who don’t like the heat. As Denmark’s capital, it is a colorful city most famous for its charming canals, innovative architecture, and colorful houses.

Some things you don’t want to miss in the city include Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, where summer concerts and fireworks create a magical atmosphere. Explore Christiansborg and Amalienborg palaces for royal history, or admire the dragon spire on top of the Old Stock Exchange.

For foodies, Reffen Street Market is one of the best places to sample food from around the globe for under USD 10. Go early to avoid the crowds. Don’t miss the Copenhagen Jazz Festival in July, one of the biggest jazz events in Europe.

After a busy day exploring landmarks like Frederik’s Church and the Little Mermaid statue, sink a beer in front of Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, a colorful waterfront district. Skip the restaurants along the canal and go to Tight, a hidden gem with delicious food and gluten free options. Don’t leave without trying smørrebrød for lunch, a Danish open sandwich on rye bread.

Pro tip: Rent a bike to navigate the city like a local.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye, connected to mainland Scotland via a bridge, is famous for its rugged landscape, diverse wildlife, and pristine beaches. It is a great place to visit in July for many reasons.

First, the island can experience up to 18 hours of sunlight daily and mild temperatures of 68°F (20°C). While the weather is mild in July, it is also unpredictable, so pack your waterproof jacket. It is also peak season, so you need to book accommodation early. If you want a unique stay, check out the Cowshed Boutique Bankhouse.

Whether you enjoy hiking, time at the beach, heading out on a boat trip in search of wildlife, or exploring traditional Scottish towns, the Isle of Skye has it all. Don’t miss iconic landmarks like the Old Man of Storr, the colorful harbor of Portree, or the Fairy Glen rock formations. Rent a car to arrive early at popular places to avoid the crowds.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital, is a colorful city famous for its unique culture, artistic heritage, narrow, colorful houses, and iconic canal system. While July and August are the hottest months in the city, temperatures are still milder than those of Southern Europe, with highs around 77°F (22°C).

Explore Amsterdam by walking its winding streets, taking a boat trip along the canals, or renting a bike to explore the city like a local. The Pantry is a cozy Dutch restaurant with delicious food and big portions. Book ahead to avoid the queue. If you’re looking for an area to stay and avoid the crowds, look into Jordaan.

Don’t miss top attractions like the Rijksmuseum with iconic paintings from Rembrandt and Vermeer, the Van Gogh Museum, and the historic Anne Frank House. The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is another must-visit. Book tickets early, as lines can get long during peak months.

Reykjavik, Iceland

If you prefer colder climates, Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is an ideal July destination. Temperatures rarely rise above 57°F (14°C), so pack plenty of layers, a coat, and waterproof gear. As Iceland’s biggest city, Reykjavik is a great base for exploring the country and has iconic landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja and the Sun Voyager, a symbol of Icelandic exploration.

Don’t miss the instagrammable Rainbow Street in the city, painted to celebrate Pride. Book a table at Islenki Barinn for a reindeer burger paired with sourberry beer.

Rent a car and drive the Iceland Ring Road, which loops around the island, passing waterfalls like Skogafoss, glaciers, and volcanoes. If you’re short on time, explore the Golden Circle with its geyser Geysir. At the end of the day, relax at the Blue Lagoon.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands, part of the Kingdom of Denmark off the coast of Norway, are a hiker’s paradise in July. The average temperature is 55°F (13°C), so you’ll need to pack layers. Luckily, July is one of the island’s driest months.

Highlights include Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake in the Faroe Islands that appears to hover above the ocean. Mykines is known for its puffin colonies, and Múlafossur Waterfall offers scenic views and expansive coastal trails. Pack sturdy hiking boots.

The capital city of Tórshavn provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with its charming streets. Head to Aarstova, a cozy restaurant famous for its tender lamb dishes.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway’s capital, is an ideal destination for a summer European city break. With average daily highs of 77°F (22°C), July offers warm weather perfect for taking a dip in the Oslofjord—so don’t forget to pack a swimsuit.

Spend your days learning about Norwegian history in one of the many museums, sailing across the picturesque Oslofjorden, or taking in the panoramic city views from the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House. Visit the street food markets to tuck into food from around the globe. Head to the popular Den Glade Gris to try smoked whale.

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Significant attractions include the Royal Palace, the charming Nakholmen Island with its cozy summer cottages, and the lively Aker Brygge ferry terminal. You can learn about Norway’s polar exploration and the Arctic expeditions at the Fram Museum.

Sopot, Poland

Sopot along Poland’s Baltic Sea coastline is a fantastic choice, if you’re looking for a cooler beach vacation. Not only is Sopot an affordable alternative to Europe’s pricier destinations, but it’s also home to a gorgeous stretch of golden sand beach perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying a mild summer break. In July, you can expect temperatures of 77°F (22°C).

Just a short train ride from Gdansk, there are many things to see and do in Sopot. When you’re not relaxing on the beach or walking along the Sopot Pier, the longest wooden pier in Europe, treat yourself to a massage in a world-class spa, like Thai Mai, or party the night away in one of its popular nightclubs, like Prosty Temat Sopot.

Stay close to the beachfront for easy access to the water and sunset views over the Baltic. Don’t miss dinner at Sliwka w Kompot, where the duck legs are a must-try.

Devon, England

Devon is a beautiful county in southwest England, famed for its sandy beaches, bright blue waters, medieval towns, and fossil cliffs. In July, this area of the United Kingdom experiences highs of 70°F (21°C) and minimal rain with fewer than five days.

If you love the great outdoors, Devon is perfect. Here, you’ll find cliff-top coastal trails, national parks rich with wildlife, and long sandy beaches like Woolacombe Beach begging to be strolled.

Some of Devon’s most popular places to visit include Clovelly, a charming village with cobblestone streets; Exeter, famous for its magnificent cathedral; and Dartmoor National Park, a haven for hikers—so pack comfortable shoes.

If you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed vacation, I recommend visiting Clovelly. This small village offers cozy village vibes, sea views, and quaint English pubs, like the waterfront Clovelly Bay Inn.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, located in the heart of the Arctic Circle, is a fascinating city famous for its authentic Lapland experiences and the magic of Santa Claus.

Dubbed the Santa Claus Village, this city is famously a winter wonderland with lots of snow and long dark days. However, in July, Rovaniemi experiences temperatures as high as 77°F (22°C), no snow, and 24 hours of sunlight daily. Bring layers for cooler evenings and go for a midnight sun hike.

Summer activities in Rovaniemi include visiting dog sledding kennels, crossing the Arctic Circle marker, meeting Santa Claus, and wildlife watching. Book guided wildlife tours for the best chance to spot reindeer, Arctic fox, marten, and even brown bears. For a unique stay, consider the Arctic Treehouse Hotel and pack an eyemask to help with the constant daylight.

Santander, Spain

Santander is a vibrant coastal city on Spain’s north coast. The Cantabria region’s capital is best known for its golden sand beaches, mountain views, Spanish culture, and lively squares. If you’re looking for a cooler beach vacation destination in July, it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe.

While July is the hottest month in Santander, temperatures only reach 68°F (20°C). Don’t worry; it’s still warm enough to swim in the sea, but pack a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Your Santander vacation will be filled with sun, sea, paella, and scenic hikes. Go to the tapas bar Bodega Fuente De to enjoy delicious jamon and baccalao.

Around every corner of the bay, you’ll find glorious sandy beaches, small restaurants, and lush gardens. Some of the best beaches in the city include the family-friendly Playa de la Magdalena, El Sardinero with its gorgeous views, and the more secluded Playa de Mataleñas.

Stockholm, Sweden

In July, Stockholm’s average temperature is 64°F (18°C), with the daily maximum temperature reaching approximately 77°F (22°C). The Swedish capital is an excellent place to visit if you love water, architecture, and street food like Tunnbrödsrulle, the Swedish hotdog.

The city encompasses 14 different islands in a vast Baltic Sea archipelago. Impressively, most of the islands are connected by bridges.

Start your Stockholm city break by exploring the incredible architecture at Gamla Stan (the Old Town). The Nobel Prize Museum, Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace, and the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral are here.

After that, visit Skeppsholmen Island in the city’s center and grab some street food. To complete your trip, take a sightseeing boat trip into the archipelago. You won’t regret it.

Ostend, Belgium

Belgium is best known for its delicious chocolate, beautifully crafted beer, and vibrant cities. However, it would be foolish to disregard its beach resorts, especially Ostend.

Ostend is a lovely coastal city with a long sandy beach and lively promenade. With July temperatures averaging 70°F (21°C), you can enjoy the beach in all its glory without getting too hot.

When you’re not at the beach, head into the city to explore. In the city, you’ll find fascinating architecture like the neo-Gothic-style Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, a busy shopping district, and many cafes, bars, and restaurants serving traditional Belgian food and drink.