Keeping It Cool!
While everyone’s chasing the heat, some crave the cool air and refreshing colder destinations. If you prefer bundling up over sweating it out, you’re in the right place to find where’s cold for that. Whether you’re looking to escape the summer heat or enjoy a serene, chilly retreat, I have the perfect spots for your next adventure.
From snowy mountains to unreal views, these top cold countries will give you the chill vibes you crave. So, are you ready for a chilly adventure? Let’s explore where’s cold!
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Where’s Cold:
JULY
COLD WINTER GETAWAYS
1.
NEW ZEALAND
JULY TEMPERATURE: 11 DEGREES
New Zealand is an outdoor lover’s dream destination, packed with epic landscapes, from towering fjords to bubbling geothermal wonders. This Oceania island delivers, whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or just soaking up the wild beauty.
July is the perfect time to visit New Zealand—cooler temps, fewer crowds, and stunning winter scenery. Think snow-capped mountains, fresh air, and peaceful, crowd-free adventures. It’s the ultimate escape in July for those who love nature at its chillest!
Where’s Cold in July? Wall art in New Zealand
New Zealand’s Highlights
Best Excursions!
– Bay Of Islands
– Rotorua
– Napier
– Wellington
– More North
– Abel Tasman
– Christchurch
– Queenstown
– More South
Places To Stay In New Zealand
Auckland. New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is a prime location for travellers exploring the North Island. The city has a vibrant cultural scene and iconic landmarks like the Sky Tower. It’s also close to beautiful harbours, making it easy to take a ferry to nearby islands.
🩵 Recommends: Fable Auckland MGallery offers a boujee- boutique stylish stay with great room rates.
Queenstown. The adventure capital, Queenstown, is a picturesque destination on Lake Wakatipu’s shores and is surrounded by the Southern Alps. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital and is perfect for those seeking outdoor activities and stunning landscapes.
🩵 Recommends: Kamana Lakehouse provides UNREAL views and an upscale experience.
Rotorua. Situated in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua is famous for its geothermal wonders and Maori culture. This location provides convenient access to attractions such as mud pools, geothermal spas, and geysers.
🩵 Recommends: Pullman Rotorua offers premium rooms with great amenities and services.
Who & What Is New Zealand Best For?
New Zealand in July is a dream destination for winter lovers! Whether you’re a ski and snowboard enthusiast hitting the slopes of Queenstown and Wanaka or someone who loves cosying up by a fireplace with breathtaking mountain views, this is the place to be.
With fewer crowds, stunning snow-capped scenery, and world-class winter sports, July is perfect for adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone looking for a cool escape in New Zealand!
2.
SOUTH AFRICA
JULY TEMPERATURE: 15 DEGREES
South Africa is all about epic adventures, stunning views, and unforgettable wildlife. Whether you’re hiking up Table Mountain, spotting wildlife at safari’s, or exploring cool cities like Cape Town, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, the food, beaches, and buzzing nightlife make it a must-visit spot!
July is the best time for cooler weather as it’s winter, which means perfect temps for exploring South Africa, no crazy heat, and top-tier wildlife spotting—think elephants, lions, and giraffes. It’s also whale season, so get ready for some jaw-dropping ocean views in this stunning African destination!
Where’s Cold July: Cable Mountain and Cape Town City in South Africa. Credit: Ava Peattie (Adobe)
South Africa’s Highlights
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In South Africa
Cape Town. Stay in the heart of Cape Town’s action with stunning views of Table Mountain and easy access to beaches, nightlife, and top attractions like the V&A Waterfront.
🩵 Recommends: Chocolate Box Boutique Guesthouse offers an UNREAL stay with gorgeous views and the vibe you want on a holiday!
Johannesburg. Choose Johannesburg for trendy and upscale vibes with shopping, restaurants, and buzzing nightlife—perfect for those who love city vibes with a touch of luxury.
🩵 Recommends: Houghton Hotel is an upscale boutique-style hotel with delicious food and views.
Kruger National Park. For the ultimate wildlife experience, stay at a safari lodge inside or near Kruger National Park. Wake up to lions roaring and enjoy thrilling game drives!
🩵 Recommends: Loerie’s Call Guesthouse provides a stunning stay with affordable room rates.
Who & What Is South Africa Best For?
Cape Town in July is perfect for travellers who love cool weather, fewer crowds, and epic scenery. It’s ideal for adventure seekers, food lovers, and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re into exploring vibrant city life or escaping to dramatic landscapes, Cape Town’s winter charm in July is unbeatable. So, will South Africa be for you?
Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!
3.
AUSTRALIA – TASMANIA
JULY TEMPERATURE: 12 DEGREES
Tasmania in July is a brilliant destination. If you’re over the heat, July in Tasmania is the ultimate chill escape! It’s packed with epic landscapes, wild coastlines, and amazing wildlife like Tasmanian devils.
Think snowy mountains, scenic hikes, cosy cottages, and fresh local food in Tasmania—without the summer crowds. This stunning location in Australia is the perfect place in July to unwind, explore, and enjoy the cooler weather, surrounded by some of the most stunning nature you’ll ever see.
Where’s Cold July? Mount Wellington in Hobart. Credit: Dudlajxov (Adobe)
Tasmania’s Highlights
Places To Stay In Tasmania
Hobart. The perfect base for exploring the capital’s historic sites is Hobart. It’s the ideal spot for foodies and those looking to explore nearby attractions like Mount Wellington and MONA.
🩵 Recommends: Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart provides stunning views and delicious food.
Freycinet Peninsula. Stay near Wineglass Bay for stunning coastal views, hiking trails, and a peaceful escape into nature. It’s a great alternative to the busy main city.
🩵 Recommends: Freycinet Resort offers scenic views and lots of things to do in the resort.
Launceston. For those who appreciate nature and downtown, consider staying in Launceston, a charming northern city with beautiful parks, a thriving food and wine scene, and easy access to Cataract Gorge.
🩵 Recommends: Peppers Silo Launceston is a 5-star stay with top-notch spa and food services.
Who & What Is Tasmania Best For?
Tasmania in July is perfect for winter lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone craving a cool escape. With its snow-dusted mountains and cosy lodges, it’s a dream for hikers, photographers, friends, families, or solo travellers who love scenic views and a chilled holiday.
AUGUST
THE BEST WINTER CHILLS
CHILE
AUGUST TEMPERATURE: 8 DEGREES
Chile is the ultimate destination if you’re craving chilly weather, and August is the perfect time to visit! This South American beauty offers diverse cool-weather adventures, from the Andes’ stunning snowy peaks to Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes.
It is ideal to visit Chile in August because it’s winter in the southern hemisphere. You’ll experience crisp, fresh air and perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding, or exploring the country’s natural beauty without the crowds. Ready for a frosty escape filled with glaciers and snow-capped peaks?
Where’s Cold in August? Petrohue Waterfalls in front of Volcano Osorno in Chile. Credit: Henner Damke (Adobe)
Highlights Of Chile
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Chile
Santiago. Chile’s capital and largest city, Santiago, offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. Its central location makes it a strategic starting point for excursions to other regions, allowing you to discover the diverse landscapes and attractions Chile offers.
🩵 Recommends: Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo is a stunning, unique stay and experience.
Valparaiso. Stay in Valparaiso for an enchanting blend of bohemian charm and coastal beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living canvas of colourful houses stacked on steep hillsides with vibrant street art.
🩵 Recommends: Winebox Valparaiso is a seriously cool container-styled hotel offering uniqueness.
Puerto Natales. For a unique blend of Patagonia charm and access to the landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, consider staying in Puerto Natales. This quaint town serves as an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in one of the world’s pristine wilderness areas.
🩵 Recommends: Noi Indigo Patagonia offers a 5-star experience with comfortable rooms.
Who & What Is Chile Best For?
Chile in August is a dream for winter lovers! With the Andes covered in fresh snow, it’s perfect for skiers, snowboarders, and anyone craving a winter wonderland. If cosy vibes are more your thing, imagine sipping Chilean wine by a fireplace, soaking in the dramatic winter scenery. Whether chasing snowy peaks or escaping the heat, Chile in August is the ultimate cold-weather getaway.
2.
BOLIVIA
AUGUST TEMPERATURE: 12 DEGREES
Bolivia is a dream destination in South America for adventure lovers, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and cool vibes. Whether exploring the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats, hiking through the Andes, or discovering the vibrant city of La Paz, there’s so much to see.
August is the perfect time to visit—the clear skies and dry weather add to the charm, making it the best month to experience Bolivia without the extreme heat or rainy season. It’s also ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing.
Where’s Cold August: Flamingos at the Lugana Colorada Lagoon in Bolivia. Credit: Streetflash (Adobe)
Bolivia’s Highlights
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Bolivia
La Paz. Located high up in the Andes, La Paz offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning mountain views. It’s the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions like the Moon Valley or a day trip to Lake Titicaca.
🩵 Recommends: Atix Hotel offers a modern upscale stay with gorgeous views and a complimentary breakfast.
Uyuni. Famous for the Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats), this remote town is ideal for those looking to experience Bolivia’s natural wonders. A stay here is perfect for a surreal adventure through salt deserts and nearby geysers.
🩵 Recommends: Hotel Nido Del Flamenco is a charming boutique hotel with homely vibes and budget-friendly room rates.
Sucre. A charming colonial city and Bolivia’s constitutional capital, Sucre is known for its beautiful white-washed buildings and laid-back atmosphere. It’s great for those interested in history and culture and exploring Bolivia’s roots.
🩵 Recommends: On Hotel Boutique offers clean, spacious and pretty rooms with delicious breakfast and a spa on site.
Who & What Is Bolivia Best For?
Bolivia is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts looking to escape the heat in August. If you want a break from the heat and an unforgettable adventure somewhere different from August’s typical, Bolivia is the place to be!
3.
NORWAY
AUGUST TEMPERATURE: 13 DEGREES
Looking to escape the heat and dive into some great adventures? Norway is the one! August offers the perfect balance of crisp, cool weather and stunning landscapes, from the majestic fjords to the vibrant cities.
August is the ideal time to explore Norway without the summer crowds. With comfortable temperatures for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the natural beauty, this European destination has a fresh, cool vibe!
Where’s Cold August: Fishing village in winter in Norway. Credit: Mumemories (Adobe)
Norway’s Highlights
Best Excursions!
– Bergen
– Oslo
– Stavanger
– Tromso
– More Cities
Places To Stay In Norway
Oslo. The capital of Norway, Oslo, offers a mix of modern urban life and rich history. From here, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Viking Ship Museum, the Opera House, and the beautiful waterfront. It’s the perfect base for culture lovers and city explorers.
🩵 Recommends: The Clarion Hotel Oslo offers a great stay with top-notch dining and beautiful rooms.
Bergen. Located between mountains and fjords, Bergen is known for its charming, colourful wooden houses in the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district. It’s the gateway to the stunning fjords, perfect for nature lovers.
🩵 Recommends: Hotel Norge By Scandic has a sleek-chic feel with stylish rooms and good service.
Tromso. Tromso is located above the Arctic Circle and is an excellent base for Arctic adventures. It’s renowned for its vibrant culture and the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Stay here if you are a thrill-seeker wanting to experience the magic of the far north.
🩵 Recommends: Tromso Lodge & Camping provides stunning cabins with gorgeous surroundings.
Hotel Highlight
Click the image to expand
The Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Oslo was a cool place to stay, with boujee vibes in the reception area. I also love that the rooms had big open windows overlooking the city and comfy beds.
Who & What Is Norway Best For?
Norway in August is perfect for those seeking a cool escape from the heat. It’s ideal for adventure seekers, solo travellers, and anyone wanting to experience breathtaking fjords, glaciers, and the northern lights. Norway is the place to be if you want to recharge, explore unique landscapes, or enjoy outdoor activities in mild temperatures!
SEPTEMBER
COLD WINTER WONDERLANDS
MONGOLIA
TEMPERATURE: 13 DEGREES
Mongolia in September is a breath of fresh air—literally! The Gobi Desert cools down as summer fades, making it the perfect time to explore without the scorching heat. This Southeast Asian gem is underrated but offers so much chill, again, literally.
The cool weather makes hiking, exploring nomadic culture, and spotting wildlife way more comfortable. If you want to swap the heat for wide-open, chilly landscapes and true adventure, Mongolia in September is calling!
Where’s Cold in September? Sledge ride on ice-covered lake Khovsgol in Mongolia. Credit: Katiekk2 (Adobe)
Mongolia’s Highlights
Don’t Miss…
Places To Stay In Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar. Mongalia’s capital and largest city, Ulaanbaatar, is a great place to base yourself. It offers access to cultural attractions, museums, historic sites, and vibrant markets. You can sample Mongolian cuisine in September and experience the city’s dynamic energy.
🩵 Recommends: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel provides a gorgeous 5-star stay and service.
Kharkhorin. Staying in Kharkorin offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Mongolia’s rich history and heritage. As the ancient history of the Mongol Empire, Kharkorin is rooted in historical significance, boasting beautiful structures and archaeological wonders.
🩵 Recommends: Gaya’s Guesthouse offers an authentic, budget-friendly stay (it gets sold out quickly, so book in advance).
Terelj National Park. The area of Terelj National Park is a unique and immersive experience in Mongolia’s pristine natural beauty. Surrounded by green valleys, rivers, and striking granite formations, it provides a tranquil retreat away from the urban bustle.
🩵 Recommends: Terelj Hotel & Spa is an excellent choice with upscale amenities and boujee vibes.
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Who & What Is Mongolia Best For?
Mongolia in September is perfect for adventurous travellers who love the cooler weather without the extreme winter chill. It’s ideal for those who want to comfortably experience breathtaking landscapes like the Gobi Desert.
Outdoor enthusiasts, culture seekers, and photographers will love the stunning autumn scenery of Mongolia in September, with fewer crowds and the chance to immerse yourself in nomadic life.
LATVIA
SEPTEMBER TEMPERATURE: 16 DEGREES
If you’re over the heat and ready for fresh, comfortable temperatures, Latvia is calling! This Baltic gem is packed with medieval streets, cosy cafes, and dreamy autumn forests turning golden.
Latvia’s capital, Riga, is a hotspot to explore. The best time to visit is during September without the summer crowds. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and chill vibes—literally. Ready for a cool escape? Latvia has you covered!
Where’s Cold September? Riga Town in Latvia. Credit: Great Brut Here (Adobe)
Highlights Of Latvia
Best Excursions!
– Riga
– More Cities
Places To Stay In Latvia
Riga Old Town. Stay in the heart of Latvia’s capital, the Old Towb, where cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and medieval architecture blend with vibrant cafes and nightlife. It’s perfect for first-time visitors and history lovers!
🩵 Recommends: Konventa Seta Hotel offers a boutique stay at very affordable prices.
Jurmala. Just a short drive from Riga, Jurmala’s beach resort town is famous for its long sandy beaches, spa resorts, and relaxing atmosphere. It’s a great choice for a peaceful getaway by the Baltic Sea.
🩵 Recommends: Kurshi Hotel & Spa is a unique stay with an upscale feel and vibes.
Sigulda. Known as the Switzerland of Latvia, Sigulda is surrounded by green forests, rivers, and picturesque castles. It’s perfect for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering hiking, biking, and stunning views.
🩵 Recommends: Spa Hotel Ezeri provides comfortable rooms and is very convenient.
Hotel Highlight
Click the image to expand
Wellton Riga Hotel & Spa was a great stay. The hotel’s exterior isn’t all that, BUT the extending interior window balcony was pretty cool! I also loved the spa services, the friendly staff, and the hotel’s location for getting around.
Travelling solo but anxious about it? The Female Solo Travel Guide covers everything you need to know about solo trips and more!
Who & What Is Latvia Best For?
Latvia is perfect for travellers who love fairytale towns, rich history, and stunning autumn landscapes. Visiting in the cold month of September allows you to see Latvia’s charm without the crowds. Whether you’re exploring medieval castles on a solo trip or wandering through golden forests with your buddies, this Baltic gem has it all.
3.
THE NETHERLANDS
SEPTEMBER TEMPERATURE: 16 DEGREES
The Netherlands in September is perfect if you’re craving cooler weather! As the crowds thin out, exploring charming cities, cycling along canals, and cosying up in traditional Dutch cafes becomes easier.
With golden leaves falling and a refreshing chill in the air, the Netherlands is beautiful in its autumn vibes. From Amsterdam to Rotterdam to Utrecht and more, this European destination has plenty to keep you entertained during your trip in the cold month of September.
Where’s Cold September: Tuplips and a windmill in The Netherlands. Credit: Neirfy (Adobe)
The Netherlands Highlights
Best Excursions!
Places To Stay In The Netherlands
Amsterdam City Center. The vibrant heart of the Netherlands, the city centre, is filled with charming canals, iconic museums, and lively cafes. It’s perfect for those who want to be in the action, with easy access to major attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
🩵 Recommends: Tribe Amsterdam City is a new boutique hotel offering luxury and comfort at lower rates than its competitors.
Zandvoort. If you want a mix of beach vibes and easy access to Amsterdam, Zandvoort is your spot. Located just outside the city, it’s perfect for those who enjoy seaside relaxation, beach walks, and quick trips to the city for sightseeing.
🩵 Recommends: The Beachhouse Hotel provides unreal views perched up by the beach – you can’t get better; and reasonable rates, too!
Haarlem. Just a short ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem offers picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and a less touristy, more local feel. It’s great for a peaceful, charming stay with many local cultures, shopping, and dining options.
🩵 Recommends: Van Der Valk Hotel Haarlem is a luxury hotel with upscale rooms and vibes.
Who & What Is The Netherlands Best For?
The Netherlands in September is ideal for travellers who love mild temperatures, outdoor adventures, and cultural explorations without the summer crowds. Exploring this European beauty during the cold months is a great shout if you’re travelling solo!
That’s A Wrap!
So, if you’re ready to trade the heat for snowy landscapes and cooler vibes, these July, August, and September destinations are calling your name! Whether you’re an adventurer or just need to cool down, there’s something for everyone. Alternatively, check out ‘Where’s Hot‘ if you want a warmer destination.
For more ‘Where’s Cold’ holiday recommendations, check out the following months:
Where’s Cold:
