10 Cool Cities That Aren’t Sweltering In Summer

Trade the blazing sun for bright northern skies on a summer trip to Europe’s coolest cities – literally and figuratively.

The sweltering temperatures of Europe’s best beach spots aren’t for everyone, so if you’re eyeing up an on-trend ‘coolcation’ this year, why not head for the city?

Whether you fancy living like a local in Scandinavian capitals or want to combine city life with outdoor adventures further afield, here are ten spots where you can enjoy long, light-filled days without breaking a sweat.

1. Reykjavik

Average August highs: 14C

An aerial view of Reykjavik city in summer, Iceland

You can squeeze a lot out of a couple of nights in compact Reykjavik. City highlights, such as the Hallgrímskirkja church and the Perlan Museum, which features a spectacular 25m (82ft) indoor geyser, can be easily ticked off in a day.

It means you’ll have plenty of time to explore beyond the city’s limits. Book on to a Golden Circle tour to get a taste of Iceland’s dramatic natural wonders – most tours include stops at Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall.

Temperatures can reach just 14C in August (dropping to 11C in September), so this is one for serious cool-cationers.

2. Dublin

Average August highs: 20C

Reflections on the River Liffey in Dublin with the harp-shaped Samuel Beckett Bridge spanning the waterway

Dublin proves you don't have to go far for a city break to remember – direct flights from the UK will get you there in around an hour. It’s pleasant in summer too, with the mercury rarely inching past 20C.

While you can still expect the occasional sprinkle, this is the season to get acquainted with Dublin's great outdoors. Phoenix Park is the city’s green lung, with hundreds of fallow deer, some 70 species of bird and even elusive badgers calling the park home.

More back-to-nature opportunities come by way of fishing village Howth, best reached by the 30-minute DART commuter train. And of course, leave time for the lively trad music sessions the city is famous for.

3. Oslo

Average August highs: 21C

From the Nobel Peace Center to the Munch Museum, the Norwegian capital has tons of cultural clout. Maritime history takes centre stage in coastal Oslo; you can see all sorts of ships on display (the hulking polar explorer, the Fram is a highlight).

For culture of another kind, why not join locals jumping into the fjord for a refreshing dip in 18C waters? The Sørenga Seawater Pool and Tjuvholmen City Beach are two fabulous swim spots in the centre of the city.

You can warm up again in the city's floating saunas, which is a treat even in summer. Try Oslo Badstuforening or KOK Oslo in the Langkaia area.

Scandic Holberg

4.3

Very Good

Oslo, Oslo & Surrounding Area, Norway

27 Aug 2026
4 nights
Room only
From Gatwick

Prices from

£379 pp

4. Copenhagen

Average August highs: 21C

Pack your chicest threads for a short, sweet break that combines cycling, café-hopping and palace exploration in Scandi-cool Copenhagen.

A free walking tour will make quick work of the city’s main sights, giving you plenty of time to find out just what makes the Danish capital 2025’s happiest and most liveable city in the world.

That means lingering over coffee and pastries at bakeries like Andersen & Maillard, finding the best street eats at Reffen, and cycling through parks and along the waterfront to see the city through local eyes. Leave space in your suitcase as the city has an excellent vintage shopping scene too.

Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers

4.3

Excellent

Copenhagen, Denmark

24 Aug 2026
4 nights
Bed & breakfast
From Bristol

Prices from

£529 pp

5. Stockholm

Average August highs: 22C

Swedish schools start the new year in mid-August, ushering in the so-called ‘magic season’ on Stockholm's islands – that wonderful window when family crowds have dispersed but the weather and seas hold on to summer’s heat.

Sandhamn is the perfect back-to-nature pick close to the city, with sandy beaches, lush spa hotels and the recently opened Stockholm Archipelago Trail that loops around the island.

If you’re not up for a combined city and island break, the Swedish capital has more than enough to keep you busy. Culture cravers will like the Fotografiska photography museum, and you don’t have to be a die-hard ABBA fan to enjoy their dedicated interactive museum.

Hotel C Stockholm

4.3

Excellent

Stockholm, Stockholm & Surrounding Area, Sweden

1 Aug 2026
4 nights
Bed & breakfast
From Heathrow

Prices from

£449 pp

6. Gothenburg

Average August highs: 22C

If you've done Stockholm, Sweden's laidback second city is a perfect follow-up. It’s less about big sights and more about relaxed shopping and twice-daily fika breaks.

This time-honoured Swedish ritual is all about taking a moment to reconnect with friends over coffee and cinnamon buns. Gothenburg’s Haga district is the go-to spot to enjoy it – cafés like Café Husaren have been making oversized hagabullen buns for decades.

With mild August temperatures, it’s also a great time to explore Gothenburg’s idyllic archipelago. Make time to feast on fresh seafood and bring your swimming costume for a bracing paddle.

Hotel C Stockholm

4.3

Excellent

Stockholm, Stockholm & Surrounding Area, Sweden

1 Aug 2026
4 nights
Bed & breakfast
From Heathrow

Prices from

£449 pp

7. Amsterdam

Average August highs: 22C

A short break in Amsterdam won't be enough to get under the skin of the city, but you'll certainly get through many of the must-sees. A canal boat tour is essential in summer and 22C temps mean it’s one of the best ways to get acquainted with the Dutch capital.

Whatever the weather, museums are plentiful and fascinating, though you’ll want to book ahead for some – tickets for museums like the Anne Frank House can sell out weeks in advance.

If you can, time your visit with SAIL Amsterdam on 20-24 August. The once-every-five-years festival might have maritime history at its heart, but the five-day celebration also brings markets, live concerts and fireworks shows that will appeal to all.

Best Western Plus Amsterdam Airport Hotel

Hoofddorp, Amsterdam Area, Netherlands

14 Sept 2026
4 nights
Bed & breakfast
From Exeter

Prices from

£589 pp

8. Brussels

Average August highs: 23C

It's impossible to be bored in the land of fries, chocolate and beer. The good weather draws people outside for festivals and open-air parties that won’t require bucketloads of suncream to enjoy, and roving performers take to the streets with their circus acts, dance battles and more.

When you're not scoping out Brussels’ best events, seek out the Comic Strip Trail, an 80-strong collection of giant comic murals (think the Smurfs and Tintin).

Or, enjoy life al fresco at a guinguette. These parkside taverns complete with great food, fairy lights and dance floors have their origins in 18th-century Paris, and today are a sophisticated way to enjoy summer.

9. Krakow

Average August highs: 24C

A view of Wawel castle in Krakow on a sunny day

Okay, so Krakow can experience similar heatwaves to the UK but when the weather plays ball and sticks to the mid-20s, it’s hard not to fall for Poland’s second city.

The tiny Stare Miasto (Old Town) is a UNESCO-listed gem that charms with its oh-so European architecture, the unique Wawel Castle and famously cheap drinking out prices. Even in the city’s rooftop bars, you can expect a cocktail to cost around £8.

Just out of the city, you can keep things cool at Zakrzowek, a turquoise lake in a former quarry, or head to the mountain town of Zakopane for hiking and fresh alpine air.

Hampton by Hilton Krakow

4.6

Excellent

Krakow, Krakow Area, Poland

7 Sept 2026
4 nights
Bed & breakfast
From Leeds/Bradford

Prices from

£379 pp

10. Berlin

Average August highs: 24C

There's never a bad time to visit Berlin but it's hard to deny its allure in summer. Make a beeline for the city's lakes, where you can swim, sunbathe and rent boats and paddleboards. Wannsee is a top pick thanks to its sandy beach and surrounding green spaces.

Even in the city itself, parks, beer gardens and beaches (yes, really!) come alive under the sunshine. BeachMitte plonks piles of fine sand close to the heart of the city, while the Badeschiff beach bar and pool floats just off the banks of the River Spree.

There are also plenty of free street festivals showcasing theatre, dance, music and more.