Coolcation Index: Europe's Top Destinations for Cooler Summer Temperatures
The summer months can prove challenging as we try to acclimate to the season’s heat. A trip to Europe often means an even further increase in degrees, which can be sweltering during peak summer months, making it too hot to fully enjoy your trip.
Finding destinations that offer respite from extreme heat has become a priority for many travellers. That’s why we've analysed temperature data across popular European destinations to create our comprehensive Summer 2025 Coolcation Index, identifying the most comfortably mild temperature destinations for your summer holiday.
Our findings uncover the top European destinations where you can enjoy pleasant summer warmth without suffering through uncomfortable heat. These places offer the perfect balance: warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities during the day, yet cool enough in the evenings for comfortable sleep and exploration.
The Top 10 Coolest European Destinations To Visit This Summer
| Rank | Destination | Avg. daytime temp °C (June) | Avg. nighttime temp °C (June) | Combi-ned avg. June temp °C | Avg. daytime temp °C (July) | Avg. nighttime temp °C (July) | Combined avg. July temp°C | Avg. daytime temp °C(August) | Avg. nighttime temp °C(August) | Combined avg. August temp°C | Total Summer avg. temp °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Copenhagen | 19 | 13 | 16 | 21 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 15 | 17.5 | 17.2 |
| 2 | Luxembourg City | 21 | 11 | 16 | 23 | 13 | 18 | 23 | 13 | 18 | 17.3 |
| 3 | Amsterdam | 20 | 12 | 16 | 22 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 15 | 18.5 | 17.5 |
| 4 | Hamburg | 21 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 14 | 18.5 | 17.5 |
| 5 | Kraków | 21 | 11 | 16 | 23 | 14 | 18.5 | 23 | 14 | 18.5 | 17.7 |
| 6 | Rotterdam | 20 | 13 | 16.5 | 22 | 15 | 18.5 | 22 | 15 | 18.5 | 17.8 |
| 7 | Ghent | 21 | 12 | 16.5 | 23 | 14 | 18.5 | 23 | 14 | 18.5 | 17.8 |
| 8 | Brussels | 21 | 12 | 16.5 | 23 | 14 | 18.5 | 23 | 14 | 18.5 | 17.8 |
| 9 | Munich | 22 | 12 | 17 | 24 | 14 | 19 | 24 | 14 | 19 | 18.3 |
| 10 | Donostia San Sebastián | 21 | 14 | 17.5 | 23 | 16 | 19.5 | 24 | 17 | 20.5 | 19.2 |
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen tops our Coolcation Index with the lowest overall summer temperature of just 17.2°C, making it Europe's premier destination for heat-sensitive travellers. The Danish capital maintains consistent temperatures throughout summer, with June offering daytime highs of 19°C, cooling to 13°C at night for a comfortable 16°C daily average. July warms slightly to 21°C during the day and 15°C overnight, resulting in an 18°C average, while August provides 20°C daytime and 15°C evening temperatures for a 17.5°C average.
This pleasantly moderate climate creates ideal conditions for exploring Copenhagen's colourful harbourfront buildings along Nyhavn, a world-class dining scene, and bicycle-friendly streets. The Tivoli Gardens provide enchanting amusement amongst lush greenery, whilst design enthusiasts will appreciate the Danish Design Museum and stunning contemporary architecture.
Even during July, typically the warmest month, the 21°C daytime high remains perfect for sightseeing without discomfort, while the consistent 15°C evenings in late summer create an ideal atmosphere for enjoying the city's stylish outdoor dining scene.
2. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Luxembourg City secures second place in our index with an average summer temperature of 17.3°C, allowing travellers to explore the appealing blend of historical charm and modern elegance. June brings mild 21°C days, cooling dramatically to just 11°C overnight for a 16°C daily average. July and August share identical temperature patterns with 23°C daytime warmth dropping to refreshing 13°C nights, resulting in an 18°C average.
The differentiation between day-night temperatures is notable, often seeing a 10°C drop after sunset, ensuring comfortable sleeping conditions even in the warmest months.
This small capital impresses with its dramatic setting across deep gorges, connected by remarkable bridges spanning the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers. The UNESCO-listed Old Town has impressive fortifications, whilst the Kirchberg district showcases striking contemporary architecture housing European institutions. Summer visitors can comfortably explore the extensive network of casemates (underground tunnels) during 23°C days, then enjoy the atmospheric old town as temperatures drop to a pleasant 13°C in the evenings.
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam comes joint third place in our Coolcation Index with an overall summer average of 17.5°C. The Dutch capital shows a gradual warming from June (20°C day/12°C night/16°C average) through July (22°C day/14°C night/18°C average) to August (22°C day/15°C night/18.5°C average). Still, even at its warmest, temperatures remain mild enough for exploring.
The famous canal belt creates a naturally cooling microclimate perfect for summer strolls, whilst the consistent 20-22°C daytime temperatures provide ideal conditions for visiting the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House without queuing in stifling heat.
Amsterdam's abundant green spaces, including Vondelpark and the Amsterdam Forest, provide welcome shade during the warmest afternoon hours, while evening canal cruises benefit from refreshing 12-15°C temperatures. The city's café culture thrives during summer, with pleasantly warm days encouraging outdoor dining without the discomfort found in hotter European destinations.
3. Hamburg, Germany
Also ranking third with a 17.5°C summer average, Hamburg offers a distinctly maritime experience with a similar temperature progression to Amsterdam. The German city features particularly cool June evenings at just 11°C alongside 21°C days for a 16°C monthly average. July brings 22°C afternoons and 14°C nights (18°C average), while August warms slightly to 23°C days whilst maintaining 14°C evenings (18.5°C average).
Germany's second largest city embraces its connection to water, with the River Elbe, Alster Lakes and numerous canals creating cooling breezes throughout the summer months. Hamburg's consistent 21-23°C daytime temperatures from June through to August create perfect conditions for exploring outdoor attractions, while the cool 11-14°C evenings are ideal for enjoying the city's vibrant harbourfront dining scene.
5. Kraków, Poland
With an average summer temperature of 17.7°C, Kraków concludes our top five coolcation destinations. The Polish city follows a similar pattern to Hamburg, beginning with refreshingly cool June averages (21°C day/11°C night/16°C average) before settling into a consistent July and August climate featuring 23°C days and 14°C nights for an 18.5°C average during both peak summer months.
Poland's cultural jewel offers magnificent medieval architecture centred around Europe's largest market square, Rynek Główny. The imposing Wawel Castle complex and atmospheric Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz reward exploration in the gentle 21-23°C daytime temperatures, while the dramatic cooling to 11-14°C after sunset creates perfect conditions for enjoying Kraków's emerging culinary scene at outdoor cafés.
These pleasant evening temperatures provide ideal conditions for experiencing the city's vibrant nightlife. At the same time, the moderate summer climate makes nearby day trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial more manageable.
6. Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam showcases cutting-edge architecture with an agreeable summer average of 17.8°C, placing it sixth in our index. The city maintains slightly milder night temperatures than some of its competitors, with June combining 20°C days and 13°C nights for a 16.5°C average. Both July and August share identical patterns of 22°C daytime and 15°C overnight temperatures, resulting in an 18.5°C average.
The Netherlands' second city has reinvented itself as a design hotspot following extensive post-war reconstruction. The iconic yellow Cube Houses, striking Markthal food hall, and impressive Erasmus Bridge exemplify the city's architectural ambition.
Rotterdam's consistent 20-22°C summer days make for a refreshing architectural walking tour, while the relatively mild 13-15°C evenings, among the warmest night temperatures in our top-ranked destinations, deliver a mild atmosphere for enjoying the city's innovative dining scene and revitalised waterfront areas.
6. Ghent, Belgium
Ghent shares sixth place with its 17.8°C summer average, but offers slightly different temperatures to Rotterdam. The Belgian city experiences June temperatures of 21°C during the day, falling to 12°C overnight (16.5°C average), while both July and August feature 23°C afternoons cooling to 14°C after dark (18.5°C average for both months).
Belgium's most underrated city break combines magnificent medieval architecture with a youthful university atmosphere. The city centre has grandstunning Gothic buildings like St Bavo's Cathedral (home to the Van Eyck altarpiece) and Gravensteen Castle, all comfortably explorable in the mild 21-23°C daytime temperatures.
Ghent’s abundant waterways and green spaces help maintain its pleasant microclimate even during peak summer months, while the refreshing drop to 12-14°C in the evenings allows travellers to comfortably enjoy Belgian beers at outdoor cafés along the picturesque canals.
6. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels completes our trio of sixth-place destinations with an identical temperature profile to Ghent, a 17.8°C overall summer average constructed from June (21°C day/12°C night/16.5°C average) and identical July and August conditions (23°C day/14°C night/18.5°C average). This consistent climate makes summer an ideal time to explore the Belgian capital's remarkable architectural heritage.
The UNESCO-listed Grand Place provides one of Europe's most spectacular urban squares, best appreciated during the pleasant 21-23°C daytime temperatures. The quirky Atomium is an iconic symbol of the city, while Brussels boasts an unrivalled selection of art nouveau architecture, particularly in the elegant Ixelles district.
The capital's reputation for excellent food and beer becomes even more appealing when enjoyed in the comfortable 23°C afternoons of July and August, while the significant cooling to 14°C in the evenings creates perfect conditions for sampling Belgian cuisine at the city's abundant outdoor terraces.
9. Munich, Germany
With an 18.3°C average summer temperature, Munich offers a slightly warmer climate than our leaders while still staying cool enough for enjoying its distinctive Bavarian character. June brings 22°C days and 12°C nights (17°C average), while both July and August share warmer temperatures with 24°C afternoons and 14°C evenings (19°C average for both months).
The German city has the warmest daytime temperatures in our top 10, reaching 24°C in July and August, but balances this with cool nights at 12-14°C, ensuring comfortable sleep. Munich's English Garden provides one of Europe's largest urban parks, particularly enjoyable during the pleasant 22-24°C days, while the atmospheric beer gardens become especially appealing as temperatures drop to 12-14°C in the evenings.
Summer visitors can explore the ornate Residenz palace, climb St Peter's Church tower for panoramic views, or enjoy the Viktualienmarkt food market in temperatures that remain manageable even at their 24°C peak.
10. Donostia San Sebastián, Spain
Rounding out our top 10 with a 19.2°C summer average, Donostia San Sebastián represents the most temperate of Spain's holiday destinations. The Basque city shows the most evident warming progression throughout the summer, from mild June (21°C day/14°C night/17.5°C average) to warmer July (23°C day/16°C night/19.5°C average) and August (24°C day/17°C night/20.5°C average), though still significantly cooler than most Spanish coastal resorts.
This coastal gem benefits from Atlantic breezes that moderate temperatures even during peak summer months. The city's idyllic La Concha beach ranks among Europe's finest urban beaches, particularly enjoyable during 21-24°C afternoons, while the charming Old Town houses what many consider the world's greatest concentration of outstanding restaurants and pintxos bars, best experienced during the mild 14-17°C evenings.
San Sebastián offers the warmest night temperatures in our top 10 (reaching 17°C in August), making evening dining particularly pleasant while still allowing for comfortable sleep.
Our Coolcation Index reveals that Europe's northern and central regions offer ideal conditions for summer travel, combining comfortable temperatures with world-class attractions. From Copenhagen's consistently cool 17.2°C summer average to San Sebastián's slightly warmer 19.2°C, these destinations provide welcome alternatives to overcrowded, overheated Mediterranean hotspots.
At Riviera Travel, we're dedicated to helping you discover these milder destinations through our thoughtfully designed tours. Whether you're seeking cultural exploration, architectural wonders, or culinary adventures, these moderate climate locations deliver exceptional experiences without the discomfort of extreme heat.
Discover your dream summer getaway to Europe here.
