Mallorca, Italy, or Greece have been among German travelers' favorite destinations for decades. However, given the increasingly frequent heat waves with high temperatures, many travelers are now thinking twice about where their summer trip should go. A vacation in regions with more moderate climates is a good option.
Pleasant alternatives in typical summer travel countries
Those who don't want to give up the south completely can also find more pleasant regions there. On the French Atlantic coast around Biarritz, the Atlantic provides significantly milder temperatures even in midsummer than in many places on the Mediterranean coast. The situation is similar in Madeira. The Portuguese island group is located in the middle of the Atlantic and often only reaches highs between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. This makes it ideal for hiking, swimming, or active round trips.
Discovering the Baltic region
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are also coming into focus. In Estonia, temperatures in summer often don't rise above 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The country has a well-developed cycling network as well as numerous islands such as Saaremaa or Hiiumaa, which are suitable for a relaxed beach vacation. Latvia attracts visitors with its vibrant capital Riga and long sandy beaches on the Baltic Sea. Lithuania delights nature lovers especially with national parks, lakes, and the Curonian Spit.
The Nordic countries remain the classic choice
Those seeking a comparatively cool summer often end up in Scandinavia. Denmark combines city trips to Copenhagen with coastal vacations. Norway impresses with fjords, waterfalls, and spectacular hiking trails. Sweden offers countless camping opportunities and miles of beaches with pleasant temperatures. In the far north, travelers even experience the midnight sun in summer.
Finland will be listed for the ninth consecutive time in 2026 as the happiest country in the world in the World Happiness Report. In addition to thousands of lakes, sauna sessions are an integral part of Finnish culture - should it ever feel too cool. Iceland, in turn, attracts visitors with volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and the capital Reykjavík. Even in midsummer, average temperatures are usually only between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The only downside: The Nordic countries are among the most expensive travel destinations in Europe.
Winter in the middle of European summer
Those who want to outsmart the warm season can also fly to the Southern Hemisphere. While it's midsummer in Europe, it's winter there. In South Africa and Namibia, daytime temperatures during this period are often between 64 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time, ideal conditions prevail for wildlife viewing. In Argentina and Chile, on the other hand, it's ski season. Winter sports enthusiasts find their paradise around Bariloche or in the Andes.
