Vannes harbour, Brittany, France, photographed on 28 April 2010. Original title: Port de Vannes quai Eric Tabarly. Photo: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized. Related-story thumbnails may be cropped.
The best summer destination depends on what you want from June, July and August: cool coasts and festivals in Brittany, guaranteed sunshine in Lanzarote, the midnight sun in Norway, mountain lakes in Banff, or the dry season in Bali. Some popular places, such as Kyoto in midsummer, are hot and humid, and the southern hemisphere, including Cape Town, is in winter, so match the destination to the season.
This guide was updated on 5 November 2026 using official tourism and park websites. Book early for summer, as flights and accommodation fill up fast.
Summer destinations at a glance
Swipe or scroll horizontally to see the full table.
| Destination | Best for | Summer weather | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brittany, France | Coast, islands and Celtic festivals | Mild coastal climate | Changeable weather; bring layers |
| Lanzarote, Spain | Reliable sun and volcanic landscapes | Warm and dry (average 24–25°C in July–August) | Book Timanfaya tickets online |
| Northern Norway | Midnight sun and hiking | Cool and bright | High prices; book ferries early |
| Banff, Canada | Mountain lakes and walking | Warm days, cool nights | Shuttle reservations for Moraine Lake |
| Bali, Indonesia | Beaches, temples and rice terraces | Dry season | Peak-season crowds and traffic |
| Kyoto, Japan | The Gion Matsuri festival in July | Hot and humid, often over 35°C | Heat; sightsee early and late |
Brittany, France
Brittany, in north-west France, shown at the top of this page, suits travellers who prefer fresh sea air to heat. Its coast ranges from the Pink Granite Coast, with its "very mild coastal climate", to the Gulf of Morbihan, with islands and megalithic sites to explore. In August, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient brings Celtic music and dance from across the world; check the official website for the 2027 dates. The weather can change quickly, so bring a waterproof.
Lanzarote, Spain
Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, has warm weather all year, with an average annual temperature of about 21°C and little rain; in July and August, average air temperatures are about 24–25°C and the sea is around 21–22°C. Its volcanic landscapes are the highlight. Visits to the Montañas del Fuego in Timanfaya National Park must be booked online in advance for a specific day and arrival time, and Jameos del Agua, a cave venue designed by César Manrique, is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Northern Norway
North of the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for weeks in summer. According to Visit Norway, the midnight sun lasts from about 28 May to 14 July in the Lofoten Islands and from 20 May to 22 July in Tromsø. It is a wonderful time for hiking, kayaking and fishing villages, with long, bright evenings. See our Scandinavia first-trip guide.
Banff, Canada
Summer is the best time to see Banff's turquoise lakes. Moraine Lake is closed to private cars, so you need a Parks Canada shuttle (June to mid-October), a licensed tour or a stay at the lodge; shuttle seats usually sell out well in advance, and reservations open in spring. Park entry costs $12.25 per adult per day. See our Canada first-trip guide.
Bali and Kyoto
Bali is at its best in the dry season, which in Indonesia generally runs from about April to October, making it a popular summer choice. July and August are the busiest months, so book early and expect traffic in the south. Visitors arriving in Bali pay a tourist levy; check the current amount before you travel.
Kyoto in July hosts the month-long Gion Matsuri festival. Be prepared for the heat: Kyoto's tourism office notes that days over 35°C have become more common in summer, with high humidity and sudden downpours. Sightsee early in the morning and in the evening, and drink plenty of water.
The Greek islands
The Greek islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos, are classic summer destinations, but July and August are very busy and hot. June and September often have warm seas with fewer crowds. Cruise passengers may pay an extra fee on the busiest islands in peak season. See our guides to Mykonos beaches and the best Greek islands for couples.
A note on Cape Town and the southern hemisphere: June to August is winter in South Africa, Australia and much of South America, with cooler and, in Cape Town, wetter weather. Save these for the northern winter.
Summer destinations: FAQ
Where is warm but not too hot in summer?
Brittany, Northern Norway and Banff have mild to warm summers; Lanzarote is warm but tempered by the Atlantic.
Is Bali good in July and August?
Yes, it is the dry season, but also the busiest time; book early.
Is Cape Town good in summer?
Not in the northern summer: June to August is winter there. Visit from November to March instead.
Sources and planning checks
Facts were checked on 5 November 2026 against Brittany Tourism, Turismo Lanzarote, Visit Norway, Parks Canada and Kyoto City Tourism. Festival dates for 2027, the Bali tourist levy and Greek cruise fees could not be confirmed on official sites. Recommendations are editorial judgments.
Affiliate note: Photos4Travel may earn a commission if you book through the hotel link in this article.
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