10 summer holiday destinations in Europe that aren’t too hot

With an average temperature of 10.5°C in July and August, Reykjavik is one of the coolest places in Europe to holiday in the summer. Summer flights will cost you around £280 but as always, try to book your flights as far in advance as possible to get the best deals.

Reykjavik has so much to offer in the summer – most notably thanks to the near 24-hour daylight. This optimises your day plans, allowing for evening hikes on the diverse landscape of the south coast and late night drinks at a rooftop bar in the city. My tip? Head to Skógafoss waterfall and scale the 527 steps to the top for sweeping views of Iceland’s other-worldly landscape.

Around 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle is Tromsø, Norway’s most northern city. With an average summer temperature of 12°C, it’s a great time to explore the region without battling the sub-zero temperatures present for much of the year. UK flights cost around £312 for a return journey.

With long summer days similar to Reykjavik, there are plenty of hours to pack in summer activities. Go whale watching, hike up to Brosmetinden for stunning ocean views, or take an excursion to learn about the local Sami culture – there’s so much to do and see.

You may have ventured to Sweden’s capital of Stockholm, but have you considered the country’s second city of Gothenburg? With an average temperature of 16.5°C in summer, it’s a great spot for a summer city break that isn’t too hot. Even better? Return flights are around £178 in July and August.

Summer is when Gothenburg really comes to life. Whether you fancy a day out with the family to Liseberg amusement park, a picnic in Kungsparken or a fancy seafood dinner at an outdoor restaurant, there’s so much to do in the city. Don’t miss out on walking the trails of the city’s magical archipelago too.

With an average summer temperature of 17.5°C, Glasgow is another great cooler destination for a summer break – and with return flights costing around £96, it’s perfect for those on a tight budget too. From walks to galleries, museums to art trails, there’s more than enough to fill a long weekend – and even more.

Head to the leafy West End and dive into the local culture of independent shops and cafes galore – my top pick is Pulp for brunch. I love Ashton Lane too, which is packed with restaurants, bars and tearooms. For architecture fans, be sure to stop by the University of Glasgow, which is said to have inspired Harry Potter’s school of Hogwarts.

Another perfect spot for a European summer holiday that’s not too hot is Estonia’s capital city, Tallinn. The average summer temperature is 17.5°C, giving visitors a pleasant dose of sunshine that’s still perfect for exploring. Direct flights in July and August average around £229.

In July, Tallinn plays host to the three-day Medieval Days festival, transforming the city’s Old Town into a medieval village bustling with activities. Elsewhere, there’s waterfront restaurants, music events and even nearby beaches – truly something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a sunny holiday that is not too hot in July or August in Europe, Riga ticks all the boxes with an average temperature of 17.5°C. Direct flights cost around £215, with low-cost hotels making it a great option for those on a tighter budget too.

Stop by the famous Three Brothers, the oldest residential complex in Riga and museum of architecture, and then climb to the top of St Peter’s Church for some of the best sprawling views of the city. For art and music lovers, there’s the Riga Contemporary Art Fair and Rīgas Ritmi, a three-day jazz festival.

Have you ever considered Lithuania as a holiday destination? With an average summer temperature of 18.5°C, its capital Vilnius is a great option for a cooler holiday in July and August. Direct flights from the UK are priced at around £207 at this time of year, or there are cheaper options if you’re happy to get a connecting flight.

Vilnius has something for everyone. History and landmark lovers must visit Gediminas' Tower (with quite the hike up to it, you’re rewarded with sweeping city views) and Gates of Dawn, while outdoorsy types will love long walks along the Neris River. For food, head east from the old town to Paupio Turgus – a food court in the most beautiful setting.

Wrocław is often overlooked for Poland’s more popular cities of Kraków and Warsaw – but there’s so much to do in summer and it’s a really affordable place to visit. The average temperature in summer sits around 20°C, just the perfect amount of sun for exploring. Prices for direct UK flights at this time of year are around £141.

Base yourself in the old town so you can wander past the eclectic mix of colourful buildings every day of your trip. Have a drink with the locals at Słodowa Island, eat breakfast at Pomiędzy, and explore the street art in Nadodrze. Travelling with kids? See if they can spot some of the over 700 bronze dwarves scattered around the city.

You may not have heard of Cluj Napoca, the unofficial capital of the Transylvanian region of Romania, but with an average summer temperature of 21.5°C, it could be the perfect place for a cooler holiday. Direct UK flights in the summer are around £257 – and there’s so much to do there and nearby that you could easily spend a week here.

Cluj Napoca is home to a thriving arts scene, historical points of interest and a hugely lively nightlife. It’s also surrounded by beautiful nature, with hikes, gorges and ziplines all nearby. For spooky lovers, a day trip to Bran Castle (more commonly known as Dracula’s Castle) is an absolute must.

Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital, where the average temperature in July and August reaches 22.5°C. I am a huge fan of all things Slovenia, from the quaint capital city to its breathtaking Triglav National Park. Direct flights cost around £264, but booking in advance could get you an even better deal.

Ljubljana is a city of bridges, with 17 ornate bridges providing access over the Ljubljanica River throughout the city. Stop by the pink Franciscan church, browse the independent shops, and pick up a picnic lunch in the central market to enjoy in the picturesque Tivoli Park. If you can, try to shoehorn a day trip (at least) to nearby Lake Bled – it really is as wonderful as the photos look.