Coolest U.S. Towns to Visit When Summer Heats Up | TravlSync by TravlFi

Experienced travelers share the best places in the States to cool off this season.

A recent Climate Central analysis found that 96% of 241 U.S. locations are experiencing rising nighttime temperatures in the summer, a clear nod to our long-time enemy: global warming. As summer temperatures peak this year—and nights continue to stay uncomfortably warm—many U.S. travelers seek refuge from scorching urban regions and humid southern beaches.

If you’re an outdoor adventurer or vanlifer, it may be even more important for you to find these cooler destinations. Highs in the 70s mean you can hike or kayak any time of day, and when you wind down in the van or campsite at night, you won’t be stuck in a sweltering hotbox.

But even for travelers at large, lower temps typically mean safer outdoor environments, deeper sleeps, and no heat‑related illnesses. As fans of cooler temps ourselves, we rounded up a few of our favorite cooler US summer destinations. These mountain towns, misty coasts, shady trails, and northern retreats are ideal for anyone looking to escape a summer heatwave.

Zach Bugos, Jaime Summers, Samantha Lewis, Amanda Capritto, and Lauren Keary, a range of avid hikers, travelers, backpackers, and vanlifers, contributed expertise to this article.
This article was reviewed for accuracy by Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor and full-time vanlifer.

Why Travel Somewhere Cooler in the Summer?

Believe it or not, there are some U.S. locations that require long pants and jackets in the middle of July. Photo/Amanda Capritto.

Benefits of Choosing a Cooler Destination

More comfortable outdoor activities: Have you ever attempted a midday hike in Florida or Texas in July? Enough said.
Reduced risk of heat‑related illnesses: Lugging gallons of water with you to avoid dehydration or heat exhaustion can be exhausting in itself. In cooler destinations, you can be comfortable leaving your house with just one daily jug.
Better sleep, energy levels, and productivity: No night sweats, better stamina, and more hours in the day where it isn't too hot to get outdoors.

Common Characteristics of Cooler Towns

High elevation: Though the sun is strong up in the mountains (wear your sunscreen, trust us), the temperatures often stay below 80 degrees all summer and drop well into the 50s overnight.
Coastal influence: Leave it to an ocean breeze to keep the temps at a reasonable level year round.
Northern latitude: The closer you get to Canada, the lower those afternoon highs are going to be.

Best U.S. Towns to Beat the Heat This Summer

East Coast

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Average summer temps: Highs around 78 °F, lows in the mid 60s.
Elevation: Sea level.
What it’s like: Picturesque dune beaches, classic New England village, moderate hikes, and coastal lighthouses.
Ideal for: Pastel-lovers seeking a good lobster roll after an easy seaside hike.

Rupert, Vermont

Photo by Lauren Keary.

Average summer temps: Highs around 80°F, lows in the upper 50s.
Elevation: 1,037 ft.
What it’s like: Rolling green hills, streams and rivers for a dip, and small-town holiday parades.
Ideal for: Hikers, river-lifers, and anyone looking to slow down for a week or weekend.
Pro-tip: “The 4th of July parade was one of the most wholesome small-town experiences I had while living on the east coast.” — Lauren Keary, travel journalist

West Coast

Sea Ranch, California

Sea Ranch offers gorgeous, but quite chilly, beaches. Photo by Amanda Capritto

Average summer temps: Highs in the low 70s, lows around 51 °F.
Elevation: Sea level.
What it’s like: Coastal cliffs (think: Big Little Lies), architecturally unique seaside designs, foodie destinations, and beach trails to lighthouses.
Ideal for: Small-town farmers’ markets, boutique food scenes, and peaceful, winding coastal drives
Pro-tip: “Stop by the weekend farmers’ market in nearby Gualala for locally crafted soaps.” — Zach Bugos, avid backpacker

San Juan Islands, Washington

Average summer temps: Highs around 71 °F, lows around 50-55°F.
Elevation: Sea level.
What it’s like: Frequent orca and eagle sightings, beautiful ferry rides, and great sea kayaking with forest views.
Ideal for: Wildlife lovers and water activity enthusiasts seeking a unique island life (forested islands, that is).
Pro-tip: “Deer have no natural predators here, so they aren’t afraid of humans.” — Zach Bugos, avid backpacker

Mountain West

Crested Butte, Colorado

Photo by Lauren Keary.

Average summer temps: Highs in the mid 70s, lows in the mid 40s.
Elevation: ~8,900 ft.
What it’s like: Mountain town aesthetic, alpine meadows, stunning high-elevation hiking trails and great mountain biking.
Ideal for: Mountain lovers wanting a crisp hike, bike, or lake swim with mountain views around every switchback or inlet.
Pro-tip: “Bring a paddle board and paddleboard Emerald Lake while taking in mountain views and wildflowers.” — Jaime Summers, 14er hiker

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is known for its Bavarian architecture and mountainous backdrop. Photo/Lauren Keary.

Average summer temps: Highs in the low 80s, lows in the 50s.
Elevation: ~1,200 ft.
What it’s like: Mountain Bavarian village feel, Cascade mountain views, riverside trails and river floats, and lots of beer gardens.
Ideal for: Folks looking for a unique cultural experience stateside, with outdoor adventures nearby.
Pro-tip: “This town feels more like Germany than Washington, and you can grab a das boot (a large glass boot of beer) to truly immerse yourself in the Bavarian culture.” — Zach Bugos, avid backpacker

Midwest

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Average summer temps: Highs around 75 °F, lows in the upper 50s.
Elevation: Sea level.
What it’s like: Unique car‑free island, carriage rides, old-school fudge shops, and historic forts.
Ideal for: Families and history buffs looking for an old-school feel and charming, relaxed way of life

Duluth, Minnesota

Average summer temps: Highs in the mid‑70s °F, lows around 60 °F.
Elevation: ~705 ft.
What it’s like: Lake Superior rocky shorelines, tree-covered parks, scenic ridge hikes, and a downtown with a history of maritime culture.
Ideal for: Travelers looking for an urban retreat with a breeze that still offers some outdoor activities.

Southwest

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff offers stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks (though they won’t be covered in snow in August.) Photo by Amanda Capritto.

Average summer temps: Highs in the low 80s, lows in the 50s.
Elevation: ~7,000 ft
What it’s like: Pine-forest plateaus, red rocks galore, clean mountain air, and great proximity to multiple national parks.
Ideal for: Road-trippers and hikers who want cooler temps with access to day or weekend trips to Grand Canyon, Sedona, and the Petrified Forest.
Pro Tip: “Take the train to the Grand Canyon from nearby Williams. The mock robbery is great for families with young children.” — Samantha Lewis, avid hiker and traveler

Taos, New Mexico

Nearby Carson National Forest offers incredible hiking at high elevations, including the trail to Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet above sea level. Photo by Amanda Capritto.

Average summer temps: Highs around 80 °F, lows in the 50s.
Elevation: ~7,000 ft.
What it’s like: Adobe architecture, ample art, and dramatic desert‑mountain contrast.
Ideal for: Culture‑seekers who appreciate art but also love a stunning mountain backdrop.
Pro-tip: “If you’re looking for a challenge, climb Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly state highpoints in the U.S.” — Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor

Southeast

Mountain City, Tennessee

Average summer temps: Highs around 77–80 °F, lows in the low 60s.
Elevation: ~2,418 ft.
What it’s like: Crisp Appalachian valley air, lake and mountain trails, and a small-town country feel.
Ideal for: Local Tennessean families and country western-loving travelers looking to escape the heat.

Mid‑Atlantic

Highlands, North Carolina

Average summer temps: Highs in the upper 70s, lows in the mid 50s.
Elevation: ~4,118 ft.
What it’s like: Damp forest canopies, waterfall hikes, rhododendron groves, and an art-heavy downtown area.
Ideal for: Travelers looking to wind down in a quaint downtown after a long day exploring shaded trails will love the combo Highlands offers.

Non‑Contiguous U.S. (Alaska & Hawaii)

Seward, Alaska

The Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska. Photo by Amanda Capritto

Average summer temps: Highs in the low 60s, lows in the upper 40s.
Elevation: Sea level.
What it’s like: Fjords, glaciers, roadside wildlife, and a true chill in the air.
Ideal for: Wildlife lovers looking to spot puffins and sea lions off-shore or hikers/kayakers wanting to explore Alaskan-style fjords and glaciers.
Pro-tip: “Make sure to hike the Harding Icefield trail at Kenai Fjords National Park for epic views of the Exit Glacier and the icefield, which stretches for 700 square miles and is the source of nearly 40 glaciers in Alaska.” — Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor

Makawao, Maui, Hawaii

View from the top of Haleakalā. Photo by Lauren Keary.

Average summer temps: Highs around 80 °F, lows in the mid 60s.
Elevation: ~1,600 ft (upcountry slope of Haleakalā volcano)
What it’s like: Lush tropical ranches, breezy views of the beachlife below, forest and volcanic landscapes, and plenty of local arts and paniolo (cowboy) culture.
Ideal for: Travelers wanting a change of scenery from the sweltering sandy beaches, western charm, farm‑to‑table restaurants, and access to Haleakalā National Park (which can dip well into the 40s, even in the middle of summer).
Pro-tip: “Maui offers the highest elevation gain in the shortest distance with the opportunity to travel from sea level to the top of Haleakalā at 10,023 feet in just 37 miles. Makawao is one of the last towns you’ll hit before you head up to the summit of the volcano.” — Zach Bugos, avid backpacker

Tips for Planning a Heat‑Free Summer Getaway

Coastal locations offer some of the coolest summer temps. Photo by Amanda Capritto

Pack layers for day and night: Cooler evenings in mountains or northern states often call for fleeces or light puffer jackets.
Expect afternoon storms in mountain areas: Thunderstorms can roll in unexpectedly at high elevations; bring waterproof clothes and shoes and start hikes early in the day to avoid getting caught in rough afternoon weather.
Be aware of the elevation: Altitude sickness is real, so be careful tackling difficult outdoor activities before you’ve settled in at your new elevation.

FAQs

What U.S. states have the coolest summer temperatures?

Coastal New England, coastal Washington, and Alaska are cool-weather places to visit in July in the US. Mountain destinations in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado also fit the bill, with temperatures often cooling down to the 40s, 50s, and 60s at night.

Are cooler towns more expensive to visit in summer?

Generally, no. Mid‑summer pricing in cooler towns can be similar to warm‑weather beach destinations. Places to visit in the summer in the US that are off the beaten path, like Taos, New Mexico, often offer budget-friendly lodging. We’d expect to see higher prices in more popular spots like Cape Cod or the San Juan Islands. Off‑peak weekdays and non-holiday weekends may offer a friendlier price tag in those areas.

Where to travel in August in the USA?

For August, your best picks are coastal towns with Pacific or Atlantic breezes (Cape Cod, Sea Ranch), mountain towns near high elevations (Crested Butte, Makawao) or farther north (Seward, Duluth). At this time of year, far northern cities and high-altitude towns are the only places that remain reliably cool.