Summer is the season for relaxation, adventure, and making memories, but let’s be honest, the heat can sometimes be a nuisance. As heat waves begin to spread across the United States, they bring more frequent and intense heat waves. Some states have even issued extreme heat warnings.
No one wants their summer vacation to be ruined by extreme heat. If you’re looking for great places to escape the sun within the United States, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of the best places to escape summer heat in U.S. that have great climates and a wide variety of activities to relax and enjoy this summer.
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Where Does Extreme Heat Occur In The US?
According to the news a strong heat wave is currently sweeping through the eastern third of the United States. It is affecting tens of millions of people, possibly as many as 150 to 160 million, and spans from Wisconsin to Washington, DC. Temperatures are expected to reach 102 °F (39 °C) in areas such as the New York metropolitan area.
Eastern states including Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont were affected, with some of them tying or breaking monthly high-temperature records on June 24th. If you’re on the hot East Coast, here are some places with cool summer temperatures in US to choose to visit to spend the summer.
Cool Places To Visit In July USA
July is usually a time of high temperatures, and there are plenty of cool places to vacation in the United States during this time of year. Let’s take a look at some of these comfortable weather travel destinations.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Average temperature in July: 71 °F (21 °C) to 55 °F (13 °C). There are fewer hours of rainfall, which is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
Located in Maine, Acadia National Park has a rugged coastline with dense forests. One can enjoy the serenity of the forest and the greatness of the ocean at the same time. You can stay in the nearest town, Bar Harbor, or a location a little farther away. For sunrise, you can head to Cadillac Mountain, although reservations are required here. The Beehive trail is the most popular and goes to the top of the mountain overlooking the ocean and beach.
How to get around: The park offers a free Island Explorer bus system that connects various attractions within the park and surrounding neighborhoods such as Bar Harbor. You can get on and off as you go, making it easy to get to trails, overlooks, and even downtown for a meal.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Average temperature in July: 71 °F (22 °C) to 46 °F (8 °C). Although temperatures can sometimes reach 90 °F (32 C), lower humidity and cooler nights bring plenty of comfort and are perfect for outdoor activities.
Often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent,” Montana’s Glacier National Park boasts majestic peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and active glaciers. You can stay near the airport and travel to West Glacier in 35 minutes. The most popular attraction is Lake McDonald, where you can watch the glaciers while boating. Along with the Logan Pass area, which has excellent viewpoints and trails.
How to get around: There is a free shuttle along the park, which is highly recommended to avoid parking challenges at popular trailheads. You can also rent bikes to explore specific areas or take a guided tour for an even richer experience.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Average temperature in July: 80°F (26°C) to 52°F (11°C), a mild climate ideal for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.
Travel to the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and you’ll find Mammoth Lakes. This mountain paradise boasts breathtaking views, crystal clear waters, and a cool climate. Along Minaret Road, you’ll find many accommodation options. At Twin Lakes Vista, you can see the calm lake and the mountains in the distance. Besides common activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, and even golfing can be done here.
How to get around: You can drive to the lakes and trails, and there is also a bus that covers the whole town, as well as a shuttle service to the main attractions.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Average temperature in July: 86°F (30°C) to 57°F (14°C). While the daytime temperatures are high, the significant drop in temperature after sunset brings a touch of coolness to the area.
Nestled at the foot of majestic Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is at a higher elevation, so temperatures are cooler. You can stay downtown or near the airport for easy travel. The Garden of the Gods is a must-see attraction here, made up of sandstone formations that create a unique look. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a conservation park with herds of giraffes, perfect for families.
How to get around: Traveling by car is usually the easiest way to visit attractions such as Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. However, downtown Colorado Springs is within walking distance and Mountain Metro Transit is locally available.
San Francisco, California
Average temperature in July: is 71°F (22°C) to 54°F (12°C). You may need a jacket in San Francisco in July due to fog and ocean breezes.
San Francisco has cool and foggy weather in a place where the economy is thriving and many cultures are intertwined. It’s a great place to spend a summer vacation, whether you’re a family, alone, or as a couple.
You can get a better view by staying near Fisherman’s Wharf. The Golden Gate Bridge is not to be missed, after that San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and Alcatraz Island are among the best attractions in San Francisco.
How to get around: San Francisco has a comprehensive public transportation system that makes it easy to get around even without a car.The Muni system includes buses, streetcars, and the iconic cable cars. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) connects San Francisco to the East Bay and the airport. What’s even better is that there is now a choice of driverless Uber services.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Average temperature in July: 59 degrees F (15 degrees C) to 39 degrees F (4 degrees C). This is already one of Denali’s warmest months, and this mild climate is perfect for exploring the vast wilderness and viewing grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
Denali National Park in Alaska offers breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and refreshing temperatures. Hotels are clustered in nearby Healy, from which you can access the park. Take the official bus to Denali Park Road for wildlife viewing in the park. Savage Alpine Trail is a good option if you want to hike afterward.
How to get around: To protect the wilderness of Denali National Park, the public transit system is primarily used in areas beyond 15 miles of the park road. You can also choose to view the park on foot.
Cool Places To Visit In August USA
If you’re planning a trip in August, there are just as many delightful destinations that offer a calmer temperatures that will keep you cool while still enjoying the summer fun.
Chicago, Illinois
Average temperature in August: is 82.5°F (28°C) to 65°F (18°C), and while the weather isn’t exactly cool during the day, the proximity to Lake Michigan often allows for a cool breeze.
Chicago, however, has cooler temperatures due to its lakeside location, providing an escape from the heat. Chicago has an abundance of parks, lakefront trails, and cultural attractions. It is recommended that you book your stay near the riverfront for both natural views and easy access to attractions. For relaxation, you can head to the Riverwalk, and to learn more about the city the Chicago History Museum is also nearby. Pebble Isle is a great place to find peace in Chicago. It’s an ideal destination for those who prefer city life more and can’t tolerate the sweltering climate common elsewhere.
How to get around: The “L” train and buses make it easy to explore the city’s many neighborhoods and attractions, and the Ventra card makes it even easier to get around. Walking is also a great way to explore the city center and specific areas such as the Magnificent Mile or the lakeside.
Yosemite National Park, California
Average temperature in August: 89 °F (32 °C)-56 °F (14 °C), Yosemite is warmer in August, but much cooler at higher elevations, such as the Tuolumne Meadows area.
Yosemite National Park boasts rare natural sights such as granite cliffs, giant redwoods, and waterfalls. You can choose to stay in the EI Portal or Yosemite West areas, which are only 20 minutes away from the main scenic spots. Glacier Point is a good lookout point with views of the mountains, while Tunnel View is the most famous, with views of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome as you drive out of the tunnel.
How to get around: Free shuttle buses are available throughout Yosemite Valley for easy access to major trailheads, viewpoints, and lodging areas. Access to higher elevation areas such as Tuolumne Meadows or Glacier Point usually requires a car, or you can take one of the seasonal paid tour buses that depart from the valley.
Zion National Park, Utah
Average temperature in August: is 88 °F (31 °C) to 55 °F (13 °C), higher elevations such as Kolob Canyons also offer cooler temperatures.
Zion National Park has massive sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and the Virgin River. Accommodations can be found in the small towns of Springdale or Virgin next to the park. Outdoor activities in Zion are not much, hiking, climbing, and swimming. The Narrows is the wading trail here, the water level is about at the legs, and in August when the water is warmer, it is more suitable to visit. For some different history lessons, the nearby Grafton Ghost Town is also worth some time.
How to get around: During peak season (including August), private vehicles are not allowed on the main Zion Canyon scenic drive. Instead, visitors can take the free Zion Canyon Shuttle, which makes stops at all major viewpoints and trailheads.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Average temperature in August: 78 °F (26 °C) to 56 °F (13 °C), with colder temperatures on peaks like Mount Le Conte.
The Great Smoky Mountains have some of the largest virgin forests in the U.S. Gatlinburg is a good choice for nearby lodging, or a little farther away in Pigeon Forge, where Cades Cove has beautiful mountain views and 19th-century farms along the way and opportunities for early-morning bear sightings. Kuwohi’s observation tower is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering views of the rolling peaks.
How to get around: The main mode of access here is by car, or you can choose from a number of Great Smoky Mountains tours from a travel agency that meets your needs.
Portland, Oregon
Average temperature in August: is 80 °F (27 Celsius) to 58 °F (15 Celsius), where temperatures are more comfortable than in the east or south due to lower humidity.
Portland is Oregon’s largest city, with the Columbia and Willamette Rivers running through it. The Pearl District is a great place to stay, with river views and many trendy boutiques and restaurants, and the Portland Japanese Garden offers views of the landscaping and waterfalls, a peaceful place to stay in the middle of the city. Escape the summer heat with art at the Portland Art Museum, which houses a collection of Asian, American, and Native American art. Grab a pen and paper and head to The Wishing Tree to write down your wishes and hang them.
How to get around: Portland is a great city for walking and biking, especially in the central neighborhoods, and the TriMet public transportation system (including the MAX light rail and buses) is so good that it can get you almost anywhere you want to go. If you’re planning an adventure to the Columbia River Gorge or Willamette Valley Wine Country, it’s a good idea to have a car.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Average temperature in August: is 82 °F (28 °C) and 76 °F (25 °C), and the Atlantic sea breeze even makes hot days cool and pleasant.
With its endless stretches of sandy beaches, this weir island is a unique seaside vacation destination. On the island, one can stay in Rodanthe or nearby Manteo. On the Outer Banks, it is common to find a variety of water sports. Or take a walk or go fishing at Rodanthe Pier Place. Cape Hatteras National Seashore has a beautiful lighthouse waiting to be discovered. It is the Bodie Island Lighthouse and is the tallest lighthouse in the United States.
How to get around: A car is essential to effectively explore the Outer Banks Islands. The islands are long and spread out, connected by Highway 12, so having your vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the different towns, lighthouses, and beach entrances.
FAQ
Which state has the hottest summer?
The hottest state in the U.S. In the summer it is Arizona, though of course, temperatures vary slightly from year to year. Cities like Phoenix typically see average summer temperatures well over 90°F (32°C) and many days even over 100°F (38°C), making it a hotspot for extreme heat.
Which US city has the coolest summers?
The coolest is San Francisco, California. Its unique climate, characterized by pervasive fog and ocean breezes, maintains mild temperatures even in the height of summer when a jacket is usually required.
What US state has the best weather all year-round?
California, especially Southern California, has a pleasant year-round climate. Cities like San Diego have a mild, sunny climate year-round, with low humidity and no significant alternation between hot and cold.
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