Steal My Sunshine: The Top 20 Destinations To Visit This Summer
Let the Season Stretch
Summer has a way of transforming dream destinations. With all that daylight, there's even more time for adventure and to immerse yourself in local culture. Many regions even see summer as an opportunity to open attractions that usually stay closed the rest of the year. We're here to help you cruise into everyone's favorite season with 20 exceptional destinations that thrive in the sun!
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1. Porto, Portugal
Porto warms to an average of mid-70s °F by June, with minimal rain through summer, making it a perfect spot for tourists. Boat tours on the Douro River run daily, and beach towns like Matosinhos begin filling with locals by July. If that wasn't enough, you also have the São João Festival to look forward to in June.
Abhijeet Rane on Wikimedia Commons
2. Isle Of Skye, Scotland
Mid‑summer rain here drops to around 60–70 mm, and temperatures hover between a comfortable 16–18 °C. You’ll find daily ferry connections linking Mallaig and Armadale and the historic Glenelg turntable ferry operating until October. Popular trails like the Fairy Pools remain fully accessible, too.
Markus Bernet on Wikimedia Commons
3. Oaxaca, Mexico
The Guelaguetza festival is the city's biggest cultural event, drawing global visitors every year. Around this time, summer also offers mezcal tasting tours and extended museum hours, so there's plenty to do. Daily showers are common but brief, with temperatures averaging around 79 °F by mid-July.
4. Nova Scotia, Canada
Whale-watching tours along the Cabot Trail begin in late June and peak in August, when sighting rates are highest. In mid-July, Halifax hosts the TD Jazz Festival, with discounted performances throughout downtown, and coastal drives across the province open fully for summer road trips.
Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota on Wikimedia
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Summer in Ljubljana brings 22–30 °C temperatures and over 10 hours of sunshine daily from June to August. You can also attend the Ljubljana Festival, which runs from late June to September and features classical performances at Krizanke Amphitheatre. Riverside cafés and the Central Market also stay fully active.
Sieglinde Hankele on Wikimedia
6. Kyoto, Japan
Gion Matsuri runs throughout July, with two main processions on the 17th and 24th. This isn't the local for everyone, however, as summer highs often exceed 35 °C (95 °F), so you'll need to beat the heat in your favorite tourist spots. The good news is you can always enjoy shaved ice (kakigori) in shrines or riverside cafés.
Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia Commons
7. Milos, Greece
Mid‑June to August brings average highs of 79 °F (26.5 °C) and nearly no rainfall. As a result, more than 70 beaches, including volcanic‑sanded Firiplaka with its shallow turquoise waters, stay open and accessible by car or boat. Summer evening "panigiria" village festivals also offer local music and food!
Manfred Werner (Tsui) on Wikimedia
8. Banff, Canada
Trail conditions reach their safest by early July, giving full access to routes like Lake Agnes. You don't need to worry about large tourist groups either; to manage crowds, Parks Canada operates shuttles throughout the most visited zones. Meanwhile, temperatures average 15–25 °C, and wildlife activity only increases during this short, high-season window.
9. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn sees up to 18 hours of daylight in June and July, ideal for extended sightseeing in its UNESCO-listed Old Town. During this time, seasonal ferries to nearby islands like Aegna and Saaremaa run daily. Jaanipaev, held in June, brings midsummer bonfires and traditional folk music right to your doorstep, too.
Hiiumaamudeliklubi on Wikimedia
10. Palm Springs, California
Summer travelers often start early at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which climbs to hiking trails 8,500 feet up—and where temperatures are 30–40 °F cooler. By afternoon, poolside day clubs like The Saguaro host DJ events while weekdays offer quiet access to the museums and restaurants.
Domenico Convertini from Zurich, Schweiz on Wikimedia Commons
11. Hoi An, Vietnam
The dry season runs through July, offering sunny days and average highs near 30 °C with only moderate humidity. On full-moon nights, the Lantern Festival lights Old Town with electric lanterns and canal reflections. If you're looking for a little sand, Bang Beach stays calm and swimmable throughout the summer.
Raita Futo from Tokyo on Wikimedia Commons
12. Faroe Islands, Denmark
Summer offers the best conditions for exploring the islands, with up to 20 hours of daylight and reduced rainfall in June and July! While daily boat tours operate year-round, calmer seas improve access to Mykines and Kalsoy. July festivals also highlight incredible Faroese music and traditions.
13. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Grab your bathing suit! Mid-summer brings water temperatures up to 25 °C, and the bathing season runs from June to September. Pletna boat rides launch daily, taking visitors to the island's church with its 99 stone steps, and you can also take paddleboard tours or hike to viewpoints like Ojstrica and Vintgar Gorge.
14. Hokkaido, Japan
Peak lavender season hits Farm Tomita and Nakafurano between mid-July and early August. It's a sight that draws thousands daily, so you'll be in good company—and in good temperatures! Average midday temps range from 20–25 °C with low humidity, ideal for flower fields and open-air festivals.
663highland on Wikimedia Commons
15. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Midnight sun lasts through mid-August, which gives travelers full daylight for hiking, kayaking, or even surfing in Unstad. Temperatures also stay between 10–20 °C with little rain, giving you the best chance to explore Reinebringen's panoramic trail and fjord tours. Talk about a short, bright summer season!
Svein-Magne Tunli - tunliweb.no on Wikimedia
16. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar's long dry season runs from June to October, with daytime highs of 28–30 °C and low rainfall—perfect for beachgoers. Need a little inspiration? Mnemba Island's reef is part of a protected marine conservation area and offers prime snorkeling conditions, or you can hike Stone Town walking tours under clear skies.
17. San Sebastian, Spain
Zurriola Beach attracts surfers during summer, with consistent swells suited for all levels. Inland, evening crowds gather in Parte Vieja for pintxos—small bites paired with local cider. June to August averages 22–24 °C and brings more than 300 hours of monthly sunshine, so don't forget to pack your shades.
Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) on wikimedia commons
18. Tbilisi, Georgia
Summer in Tbilisi runs from June to September, with mostly clear skies. The season begins with the ZEG Storytelling Festival in mid-June, followed by the Tbilisi Open Air Music Festival later that month. Visitors often spend evenings along Rustaveli Avenue or at Turtle Lake's outdoor cafés, but the world is your oyster in this dreamland.
19. Punta Tombo, Argentina
From June to August, Magellanic penguins arrive at Punta Tombo, giving you plenty of photo opportunities! This coastal reserve also hosts one of the world's largest colonies, with guided boardwalk tours available daily. Cooler temperatures and light winds make wildlife viewing reliable and crowds a little thinner.
20. Amalfi Coast, Italy
In summer, ferries and hydrofoils run daily between Positano, Amalfi, and Capri, easing transport along the coast. July temperatures average 25–28 °C, which creates ideal conditions for beach outings and cliffside hikes. Additionally, local boat tours operate frequently, offering ways to avoid peak-season congestion.
