Skip The Heat In The 7 Coldest Cities In The U.S. This Summer (2024)

The change of season brings an interesting twist to one's travel habits and needs. During winter, tourists yearn to vacation in warmer destinations to escape the biting cold. Come summer, the need to escape the scorching hot weather rises.

However, even the top travel destinations in the US that every traveler dreams of visiting at least once can be uncomfortable to explore during summer due to the sweltering temperatures. According to a heat index from the National Weather Service, places with temperatures exceeding 80°F cause fatigue after prolonged exposure or physical activities, making touring experiences unbearable.

Thankfully, some of the most popular and visited US cities have colder summers, where their temperatures don’t surpass 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The cities are either nestled at the base of majestic mountains, along the coast, or in regions that receive less heat, allowing tourists to escape the unforgiving summer heat. Here are some of the coldest cities to visit in the US during summer.

7 Duluth, Minnesota

Average high temperature during summer: 60 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit

Duluth’s proximity to Lake Superior, the coldest of the Great Lakes, makes it one of the best cities in the US to escape the summer heat. The massive lake acts as a heat sink, plus the easterly winds help with cooling during summer, ensuring holidaymakers are comfortable when exploring the city’s scenic spots.

One of the best things to do in Duluth during summer is visiting the Great Lakes Aquarium, a freshwater-focused aquarium situated in the harbor of Lake Superior. The family-friendly destination is home to hundreds of different species found in the Great Lakes and other marine habitats around the world.

Leif Erikson Park, a massive greenspace, is another incredible spot to explore for free outdoor movies every Friday during summer, take scenic walks, or enjoy the colorful flower displays at the Rose Garden.

6 Portland, Maine

Average high temperature during summer: 62 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit

History and breathtaking coastal beauty draw avid travelers to the bustling city of Portland, Maine. However, there’s more to this destination, as vacationers discover a perfect spot to enjoy a break from the unbearable heat of some of the hottest places in the US during summer. The city's cooler temperatures during mid-summer allow adventurers to explore Portland’s iconic landmarks during a one-of-a-kind train ride from the historic Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad.

While on board, travelers soak in gorgeous Casco Bay views as a conductor narrates the intriguing history of the railroad, city, and sights situated along the route. Embarking on this trip is one of the best family activities travelers can enjoy when seeking a sightseeing educational experience. However, lovebirds who want a romantic experience can enjoy the Sunset Express ride offered on summer Saturday evenings from June through August.

5 Fairbanks, Alaska

Average high temperature during summer: 54 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit

Nestled in the heart of Alaska is Fairbanks, a unique destination known for displaying the stunning aurora borealis. Despite being inland, Fairbanks experiences mild summer temperatures, providing an ideal environment to explore the city’s wealth of attractions, starting with the scenic Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary.

Armed with binoculars and comfortable walking shoes, nature lovers explore the sanctuary’s easy nature trails winding through a lush forest and past a pristine lake. Along the way, visitors spot snowshoe hares, foxes, and flying squirrels, plus some of the over 100 bird species, including kingfishers, ducks, cranes, and geese. Besides the abundant wildlife, the sanctuary is a popular spot for watching the northern lights from August through April.

4 Port Angeles, Washington

Average high temperature during summer: 53 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit

Summers in Port Angeles are cooler as the Pacific Ocean moderates the area’s climate. The city’s mild temperatures make it a perfect destination to escape from the unforgiving summer heat and enjoy outdoor activities. A must-do while in Port Angeles is to explore the sprawling Olympic National Park, which features easy hikes for hikers of all ages.

The park protects a vast wilderness with diverse landscapes, including rocky alpine slopes, interconnected rivers and lakes, lush, ancient forests, and glacier-capped summits rising from the shimmering ocean.

For a first-hand and immersive experience of exploring this untamed wilderness, outdoor lovers embark on a hiking adventure to Mount Storm King. A challenging 4.1-mile trail leads hikers through the park’s giant evergreens to a summit boasting expansive mountain, forest, and lake vistas.

3 San Francisco, California

Average high temperature during summer: 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit

San Francisco witnesses a surge in tourism during summer despite the scorching sun blazing across most cities and towns in California. The Golden City experiences a unique climate, which can be attributed to meteorological and geographical factors. Its setting near the Pacific Ocean provides a marine layer that keeps temperatures between 60 and 70°F during mid-summer, requiring people to dress accordingly for potential fog when exploring the city.

Due to the city’s popularity in summer, budget travelers can take advantage of the free things to do in San Francisco to avoid the notable increase in prices the season brings. A bucket list adventure for many is visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic worldwide landmark where adventurers can bike, hike, shop, or relax to soak in its magnificence. Taking guided city tours also allows tourists to discover more of San Francisco.

2 Anchorage, Alaska

Average high temperature during summer: 55 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit

Alaska is the coldest state in the United States, so it’s no surprise that two of its major cities are the perfect destinations to escape the heat this summer. Besides experiencing harsh winters, summers in Anchorage tend to be cooler, with temperatures staying in the low 70s, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, the surrounding mountains, as the city is set at the base of the stunning Chugach Mountains, help keep the scorching temperatures at bay.

The mentioned mountains are the perfect playground for outdoor lovers, offering access to top hikes like the Flattop Mountain Trail. Although there are some rock scrambling sections to the top, this popular hike leads to a summit offering breathtaking views of Anchorage’s city skyline, Cook Inlet, and more. There are a lot of things to do in Anchorage besides hiking, like learning about Indigenous cultures, exploring its downtown, viewing wildlife, and more.

1 Eureka, California

Average high temperature during summer: 52 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit

Eureka is a beautiful Northern California city known for its unique Victorian architecture. Located along the Pacific Ocean, this city boasts a maritime climate that ensures notably cool and consistent summers, with temperatures ranging from 52 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit. This stands in contrast to the much hotter conditions experienced in nearby cities, making Eureka a perfect destination to enjoy a refreshing summer retreat.

There’s a lot to explore in this port city, starting with its charming Old Town district with well-preserved Victorian-era buildings housing eateries such as the Café Waterfront. While food lovers sample seafood at the café, nature lovers can explore the 60-acre Sequoia Park Garden, featuring scenic trails meandering through a majestic redwood forest.