Stay Cool For The Summer — Where To?

Personally, summers are my favorite, but they sometimes make it so tricky to breathe and cool down.

Temperatures have been going crazy in the past few years. If you too need cool ideas for the summer, you’ve got it in the bag.

Closely following forecast records and meteorologists’ data analysis, I created a new list of charming US cities that won’t melt you down in the summer.

It’s important to note, as a devil’s advocate, that perceived temperature will feel slightly different depending on local wind conditions and humidity. Air pollution is an essential variable when measuring air temperature, too.

So, take this with a pinch of salt, but also let us know in the comments if you have any other perfect summer getaways we should add to the list!

1. San Francisco

July in San Francisco averages 60.3 degrees. That is not bad at all for the West Coast!

Thanks to the near the ocean location, San Francisco benefits from the Pacific breeze and marine air. Because of this, similar to others on the list, San Francisco will have mild winters and cool summers.

Fellow San Franciscans pride themselves upon their local climate and stay sheltered from summer heatwaves.

Both touristic and relatively cool, our number one point on the list could get rid of your sweats this summer.

2. Seattle

The July average is 66.5 degrees in Seattle, 800 miles up north from San Francisco. It is known as one of the nation’s coolest cities in the summer, with temperatures maintained low.

According to available data, Seattle gets super hot as rarely as 4 days per year. Whenever temperatures do exceed 90 degrees though, a state of crisis is declared. It is fair to say you’ll be safely cool in Seattle 99% of the summer.

Winters are interestingly mild in Seattle as well, with the Cascade Mountain range shielding the city from cold air masses.

3. San Jose

San Jose is the underrated southern neighbor of San Francisco, where the July average is currently 69.5 degrees. Once again, definitely not bad!

The city benefits from the same natural cooling mechanisms from out at sea and provides plenty of vacay activities.

4. Portland

Portland temperatures average 70.2 in July thanks to the very same climate trends by the ocean.

Sure, while most Pacific Coast cities will have cool summers, make sure to check other key geographical features. Forests, mountains, and hills will still shape local climate differently.

Luckily, Portland stands close to national parks and forests that keep you cool even in July.

5. San Diego

The July average is currently at 70.7 degrees in San Diego.

Closely located by the Mexican border, San Diego gets plenty of sunshine throughout the year but manages to stay relatively cool thanks to (you guessed it) the Pacific, nearby mountains, and protected state parks.

Perfect for families, this US city will offer charming July days filled with breeze and fun at the beach.

6. Los Angeles

I know, it’s surprising. If Americans flood LA for the heatwaves and longest summers, how come it’s still considered a top 10 cool haven?

No matter how much complaining there is, LA temperatures average 73.3 in July. That is sweet!

Remember the coastal location I’ve been blabbering about all throughout? Geography has its magic.

Not to mention there are a billion things you can do in LA.

7. Pittsburgh

Carrying on, we move onto the East Coast, where you’d generally expect temperatures to be lower. Not entirely true!

A Pittsburgh July averages 73.2 degrees, and that is due to its larger distance from the ocean.

Plenty of East Coast cities will have a rather continental climate instead of marine. Think less mild winters and less cool summers.

However, it is very well known that Pittsburgh summers don’t get unbearable, so this one is definitely your Pennsylvania go-to.

8. Milwaukee

A Milwaukee July averages 73.3 degrees, which is a bit cooler than nearby Chicago. Who doesn’t love an authentic Midwest summer?!

Thanks to Lake Michigan, that carries Canadian cooler masses of air, Milwaukee can definitely pride itself upon enjoyable July days.

Plus, it was finally time for you to put that Packers hat on and give Wisconsin a try! My home state deserves all the love it can get!

Bonus tip: Did you know this is in fact the most budget-friendly July-cool option on the list? Check out my lovely Wisconsin adventure guide you can grab this summer.

9. Detroit

A Detroit July currently averages 74.1 degrees. Located by the Canadian border, Detroit enjoys the Great Lakes climate.

Detroit summers will be super similar to Milwaukee’s. You might as well use this opportunity to visit our northern neighbors!

10. Boston

The average July temperature is 74.1 degrees. Thanks to its northern location right at the Atlantic Ocean, Boston is the bottom top 10 cool options in the summer.

Boston is cool enough to comfortably walk all day and enjoy your favorite outdoor activities.

Okay, fine, I have to say! You will still catch Bostonians complaining about the city’s humidity. Regardless, Boston is doing more than great against hot, unbearable days in July.

Are you still reading? I’m not taking you for granted here.

EXTRA Summer Tips

If you’re running away from the July heat, you will most definitely want to avoid these worst weather US towns where registered temperatures are honestly bonkers.

• Ruidoso, New Mexico – Usually affected by natural wildfires, surrounding New Mexico small towns will have dangerously high temperatures. You will notice that Ruidoso is inconveniently located in the middle of the country and therefore lacks any ocean influence.
• St. Johnsbury, Vermont – In 2023, the Vermont region had its hottest summer in over 130 years! After two years, things do not seem to get better. Extreme floodings still happen in the summer and destructive hurricanes put residents and infrastructure at great risk.
• Boise, Idaho – In 2024, Boise registered its second hottest summer from before Idaho was officially a state! The first hottest was only 3 years prior, in 2021. The American mind cannot even comprehend that! But that’s not everything. Smoke from the Great Basin and interior Northwest wildfires gathered above Boise and prompted alarms from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The thing is, our worst rated July towns make great options for the winter, though! It’s always a matter of considering your priorities and preferences.

Do you think you’ll try any of these 10 cool US cities this summer, or do you have any other ideas you’d generously share with the world? Let us know in the comments below!

If you found this useful, continue reading 8 Stunning Midwest Beaches to Visit This Summer.