Does the thought of mid-thirties temperatures make you a little too hot under the collar? Is your family likely to burn like the proverbial crisp mere moments after stepping out of the shade? Do you all prefer hiking, biking and exploring in a more temperate climate?
Although a cooler holiday might sound counterintuitive to many of our sun-loving Stubborn Mule families, hotter UK summers mean more and more parents are looking for destinations where temperatures stay at a comfortable 18-24°C. Some are simply cool-curious and want to try something different; for others, cool is, well, ‘cool’, and a holiday trend that’s becoming a preference in its own right.
Go north to Scandinavia for the perfect summer coolcation
Broadly speaking, we’re hearing from two types of families who prefer their family holidays as Goldilocks liked her porridge: not too hot, not too cool, just right. They are:
- Summer cool seekers. Families looking for an exciting holiday during the UK summer school holidays, avoiding sweltering temperatures.
- Season-savvy explorers. Families keen to explore the Med and Southern Europe but considering travelling at Easter, May or October half-term when the temperatures are pleasantly warm rather than scorching
Whatever your reason for avoiding the heat, Stubborn Mule’s 15 years of family travel experience means we have adventures to suit every age group; from cool summer escapes to not-so-hot destinations at their best during school holidays outside July and August.
Mule says: Coolcations explained
A coolcation is a holiday chosen for comfortable rather than scorching weather, with temperatures of around 18-24°C as a rough guide. In summer, Norway, Sweden and Iceland fit the bill, as do Southern Hemisphere destinations such as East and Southern Africa and parts of South America, where July and August fall in winter. Closer to home, Southern Europe destinations like Portugal, Crete and Madeira are perfect for a cooler family holiday off-peak, over Easter and the May and October half-terms.
Cooler climate summer holiday escapes
If you’re looking for an exciting mix of outdoor activities in comfortable temperatures under 25°C, with plenty of daylight, there’s a surprisingly wide choice of destinations during the UK summer holidays. We’ve included destinations in the northern hemisphere during ‘our’ summer, as well as southern hemisphere destinations that experience pleasant, often dry, weather during their winter.
Go north: Scandinavia and beyond
Norway
Get active in this spectacular natural playground with guided glacier hikes, remote cabin stays, white-water rafting, the Flåm Railway, and scenic RIB cruises through UNESCO-listed fjords. Find all this and more on our Norway in Summer sample itinerary.
Perfect for kids aged 8+
Norway’s fjords
Sweden
Discover rural Sweden, its glorious coastline and inland wilderness on this summer self-drive itinerary: Gothenburg & Coastal Sweden. Kayak around the Grebbestad Archipelago, cycle traffic-free Koster islands, go crab fishing, meet moose, and explore and feast your way around glorious Gothenburg.
Perfect for active kids of all ages
Iceland
Make the most of the midnight sun and warmest, driest days to explore Iceland during the UK summer holidays. It’s an ideal self-drive destination and can easily be done in a week (Iceland in 7 days). Our families say the waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, lava fields and tectonic plates are out of this world, along with whale- and puffin-watching cruises.
Perfect for kids of all ages
Explore Iceland’s dramatic scenery on four legs
Alaska
Explore the USA’s ‘Last Frontier’ on our Highlights of Alaska tour, where you’ll experience phenomenal wildlife and scenery, as well as long days of daylight in peak summer! Take a fjord cruise and an iceberg tour, see bears, go wildlife kayaking and take a flight-seeing tour of Denali. Wholesome outdoor family fun!
Perfect for children aged 6+
Northeast Canada
For a slower-paced and, crucially, cooler Canadian adventure, head to Atlantic Canada on our Maritimes itinerary. Expect stunning coastal drives, whale watching, tidal bore rafting, tall-ship sailing, and the spectacular landscapes of Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail, all packed into two weeks.
Perfect for kids of all ages
The Azores
Perched in the mid-Atlantic, this spectacular volcanic, windswept Portuguese archipelago offers a safe harbour from Europe’s soaring summer temperatures. Whale and dolphin spotting, coasteering and canyoning, and bubbling mud baths are all enjoyed during the summer school holidays on our Azores Family Short-Break.
Perfect for children aged 8+
Mid-Atlantic islands, ideal for active families
Svalbard
Svalbard, Norway’s Arctic archipelago, is more accessible to visitors during the summer months, when your family can make the most of the long daylight hours and relatively mild Arctic summer temperatures. Our Voyage to the Arctic packs in a Tromsø wildlife cruise, kayaking, zodiac boat excursions looking for polar bears, husky rides and more!
Perfect for kids aged 8+
Go South: East & Southern Africa & South America
Africa
It’s a happy fact that southern and eastern Africa’s winter coincides with the UK’s summer holidays; perfect for those looking for a safari without the swelter. This is when wildlife viewing is particularly rewarding as the drier conditions mean that vegetation levels are low and animals are easier to spot.
Head to Kenya and Tanzania for game drives and active adventure, as well as the chance to enjoy R&R and lovely temperatures on mainland or island beaches. In Namibia, get truly out into the wilderness, enjoying the spectacular stark landscape and vast desert dunes, as well as superb wildlife in Etosha National Park.
Or spot the Big 5 and more in Kruger National Park (South Africa), Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, or Botswana’s Chobe National Park (as well as the Okavango Delta!), all of which can be combined with Mauritius for luxurious beach time R&R that’s not too hot. Add on a visit to the thundering Victoria Falls for added adventure.
Perfect for kids aged 6+
Safaris without the sweltering heat
South America
Although the furthest reaches of South America are just too cold for a July / August trip (this is ski season in the lakes area of Argentina, and it’s bone-chilling in Patagonia), there are several excellent options where daytime temperatures hover around 18 – 26 °C, and you’ll get bright sunshine during the day. Remember to pack warm things for evenings, though, when the mercury dips.
Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands experience clear blue skies and warm (but not too hot) weather, ideal for exploring volcanoes, high Andean mountains and ancient Incan ruins, with masses of animal spotting. The one exception is the Amazon, which remains a relatively steamy 30 degrees through July and August.
Perfect for kids aged 6+
Northern Argentina, meanwhile, offers salt flats, vineyards, rainbow mountains, Iguazu Falls and charismatic Buenos Aires, with t-shirts by day and jackets by night. Brazil, too, will enjoy good sunshine without punishing peak summer heat, great for jungle exploration, volleyball on the beach in Rio, exploring the Pantanal wetlands and masses of (not too hot) beaches.
Perfect for kids aged 8+
Iconic Rio, Brazil
Opt for cooler temperatures in nearby Europe at Easter, May or October half-term
Some of our favourite family adventure destinations in Europe can be very hot in July and August. Perfect if you like your weather to be ‘scorchio’! But if you want cooler temperatures, visit during the Easter, May, or October school holidays to enjoy many of the same experiences in more comfortable temperatures. Many countries along the Med see T-shirt weather at these times, and there will usually be fewer crowds too.
Portugal
A late Easter holiday in April will often bring lovely temperatures to mainland Portugal, and it is usually reliably sunny and pleasantly warm during May and October half term, outside the peak summer heat. Our Highlights of Portugal sample itinerary can also be shortened to fit a half-term break.
Perfect for kids of all ages.
Portugal’s Algarve at Easter
Crete
Greece’s biggest island is also one of its most southerly, making it a great choice for families who want to enjoy an active break at Easter or in May or October half term. Hike the Oleander Gorge, cycle through the countryside, wander the pretty streets of Chania and learn the secrets of Greek cuisine with our Crete Adventure itinerary, which can be shortened to fit into a 7-day break. Sea swimming at Easter is likely to be for hardy types, but by May the water temperature is rising, and it remains pleasant throughout October.
Perfect for kids of all ages.
Crete at October half term
Madeira
This striking Portuguese island is closer to Morocco than mainland Portugal, making it an ideal destination for an out-of-season adventure. Our weeklong Madeira Family Holiday Short Break (ideal for half term) includes canyoning, basket sledging, climbing, sea kayaking, and whale and dolphin watching.
Perfect for all ages.
Georgia
Okay, so it’s not on the Med, nor in Southern Europe, but we’ve included Georgia as it can be lovely in May half term and in October, provided you have a few extra layers. With its capital, Tbilisi, fast becoming a foodie hotspot, families with teens love it here. See our sample Georgia itineraries and mix time exploring the capital with hiking in the mountains and exploring cave villages. A Georgia holiday suits a 1-week break or can be extended to an in-depth 2-week trip. There are budget airline flights too!
Perfect for kids aged 12+
Georgia in May
Turkey
Avoiding peak summer heat opens up some of Turkey’s more active adventures for families who prefer a cooler climate. Hike a section of the iconic Lycian Way, kayak past ancient sunken ruins, or sail the Turquoise Coast on a gulet in comfortable sunshine. You’ll find delicious mezze waiting at every stop. Our Highlights of Turkey takes you from Istanbul to Cappadocia’s surreal landscape and on to the coast, but could be shortened to 8 days to fit with May half term, or you can opt for the full two weeks over the longer October break.
Perfect for active families with kids aged 8+
Ready to start planning your family’s next big holiday?
Finding the perfect balance for a family trip, where the weather is comfortable, the activities keep every age group engaged, and nobody is retreating to an air-conditioned hotel room, doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re thinking of a midsummer fjord adventure in Scandinavia or planning a sunny Easter escape to Madeira or Crete, we’re here to take the pressure off.
Ring our specialist team on 01728 752751 or send us a message via our online enquiry form to start planning a ‘cool’ holiday your whole family will remember.
Other posts that may be of interest
For trips in specific school holidays, see our selection of round-ups:
February Half Term Holidays
Easter Family Holidays
May Half Term Holidays
Summer Family Holidays
October Half Term Holidays
Family Christmas Holidays
If you prefer to look at holiday options by age group, check out:
Teenagers
Younger children
Under 5s
Multi-generational
And finally, for all our destinations, see:
Best Family Holiday Destinations
Liddy and her younger son
Liddy Pleasants,
Managing Director
Stubborn Mule Travel, is a recognised expert in family adventure travel.
She has travelled extensively with her own three children across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, shaping her deep understanding of what makes a family holiday both exciting and manageable.
Her experience includes:
- 4 years living and working in China as a tour guide
- Guiding more than 120 group tours across Asia and the Middle East
- Travelling with children and grandparents throughout Europe
- Visiting over 60 countries worldwide
- Personally designing holidays for more than 1,000 families
- Completing an extraordinary cycle journey across Southeast Asia with her husband and two young children (then aged just five and two)
Liddy’s approach combines real-world experience with expert planning, helping families enjoy active, meaningful travel with the right balance of adventure and relaxation.
