Beat the Summer Heat in These 20 Cool Destinations

For many Americans, summer vacation is nearly here. While some will look to beat the heat at the beach, inside of an air-conditioned museum or at a water park, others will look to escape the rising temperatures and paralyzing humidity altogether. Here are 20 places around the world where scorching heat will be nothing more than an afterthought.

Travelers seeking pleasantly mild weather in Canada need not look any further than Victoria, where the average high temperature in July and August is a comfortable 68 degrees. While tourists tend to flock to Vancouver Island during the inviting summer months, there are tons to do, from whale watching to music and theater festivals.

Escape to Iceland's capital this summer and you'll be greeted by temperatures in the mid-50s and more sunlight than you'll know what to do with (roughly 20 to 21 hours a day). As if that weren't enough, these spectacular photos are certain to spark your planning.

Rio is an attractive destination for tourists between the months of June and September and although that means hotel rates will be on the rise, this is one destination where Americans can stretch their dollar further.

Although the months of June, July and August tend to be wetter on Easter Island, the average high temperature during this period is 68 degrees. Consider planning your visit for June or wait until October's shoulder season to save on travel costs.

Comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s and low 70s along with long periods of sunshine make Anchorage an ideal summer vacation destination. Many will visit the city on a cruise this time of year, which is peak season for tourists.

July and August is Buenos Aires' offseason but the city's top attractions are still open. If you don't mind daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s this is an excellent time to visit.

The average high temperature in Queenstown, New Zealand during June and July doesn't crack 50 degrees, making it an excellent time for a summer ski trip. Visitors can also enjoy plenty of sightseeing and extreme sports and activities from ziplining to bungee jumping.

Cape Town is a tremendous bargain during the winter months (June-August) so you can expect to score a solid deal on a hotel stay and have very few tourists to contend with as you explore the city. Better yet, the average high temperature in July is still a balmy 68 degrees.

Summer in America marks winter in Melbourne so be sure to pack plenty of layers if visiting between June and August. Still, you'll enjoy fewer crowds and benefit from a loaded events schedule, including food, wine, music and film festivals.

Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island stands out for its rugged coastline but boasts so much more beyond its gorgeous scenery, including the Fortress of Louisbourg, the largest historical reconstruction of its kind in North America.

While there's no guarantee you won't break a sweat in Santa Cruz this summer the average high temperature in July is just 74 degrees. This nice weather means more people on the beach and more events such as outdoor concerts and sailboat races.

An awesome summer vacation to Yellowstone will require planning ahead as the park fills up during the warmer months when average high temperatures reach the 60s and 70s. You won't be alone but hiking conditions will be ideal and all of the park's facilities will be open.

Not far from Victoria, British Columbia, Seattle is another mild summer destination with lots to offer travelers of all ages and interests. Consider arriving in June or delaying your visit until September to avoid large crowds and maybe capitalize on discounted room rates.

Another sensational national park with pleasant summer weather, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is busiest this time of year so you'll need to plan ahead, especially if you plan on camping. Fortunately, scenic Trail Ridge Road allows visitors to explore much of the park's beauty without having to leave their vehicle.

Located in southern Wisconsin about two hours northwest of Milwaukee, the Waterpark Capital of the World warms up during the summer months but visitors will have plenty of ways to stay cool, including at the city's world-class water parks. After all, it's home to more water parks per capita than anywhere else in the world.

For the best weather and most sunlight, visit Scotland's Isle of Skye during the summer months. You'll quickly find yourself in awe of the island's majestic landscapes and charming towns and villages.

Temperatures in the 60s and a plethora of exciting summer festivals make June-August a phenomenal time to experience Copenhagen. You can expect to have plenty of company, however, so consider booking your trip well in advance.

Charming Bar Harbor is popular with tourists during the summer as many flock to nearby Acadia National Park. Nature lovers can't go wrong with a late-summer visit as most of the crowds will have disappeared once the kids go back to school.

A summer trip to Belfast is guaranteed to surprise as mild weather will make experiencing the city's many coveted attractions that much more enjoyable. Be sure to stroll the colorful Botanic Gardens before your time is up.

The summer months are peak season in The Azores but visitors will be greeted by pleasant temperatures giving them the option of enjoying the beach, whale watching, hiking and a variety of other activities.