Top U.S. Cities To Retreat From the Heat
With summer months getting increasingly hotter in many parts of the U.S., home cooling strategies and vacation planning have become common for those hoping to beat the heat. Whether planning a summer escape or seeking ways to chill your home during the hottest months, we’ve got you covered.
Our latest study reveals the best cities to beat the heat, from California’s beachy escapes to the cooler climates of the Northeast and Midwest. We also surveyed home renovation DIYers for insights on budget-friendly home-cooling projects. If relocating to a cooler climate appeals to you, explore the best long-distance moving companies to make sure that your move is smooth and stress-free.
Key Findings
- Oakland, California, is the top summer destination for escaping the heat, followed by Long Beach, California, and San Francisco.
- San Francisco has the nation’s best summer climate on average.
- Long Beach offers the widest variety of highly rated summer activities.
- Home renovators spent an average of $444 last year on do-it-yourself (DIY) home-cooling methods and updates.
The Most Refreshing Summer Locations, Ranked
Our search for the ultimate summer sanctuary spotlights cities with cooler climates and enriching summer activities. Among the 50 largest U.S. cities, Oakland, California, is the best destination for escaping the summer heat. Oakland received top scores for cooler weather and for its number of highly rated summer activities, green spaces, restaurants, and accommodations. Long Beach, California, and San Francisco followed close behind.
San Francisco, known for its iconic fog and breezy summers, took the crown for the coolest average summer climate.
Long Beach distinguished itself with the most highly rated summer activities based on Yelp reviews. From scenic shores to vibrant parks along the waterfront, the city offers many water-based activities to keep residents and visitors entertained and cool.
Oakland also has plenty of green spaces and waterfront activities for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation. These California cities exemplify the ideal summer city retreats with a mix of climatic comfort and entertainment that caters to various preferences.
Next, we’ll break down the overall rankings above to determine which cities are the best places to cool off based on summer temperatures and your preferences.
While cloudy skies can reduce daytime heat, clear skies allow heat to escape more efficiently into the atmosphere at night, leading to cooler evenings. Our study looks at outdoor summer activities like enjoying green spaces and dining out, and such activities are best enjoyed in a cloud-free environment with a reduced likelihood of rain. We considered clear skies as optimal for enjoying outdoor activities during the summer.
Three cities in California swept this category with the least amount of cloud coverage during June, July, and August: Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento. This makes these cities ideal for sun lovers, but prepare accordingly with sun safety measures.
Oakland, California, had the largest number of highly rated green spaces, offering verdant retreats for those seeking shade and natural beauty. It also ranked first for dining and lodging options and second for the coolest average daily temperatures and the number of highly rated summer activities.
How To Keep Cool This Summer: DIYers Share Tips
Inflation has seen home improvement costs skyrocket in recent years, and many homeowners are DIYing renovations as a result. We surveyed self-described DIY enthusiasts about their recent home-cooling investments and innovations to learn effective methods for beating the heat.
DIY renovations can save money on home remodeling, and home-cooling efforts don’t have to break the bank. Last year, home improvement DIYers invested an average of $444 on home-cooling methods and updates.
DIYers’ top way to reduce indoor heat in the summer was by using window shades or blinds. These light and heat barriers are cost-effective and easy to install, making them a great place to start when trying to keep your home cool. We also asked DIYers where they get advice on cooling their homes in the summer, and YouTube was the top source for 64% of them.
Social media inspires many DIY home improvement projects, from awe-inspiring renovations to cringeworthy failures. Our respondents are no exception, with 1 in 8 turning to TikTok for ideas and guidance, especially Gen Z (32%). This platform can be a useful resource to get your creative juices flowing, but it’s important to plan carefully before starting your next project.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to a Cooler Summer
As we conclude our exploration of the coolest summer havens and home comfort strategies, remember that embracing summer shouldn’t mean suffering through the heat. There are many possibilities for a cooler summer, whether you’re venturing to California for its cooler climates or implementing DIY home-cooling methods.
Guides on the best moving companies can help ensure a smooth transition for those relocating to a cooler climate. Here’s to a summer of comfort and enjoyment, where the warmth brings joy rather than discomfort.
Methodology
We collected data from Yelp and World Weather API for this campaign to determine the best summer locations to escape from the heat, focusing on the 50 most populated cities in the U.S. We considered highly rated locations for each city based on Yelp reviews with ratings between 4 and 5 stars. Then, we compared cities across the following weighted metrics:
- Weather (35%): Average temperatures during the summer months (June, July, August) from 2020–2023 via World Weather API
- Summer activities (25%): Number of highly rated beaches, lakes, water parks, and swimming pools via Yelp
- Green spaces (20%): Number of highly rated playgrounds, parks, and gardens via Yelp
- Cloud coverage (10%): Cloud coverage average percentages during the summer months (June, July, August) from 2020–2023 via World Weather API
- Dining (5%): Number of highly rated restaurants, bars, and breweries via Yelp
- Lodging (5%): Number of highly rated hotels, resorts, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and hostels via Yelp
We also conducted a survey in February 2024 targeting 1,003 Americans with DIY home improvement experience to explore the most popular and effective strategies they’ve employed to combat the summer heat. The demographic breakdown of respondents included 13% Gen Z, 52% millennials, 26% Gen X, and 9% baby boomers.
Fair Use Statement
If you’re intrigued by the idea of finding the perfect summer getaway or transforming your home into a cool haven, share our findings with your audience for noncommercial purposes. We ask that you link back to this page to ensure that readers have access to our comprehensive insights and methodology.
