Quick answer: Planning a 2026 summer holiday? The best summer destinations run from the Greek islands, Croatia, Italy and Portugal for classic Mediterranean sun, to Iceland, Norway and Canada for cooler, scenery-packed adventures, and Bali and Sri Lanka for dry-season Asia. Here’s where to go and when across June to September.
Best summer holiday destinations 2026
| Destination | Best summer months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Islands | Jun–Sep | Hot, dry, iconic island-hopping |
| Croatia | Jun–Sep | Adriatic beaches & islands |
| Italy | Jun, Sep | Coast & cities (shoulder beats Aug) |
| Portugal | Jun–Sep | Sun, surf, value |
| Iceland | Jun–Aug | Midnight sun, hiking, waterfalls |
| Norway | Jun–Aug | Fjords and long days |
| Canada | Jul–Sep | Rockies, lakes, road trips |
| Bali | Jun–Sep | Dry season sunshine |
For classic sun and sea
The Mediterranean is the summer heartland — Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain and Portugal. For the best mix of warmth and lower prices, target June or September over peak August.
For cooler adventure
Iceland, Norway, Scotland and the Canadian Rockies deliver their best weather in summer — ideal if you’d rather hike than bake.
For summer in Asia
Bali and Sri Lanka’s east coast enjoy their dry seasons, making them sunny exceptions while much of Southeast Asia is wet.
FAQ
Where is the best summer holiday destination? The Greek islands and Croatia for sun; Iceland and Canada for cooler adventure.
When is the best time for a summer trip? June and September offer summer weather with fewer crowds than July–August.
Plan it: July, August & September guides, plus the travel cost index.
You Might Also Love
Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.