Updated May 29, 2020.
Lots of people I know look forward to fall. They love the pumpkin spice, the changing leaves, the cooler weather, the holidays on the horizon… But not this girl! I’m a summer girl through and through. Give me an iced cold lemonade and a book by the pool, hot nights, lush greenery and flowers, or a long walk on the beach any day of the week! This time of year my condo’s pool is closed for the season, the days are getting noticeably shorter, and I’m already missing summer.
It’s almost depressing until I remember that it’s always summer somewhere. And if you’re like me, you’re already thinking of where to chase summer next. So here’s the ultimate list of where to find summer every month of the year!
January: The Caribbean
One of the best things I’ve ever done is visit the Caribbean in January! My friend Terri and I graduated college in December and decided to treat ourselves to a girls’ trip on Grand Bahama Island! It was warm, it was beautiful, and the colorful foods and flowers stood in stark contrast to the grayish-brown Tennessee winter we had just come from! Whether you pick the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Aruba, St. Kitts and Nevis, or another Caribbean Island, you will not regret spending January in paradise!
Read on: What to Eat in the Bahamas
February: Guam
Guam is truly a destination for an endless summer. Even in the winter their temperatures stay in the low 80s during the day. Whether you’re interested in World War II history, shopping, hiking, or laying out on the beach, Guam has something for everyone! Its beauty, friendly people, and warm weather have made Guam a favorite wintertime getaway for my husband and me!
Read on: The Ultimate Guide to Guam
March: Singapore
I don’t know about you, but March is always the hardest winter month for me. It’s still cold, it always snows in March in the D.C. area, and by the time this month rolls around, I am so tired of winter! Summer and even spring seem too far off to hope for, but you know where it’s never sweater weather? Singapore! This island country has made a reputation for being larger than life with super trees, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, and of course, the giant Merlions scattered about!
Read on: Iconic Singapore Sites
April: Cambodia
One of my most memorable trips of all time was to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to see the Angkor Wat Temple complex. The Angkor Wat, Angkor Tom, Bayon, and Banteay Srai Temples are stunning and full of centuries of history. But they are also active Buddhist temples. The people in Cambodia were so kind and helpful, and they were so happy to tell us about their beautiful temples! April is a beautiful time to go because you will miss the rainy season and get all the beauty of that hot and summery weather.
Read on: Reasons to Visit Siem Reap
May: Hawaii
Pick an island! Any island! May is a beautiful time to go to Hawaii. Spring breakers are back in school, summer break hasn’t started, and those summer vibes are all around! Take your summery pick of beaches, hiking trails, road trips, museums, and don’t forget eat an acai bowl while you’re at it!
Read on: Hawaii’s Best Adventures
June: Scandinavia
Surprised to see Scandinavia on a list of summer spots? Keep reading! Just think of those long summer days–the sun practically never sets, the landscapes are stunning, and the summer months are perfect for a summer getaway without the humidity! Go island hopping in Stockholm, cruise through a fjord in Norway, and take a selfie with the Little Mermaid in Denmark for the ultimate Scandinavian summer vacay!
Read on: Reasons to Visit Norway
July: Nantucket
Speaking of low humidity, one of the best summer trips I ever took was to beautiful, small-towny Nantucket Island! The people are friendly, the beaches are white and fluffy, and you might see whales breeching in the distance! I wasn’t sure if I’d like Nantucket or not—did I have the right clothes? Could I fake enough class to fit in? As it turns out, it was beautiful, people smiled back at me on the street, and I learned a lot about whaling! I can’t wait to go back, and I highly recommend it to you!
Read on: Nantucket By Land and By Sea
August: Cairns, Australia
My first true “trip of a lifetime” was to Australia for my birthday in August 2013. We got to snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, hold a koala, and take a scenic train ride through the jungle! We saw sea turtles, neon coral, and enjoyed beach time on the islands off the Queensland coast. It might be their winter, but it’s an endless summer in northeastern Australia.
Read on: 10 Reasons to Visit Cairns
September: Nashville
Nashville has become the #1 destination for millions of travelers, and it’s easy to see why! Music everywhere, history all around you, and September is definitely still summer in the South. So break out that sundress, order the biggest sweet tea available, and enjoy that sweet Southern hospitality at every turn! Oh, and eat the hot chicken only if you dare!
Read on: Viva Nashvegas! What to Know Before You Visit Nashville
October: Southern California
Where else in the USA does summer linger ever-so long? SoCal! Southern California has beaches, nightlife, theme parks, endless sunshine, and of course, warm weather even in the fall! Whether you choose L.A., San Diego, Disneyland, or a night on the Queen Mary off the coast of Long Beach, a trip to summery Southern California will help you remember that summer never has to stop!
Read on: What to Know Before You Visit Disneyland
November: Pacific Islands
In case you didn’t already notice, I highly recommend islands! And November is the perfect time to take advantage of all an island has to offer: beaches, beautiful water, views for days, relaxation, island time, etc. Whether you choose a Hawaiian island, Easter Island, the Galapagos, French Polynesia, Fiji, American Samoa, or another Pacific Island, you will certainly feel the summer vibes. You might just forget what cold weather feels like!
Read on: 10 Reasons to Visit Easter Island
December: New Zealand
Dreaming of epic landscapes in your warm weather daydreams? Head to New Zealand during the month of December. The people rival Canadians in their friendliness, there’s no shortage of unique animals to see and exotic hikes to take, and really, who doesn’t love 80 degree temperatures with their Christmas decorations?
Read on: 4 Days in Whitianga
What do you think? Where will you be spending summer in the off season!?
Want more summer travel inspiration and tips? Check out the Seasons Section on my Travel Tips Page!
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Escaping the midwestern cold three times this fall/winter/spring: San Antonio in fall, Laos/Cambodia in winter, and Sedona in spring. It’ll make all the snow here bearable!
Sounds like a perfect plan!