I had the idea of researching the best places and countries to escape summer last year. My brother moved to Texas and warned me:
Don’t visit us in July or August— the summer heat is brutal.
And it’s not just Texas; parts of the US and Europe get way too hot, to the point people would prefer to go somewhere else.
Not everyone loves a raging sun.
You’ll find tons of YouTube videos about escaping winter to hot places, but almost none about mild summer escapes—
UNTIL NOW.
Better yet, I’ve found three cities in 3 countries, where June, July, and August bring perfect weather, no crowds, and prices so low your money stretches twice as far.
I’ve spent years researching the best places for expats and retirees like you to live comfortably, and I’m showing you exactly where to go.
So keep watching, because we start with…
Trujillo, Peru: The City of Eternal Spring
70°F Weather While North America Swelters at 95°F
While you’re sweating through 95°F (35°C) summer heat back in North America, people in Trujillo are enjoying perfect 70°F (21°C) days under clear blue skies. This coastal city in northwestern Peru offers a completely different experience during June, July, and August from what you would expect. It’s about 350 miles (550 km) north of Lima, making it easily accessible with a one-hour flight from the capital.
Peru’s Third-Largest City That (Almost) No One Knows About
What’s surprising is that most people have never even heard of this hidden gem. Despite being Peru’s third-largest city with around 900,000 people and incredible history, Trujillo remains off the radar for most travelers. The city earned its nickname “City of Eternal Spring” for good reason. Even during winter, you’ll experience minimal rainfall and enjoy 5-6 hours of sunshine daily.
Hotels for $25 Per Day (50% Off Peak Season)
Outside the high season, prices are VERY CHEAP. Prices are more than 50% lower than peak season, and you can find comfortable hotels for US$170 per week – US$25 per day!
If you want to stay there for longer, they give you some special discounts for staying the entire month! Your money stretches much further there than in most Western countries.
Home to the World’s Largest Adobe City
Trujillo has an impressive historical background. The city served as Peru’s provisional capital during the independence campaign, earning it the title “cradle of liberty” in Peru. What makes it even more special is the chance to explore Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. These spectacular pre-Columbian ruins are from the times of the ancient Moche and Chimu cultures and you can visit it without fighting through crowds of tourists.
The historic center showcases beautiful colonial architecture, and the bright yellow Trujillo Cathedral is one of the most splendid examples. The architecture tells the story of Peru’s colonial past in a way that feels authentic rather than staged for tourists.
Beaches
The nearby beach of Huanchaco adds another dimension to your visit. Watch local fishermen using traditional reed boats called “caballitos de totora” that have been used for centuries. With fewer tourists competing for attention during these months, you’ll connect more deeply with locals and experience a more authentic Peru than summer visitors ever will.
Local Perspective
Here is what locals told us about Trujillo:
“I was born in Trujillo. There is so much to do there, especially horseback riding, amazing restaurants (the best in my opinion next to Lima). The food is great as always in Peru, Shambar is probably the most popular dish along with Arroz con Pato.”
2. Florianópolis, Brazil
PS: Florianópolis is also one of the best cities for remote workers and digital nomads in the world.
Brazil’s Opposite Season: 20°C Beach Weather in Winter
Imagine walking along pristine beaches with sunny weather and 20 degrees Celsius. This is possible because when it is summer in the Northern hemisphere, it is winter in Florianópolis, or “Floripa” as locals call it. You won’t see this side of Brazil on typical travel shows that focus on the heat and crowds of Rio. This island city in southern Brazil offers a completely different experience during June-August than what you’d expect from Brazil’s stereotypical hot spots.
The Safe Side of Brazil Most Don’t Know Exists
Connected to the mainland by bridges, Florianópolis combines island living with easy urban access.
The Hercílio Luz International Airport connects you to major Brazilian cities and international destinations, making it convenient to reach. While most tourists fear violence and criminality when they think about Brazil, Florianópolis feels like a completely different universe – it is safe.
40+ Beaches Across 33 Miles of Coastline
Even during winter, the temperature is sometimes above 20 degrees Celsius. During summer, it goes easily above 30, but there is some rain, especially in the late summer afternoons after a hot day. The island boasts over 40 well-known beaches spread across 33 miles (53 km) of coastline. Each beach has its own character – some perfect for surfing, others for swimming or just relaxing. The landscape includes sand dunes, pine forests, and mountains, giving you plenty to explore beyond just beaches.
Stay a Full Month for Under $500
Even during summer there, hotel prices are still affordable (outside more upscale places like Jurerê). A tip is to look at Canasvieiras, which is an affordable area with a nice beach. In June or July there, you can stay in a nice hotel, with a swimming pool, for an entire month, for less than US$500! This is less than US$17 per day. Monthly apartment rentals that cost $1,500 in summer can be found for $700-800.
Brazil’s Tech Hub with English Speakers
The city has experienced a tech boom in recent years, creating excellent infrastructure for remote workers. Another advantage of Floripa is that, due to its tourism vocation, there are more people there that speak English than in other popular cities of Brazil. This makes Florianópolis a practical choice for digital nomads looking to escape northern heat while staying connected.
Whale Watching Season Starts in July
Winter brings a special bonus – Southern right whales migrate along the coast starting in July. You can spot these magnificent creatures even from the shore. The Lagoa da Conceição neighborhood maintains its vibrant restaurant scene year-round. Winter brings shorter waits and more attentive service at the city’s best spots. This lagoon area is known for water sports, diverse dining options, and nightlife that continues regardless of season.
The calm winter atmosphere reveals the authentic character of this “Magic Island” that peak-season visitors completely miss.
Local Insights
This is what a local told us about Florianópolis during June, July and August:,
“Ocean is cold, but there are less tourists, and less traffic. There’s still a lot of parties, good fishing (especially Tainha), so all in all it’s a more local experience. Rental rates are cheap.”
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Closing our list of places and countries to escape summer is…
3. Asunción, Paraguay: South America’s Hidden Capital
An Undiscovered Gem
While tourists pack into expensive Buenos Aires and Rio, savvy expats are discovering Asunción’s perfect 75°F (24°C) winter days and prices that seem frozen in the 1990s. Paraguay’s capital remains one of South America’s least visited major cities, creating a real opportunity for people who want to save money while living comfortably.
Rich Historical Heritage
Most people know almost nothing about this “Mother of Cities” – one of South America’s oldest urban settlements founded in 1537. The lack of tourism works in your favor if you’re looking to experience authentic South American culture without crowds or inflated prices.
Ideal Winter Weather
Winter in Asunción brings the most pleasant weather of the year. From June through August, you’ll enjoy comfortable daytime temperatures around 73-79°F (23-26°C) and cool evenings around 55-61°F (13-16°C). This creates perfect conditions for exploring the city on foot or relaxing in outdoor cafés. It’s also the dry season in a place that sees heavy rainfall other times of year, so you can enjoy consistently sunny days without worry of sudden downpours interrupting your plans.
Incredibly Low Cost of Living
The cost of living here will genuinely surprise you. Modern two-bedroom apartments in good neighborhoods rent for $300-400 monthly, with utilities rarely exceeding $100. Many expats report living comfortably on just $1,000 to $1,500 per month total – including rent, food, transportation, and entertainment.
Cultural Blend and Modern Amenities
The city blends colonial charm with modern amenities. You’ll find historic sites like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio de López alongside shopping malls and international restaurants. This mix creates an interesting environment where you can enjoy modern conveniences while experiencing authentic Paraguayan culture.
Paraguay’s bilingual culture (Spanish and Guaraní) creates a unique atmosphere where traditional crafts and customs thrive alongside modern development.
Healthcare and Lifestyle Benefits
For retirees, the relaxed pace of life and extremely affordable healthcare offer significant advantages. Doctor visits typically cost just $15-40, a fraction of what you’d pay in the US or Canada. And a curiosity: if you are a fan of fishing, Paraguay is probably one of the best places in the world to practice such sport.
Infrastructure and Tourism
In terms of infrastructure, it is steadily improving, with better English signage and services becoming more available around the city. Tourist sites are never crowded, giving you space to enjoy museums and historic buildings at your own pace.
But let’s say that instead of South America, you would prefer a Mediterranean town in Europe, where sunshine comes together with healthy food and low cost of living – sounds enticing, right?
It was thinking about you that I compiled my MOST IMPORTANT video ever, where I selected the best cities to move to in Europe – it is by far our greatest video, and you can watch it below.
Levi Borba is the founder of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. You can find him on X here. Some of the links above might be affiliated links, meaning the author earns a small commission if you make a purchase.
