Picture this: The soles of your shoes melting into a sun-baked sidewalk, the air thick and shimmering, sweat trickling down your back before breakfast. Now, flip the script—imagine pulling on a sweater in July, your breath curling in the air as you gaze across a glacier-fed lake. The world is packed with extremes, and temperature is one of the wildest. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to vacation in a place that feels like a furnace—or to escape to a land where cold is king—keep reading. This is not your average weather report. It’s a sensory journey through nine unforgettable countries, each with its own climate story.
Kuwait Where Summer Never Ends
Kuwait is what happens when the sun forgets to clock out. By July, the mercury soars over 50°C (122°F), and locals joke that you could fry an egg on the hood of a car. Even the breeze feels like a hair dryer set to high. Walking outside at midday is like wading through a thick invisible soup, and the scent of sizzling shawarma mixes with the tang of hot concrete. If you want to survive—and enjoy—Kuwait, plan your trip between November and March. The city’s heart beats strongest at night, when the heat eases and families gather along the corniche. **Tip: Dress in loose, light fabrics and carry water everywhere.** Duck into the air-conditioned grandeur of the Kuwait Towers or savor a plate of Machboos, the local rice dish that packs as much flavor as the weather packs heat.
Iraq Ancient Heat With a Modern Pulse
Touch down in Iraq’s Basra or Baghdad in summer, and you’ll feel like you’re breathing through a hot towel. Temperatures flirt with 50°C (122°F), and the city hums with a kind of defiant energy that only centuries-old resilience can create. The call to prayer echoes across parched rooftops, mingling with the scent of spiced meats grilling in alleyways. **Spring and fall are the secret seasons here**—the air softens, and the ancient ruins of Babylon seem to glow in the gentle light. Locals will welcome you with thick, sweet tea and grilled kebabs, often eaten outdoors even as the last rays of sun linger on the horizon. Don’t rush—let the slow, spicy rhythm of Iraq seep into your bones.
Iran Where Sun and History Collide
Iran’s southwest, especially Ahvaz, is a furnace during July and August. The sun bakes the streets, and a haze hangs over the city like a wool blanket. Yet, beneath the heat, Iran is alive with color and artistry. Step into Isfahan’s Imam Mosque and the cool blue tiles transport you to another world, away from the relentless sun. **Visit in spring or autumn** for the most comfortable weather, when the gardens bloom and the bazaars buzz with life. The aroma of saffron and pomegranates fills the air, especially if you’re lucky enough to sample Fesenjan, a stew that’s as rich and complex as the country itself. **Always carry small notes for tea shops—hospitality is a way of life here.**
Saudi Arabia Desert Days and Starry Nights
Saudi Arabia isn’t just hot—it’s epic. In the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert, the heat can hit 55°C (131°F) and the dunes seem to stretch forever, glowing gold at sunset. Even in Riyadh and Jeddah, the midday sun is a force to be reckoned with, pushing life indoors until dusk. **Travelers swear by visiting from October to March** when the sun softens and the nights are surprisingly cool beneath a sky thick with stars. The scent of oud (fragrant wood) drifts from shopfronts, while the taste of Kabsa, the region’s signature spiced rice and meat, is unforgettable after a day of desert wandering. **Tip: Hydrate constantly and respect local customs—modesty and hospitality reign supreme.**
United Arab Emirates Urban Heat in Full Glam
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are playgrounds for sun-lovers who don’t mind a bit of sweat—okay, a lot of sweat. From June to September, it’s not unusual for temperatures to touch 50°C (122°F). The glass towers shimmer under the sun, and the air smells faintly of sea salt and hot asphalt. Locals have mastered the art of escaping the heat: sprawling malls, ice-cold cinemas, and even indoor ski slopes. **Plan your visit for November through March** for alfresco dinners and beach strolls without the burn. Don’t leave without trying shawarma from a bustling street vendor or plunging into a chilled pool with a skyline view. **Pack sunscreen that means business.**
Qatar Sunbaked Luxury by the Sea
In Qatar, the summer sun is relentless, turning the sand a dazzling white and the Persian Gulf into a mirror of fire. Doha’s futuristic skyline rises from the haze, while the scent of cardamom coffee drifts through the souks. **Visit between November and March** for cool breezes off the water and lively festivals. The city’s museums offer a break from the heat, but the real magic is in the evenings: lantern-lit strolls along the Corniche, spicy plates of Machboos and Harees, and the feel of sand slipping between your toes as you watch the sun sink below the sea. **Tip: Dress respectfully, as local customs are important—and always have a hat handy.**
Iceland Chasing Midnight Sun and Mist
Switching gears, Iceland is the land of cool—literally. Even in high summer, the air is fresh and light jackets are essential. The average July day hovers around 10-15°C (50-59°F), but it’s the light that’s magic: the sun barely sets, painting the sky in endless twilight. Waterfalls thunder, geysers steam, and the smell of moss and sea salt is everywhere. The best time to visit is June to August, when roads are clear and hiking is at its peak. **Soak in the Blue Lagoon’s milky waters** or drive the Golden Circle to see glaciers and volcanic plains in one wild day. **Tip: Pack layers, and don’t skip the hot dogs—locals swear they’re the best in the world.**
Norway Fjords and Cool Breezes
Norway’s summer is like a deep, contented sigh. Temperatures rarely pass 20°C (68°F), and the air feels crisp and clean, tinged with pine and salt. The midnight sun bathes the fjords in golden light, perfect for kayaking or hiking to impossible viewpoints like Preikestolen. **June to August is prime time**, and locals spill into the parks and harbors, picnicking on strawberries and fresh shrimp. Seafood here tastes like it was plucked straight from the ocean, and every mountain road promises a new jaw-dropping vista. **Bring a rain jacket—weather changes fast, but that’s part of the adventure.**
Canada Summer With a Chill
Canada knows how to do summer right—cool mornings, sun-warmed afternoons, and evenings cozy enough for a campfire. From Banff’s turquoise lakes to the urban buzz of Toronto and Vancouver, you’ll find endless ways to soak up the scenery. Expect average highs between 15-25°C (59-77°F)—perfect for hiking, biking, or just lazing on a dock with maple ice cream. **June to September is festival season**, and every city seems to spill outdoors. Canadian hospitality is legendary, and you’ll never be far from a plate of poutine or a stack of pancakes smothered in local syrup. **Tip: Bug spray is a must for forest adventures, and don’t be shy about chatting with locals—they love to share their favorite hidden spots.**