Where to go in
July

You’re spoilt for choice when searching for holidays in July. Festivals abound, beautiful weather and teeming with nature at every turn. Keep reading to find out our favourite locations for a dream trip…

Highlights

Where’s hot

Make the most of it being hot in Europe and head to any of the beach destinations. You’re also in with the best chance of some good weather in the UK, so destinations like Cornwall and Scotland make for wonderful coastal trips…

TOWN, Country Temperatures Min° Max° Wet Days
Antalya, Turkey 23 34 0
Darwin, Australia 20 32 0
Jakarta, Indonesia 24 32 5
Rethymnon, Crete 23 31 0
Bucharest, Romania 17 31 10
Tirana, Albania 17 31 5
Naples, Italy 19 30 2
Makatea, French Polynesia 23 30 10
Colombo, Sri Lanka 26 30 12
Rabat, Morocco 18 29 0

Where to go

There’s almost too much choice in July, but if you want to avoid crowds you’ll have to be a bit inventive. That said sometimes the crowds are worth enduring to see a destination at its peak…

  • The Serengeti
  • Etosha
  • Robben Island
  • Indonesia
  • Auckland
  • Singapore
  • Dordogne, France
  • Cornwall, UK
  • Reykjavik
  • Tahiti
  • Yosemite, USA
  • Cartagena, Colombia

Africa

The Serengeti, Tanzania

The months of June and July are without a doubt the best months to visit The Serengeti. This is because of the Great Migration, where over one million wildebeest, zebra and antelope migrate clockwise around the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem. Viewing is at its highest around this time, and the movement of animals as they search for greener pastures in unison is a sight to behold. The weather is also pretty good too, with little to no rainfall and lovely afternoon temperatures of around 25°C. As the weather is dry, this is also a very safe time to travel with few mosquitos and a lower risk of malaria contraction.

Further Reading – Tanzania in July

Etosha, Namibia

Etosha National Park is an iconic national park located in northwest Namibia, famed for its fantastic safari tours and campsites. It is home to four of the Big Five animals, and game viewing is awesome at this time of year. July is peak dry season, with hot and sunny weather boasting delightful highs of 27°C or over, and this means that animals can be easily spotted around rivers and waterholes. Cold morning temperatures mean that you should pack a few layers, especially if you plan on morning safari drives. This month is the high season though, so book travel and accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Further Reading – Namibia in July

Robben Island, South Africa

This beautiful island in Table Bay is located off the coast of Bloubergstrand in Cape Town. And it is perhaps best known for its Cape Fur Seal population (thus having the Dutch name translating to ‘Seal Island’). It is also a haven for 132 species of birds (including endangered species) and features a wide spectrum of sea mammals such as dolphins and whales. Further inland, there are 23 other species of animals and the island’s geology (formed from a submerged mountain) is truly unique. Expect temperatures of around 11-20°C with some chance of rain in July.

Further Reading – South Africa in July

Asia

Indonesia

Bang in the middle of the dry season, Indonesia is a superb destination for just about everyone. Hit the famous city of Jakarta for shopping, sightseeing, children’s theme parks and unbeatable street food. Explore the verdant rice paddies near Ubud in Bali and wind down on the beach or go island hopping around the Gilis. Get off the beaten track and track orangutans in the jungles of Borneo. Or tour the temples and visit the country’s top museums in Denpasar, the nation’s exciting capital. Warm, tropical temps will be averaging around 28°C during the day, but be sure to pack some layers for the evening.

Further Reading – Indonesia in July

Auckland, New Zealand

With two large harbours, a great choice of beaches, and an iconic Sky Tower boasting panoramic views, Auckland in New Zealand is the perfect destination to offer the best of both worlds. Here you can enjoy both city and sea, and with temps of around 8-14°C in July, the climate is mostly comfortable. There’s a high chance of rain compared to other months, but sunshine hours are guaranteed. This is a good time to come because tourism drops off, so you won’t have to contend with busy attractions, queues or overcrowded venues. Some of the things you won’t want to miss are the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium and Auckland Zoo.

Further Reading – New Zealand in July

Singapore

Tourists visit all throughout the year and the country generally remains hot and humid in every season. But if you want to experience Singaporean culture at its best, we recommend taking a trip in July. This is considered to be the festive season and events include the Great Singapore Sale and the Singapore Food Festival. The temperature can be extremely hot and can range anywhere between 26°C and as high as 31°C or over. Be sure to check out Sentosa Island whilst you’re there, and the Night Safari is a must for families travelling with children.

Further Reading – Singapore in July

Europe

Dordogne, France

The French Department of Dordogne is set within the southwest of the country, located between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees Mountains. This region is home to prehistoric caves with paintings in the Vezere Valley. And the well-known town of Perigueux is a favourite for its striking Cathedrale St-Front, an architectural gem featuring 5 domes, as well as being home to the Vesunna Museum. The weather is wonderfully lush in the month of July, and the height of summer promises highs of around 26°C or more. With plenty of sunshine hours and comfortable evening temperatures. Some of the towns and communes you won’t want to miss are Sarlat-la-Canéda, Bergerac and La Roque-Gageac.

Further Reading – The Dordogne in July

Cornwall, UK

For a relaxing seaside break in the UK, there is no destination quite like the country of Cornwall. The southern region offers some of the most spectacular ocean views and there are so many beaches to choose from. The famous resort town of Newquay is suitable for families, groups and all ages, including plenty of attractions to keep the kids entertained. For panoramic vistas and amusement centres, the famous Land’s End is a must, whilst picturesque harbours and fishing villages (such as Coverack, Boscastle and Polperro) offer the ultimate escape from city life. From surfing, sailing, swimming to beachcombing, Cornwall has it all for the perfect family break.

Further Reading – Cornwall in July

Reykjavik, Iceland

This chilly destination is at its hottest in July – so if you don’t like the cold, be sure to travel in the peak of summer. At this time of year, the temperature will range from around 10-15°C with over 6 hours of sunshine. Making it such a pleasant time to go exploring or walking around the city. From the city, you can also book day tours to experience the Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall) or to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon in Grindavik. With lovely warm temps, the Blue Lagoon spa will be all the more enticing and you won’t want to leave…

Further Reading – Reykjavik in July

Americas

Tahiti, French Polynesia

The weather in July is hot and dry, with daily averages of around 19-26°C and little chance of rain. Making Tahiti the ideal beach escape in the Americas. Located in French Polynesia, this exotic island is worlds away from the stresses of life in the city. Giving you an untouched landscape of crystal clear waters for swimming, white sandy beaches to laze on all day, lush green hills and parks for hiking, and some of the most luxurious 5 star overwater bungalows to call your own. This has ‘honeymoon’ and ‘romantic break’ written all over it…

Further Reading – Tahiti in July

Yosemite, USA

Yosemite National Park is one of California’s most incredible national attractions, home to the vast Sierra Nevada Mountains, the beautiful Bridalveil Waterfall, and the surreal granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. Some of these natural sights are unbelievable to see. Simply put, this place is a photographer’s dream. So if you’re looking for a holiday destination with a view, this is the place to book for the summer.  The driest time of the year to visit is July when there’s little to no chance of rainfall. But prepare for a heatwave as the weather can be anything from a lovely 15°C to a whopping 32°C in the daytime.

Further Reading – California in July

Cartagena, Colombia

The city of Cartagena can give you the best of both worlds, a mix of both city and beach. Set along the beautiful Caribbean coast, this fabulous destination in Colombia has a seriously tropical feel and even the city’s architecture reflects this. Walkthrough the walled Old Town area along the cobbled streets to see the colourful houses and unique colonial buildings. For the ultimate sun, sea and sand experience, the best beaches include Punta Arena or Playa Blanca located less than 40 minutes away. From the port of Cartagena, you can also get to the palm-lined white beaches of Isla de Baru.

Further Reading – Colombia in July

Holiday types

There’s no shortage of options for a family holiday in July as all the popular European hotspots fill up. It’s also a time to see things in a different light, and the Alps in summer puts a different spin on an activity holiday…

Family Holidays

Corfu Island is one of the best Greek islands for a family holiday. There are so many attractions for children, including the beaches, Corfu Aquarium, and Europe’s best waterpark at Aqualand.
Turkey is also an excellent destination for families, with a choice of resorts that can cater to kids as well as adults. Many of the hotels feature Kids’ Clubs and there are over 300 ‘Blue Flag’ beaches to choose from.
Located close to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon is a must-see attraction that should be added to every family’s bucket list. With mind-blowing viewpoints that will seriously wow all ages!

Activity

July is one of the best months to go skiing in Argentina, as it sits right in the middle of the ski season. This is the time to go for dry powder snow and amazing views of the lakes and mountains.
The Alps may be a skiing destination in the winter, but summer sees French resorts transform into outdoor adventure hubs. Some of the best places for white water rafting include Montgenevre or Thonon-les-Bains.
Walking holidays in Bulgaria are excellent in the height of summertime. The Rodopi Mountains are a favourite amongst hikers and the daily temps can reach as much as 30°C.

Honeymoon

For an authentic Italian travel experience, book your honeymoon in Puglia. A region best known for its amazing views from the Salento Peninsula and outstanding local cuisine. This is foodie heaven and a honeymoon in July promises hours of sunshine.
Lake Malawi is fantastic for honeymooning couples who want luxury by the water. With awe-inspiring scenery, 5 star lodges and white sand beaches, you won’t believe that you’re not at the coast.
Another top beach destination is Koh Samui in Thailand, well known for its exclusive resorts and spa hotels. Come here for romance and total relaxation and spend your days relaxing under the palm trees.

City Breaks

For a weekend break with a great mix of both sea and city, head to Porto (located in northwest Portugal). This is definitely the place to come if you enjoy wine tasting and walking around looking at sights.
Barcelona is perfect for a long weekend and it promises a bustling atmosphere in the summer. With a great beach, amazing shopping and delicious food markets, plenty of squares for daytime drinking, and unbeatable nightlife.
For the ultimate city getaway for groups, couples or families, we recommend Miami in Florida. It has everything, including attractions for all ages and food to suit every taste.

Nature Breaks

One of the most magical natural phenomena to happen in the world is The Great Migration, seen from Kenya and Tanzania. This is the ultimate nature break in July when viewing is at its best!
Experience the Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe, where two-thirds of the waterfalls can be seen. The best viewing platforms can be found here and the weather in July is ideal for exploring this area.
July brings amazing dry weather to Indonesia, from its bustling cities to its beaches and amazing islands. Bali is a must if you want to see postcard-perfect rice fields, and Borneo is perfect for getting off the beaten path.

Events and festivals

You can keep things classic in July and soak up Independence Day in the US, or you can go a little crazy and head to the wife-carrying championships in Finland. And everything in between…

Independence Day

USA

4 July

Celebrate Independence Day, the day that the thirteen colonies of America secured independence from the British Empire back in 1776. Street parades occur in most cities across the US and fireworks are common across every location.

Wife-Carrying Championships

Sonkajärvi, Finland

6 July

Perhaps one of the most bizarre and exciting events, held annually in Sonkajärvi. Male competitors race whilst each carrying their wife (or female teammate) and the prize is the woman’s weight in beer! Great fun to watch attracting huge crowds.

Nadaam Festival

Mongolia

11 July

The Nadaam Festival is a one of a kind event, created to reveal the unique beauty and intricacies of nomadic Mongolian culture. It features marches and music from soldiers and monks, as well as sporting events and hunting displays.

Reggae Sumfest

Jamaica

15 July

Jamaica’s premier music event, the Reggae Festival takes place every July to mark the start of summer. With fantastic line-ups, live entertainment, amazing street food and plenty of sunshine and hot weather for party-goers.

Virgen del Carmen Festival

Paucartambo, Peru

16 July

Head to Paucartambo, a small town a few hours east from Cusco in Peru to experience the unique and spectacular Virgen del Carmen Festival. Join the locals as they celebrate with colourful costumes and masks, blessing those present and scaring away demons.

Verona Opera Festival

Verona, Italy

July

A summer festival dedicated to opera. Guests can enjoy amazing music from some of Europe’s biggest opera stars in the most incredible outdoor setting at the Arena di Verona. Tickets are available for individual performances throughout the course of the month.

Places to avoid

Monsoons and overheating remain the main problems for holidays in July, so make sure you don’t accidentally book yourself on a plane to one of these no-go zones…

  • Asia – it’s still monsoon season through most of Asia, so other than the few options highlighted above, steer clear.
  • Senegal – if the heat and humidity aren’t getting the better of you, then the intermittent rains will. Give it a miss for now.

Here’s what we would do

UK

July is the perfect time for a UK break. There’s no better place when the sun shines.

If the weather is good then the UK has so much to see and do. Incredible culture to soak up in its cities, breathtaking landscapes and beaches that you’d mistake for Caribbean islands.

Obviously a stop in London sightseeing around its castles, bridges and buildings is a must, but don’t stay too long so you have time to explore Oxford and Cambridge too.

We’d try some surfing in Cornwall, or maybe a cottage in Yorkshire as a base for some walking in the Dales. Then head north and find your way to the beaches on the west coast of Scotland. So good, the Thai tourist board used a picture of one for its own promotion…

IMAGE CREDITS

Wife Carrying Championships – U.S. Air Force photo/Cortney Paxton – cropped

Nadaam FestivalZazaa Mongolia – cropped

Virgen del CarmenTipene78 – cropped

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