The Best Places to Visit in July

Switzerland in July is at its warmest, averaging 24–26°C (75–79°F) in cities and 10–20°C (50–68°F) in the mountains. In South Western Switzerland, long sunny days and water temperatures of 20–23°C (68–73°F) make one of Switzerland’s most beautiful places, Lake Geneva, ideal for swimming and kayaking. 

July marks the start of hiking season in Gstaad, as melting snow opens high-altitude trails lined with wildflowers, butterflies and alpine flora. This resort town also hosts the Menuhin Festival (July to early September), a classical music event held in historic churches and concert halls.

Croatia in July, along with August, is peak summer. You’ll experience brilliant sunny days that easily reach 28°C (82°F) and sparkling, clear waters of the Adriatic sea. The mediaeval coastal cities of Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik come alive, their cobbled streets echoing with the sound of patrons enjoying open air cinemas, festivals and delicious Croatian cuisine in the many excellent restaurants.

July is a great month for exploring Croatia’s national parks, with warm, dry weather and fully accessible trails in the mountainous regions. The warm evenings are also ideal for sunset boat excursions; we particularly love private kayak tours at Cape Kamenjak, gliding past sea caves and limestone cliffs, or perhaps taking a few days to sail around Croatia’s stunning collection of islands, one of our top things to do in Croatia.

In July, the Emerald Isle truly lives up to its name. Lush landscapes flourish under warm temperatures averaging 17–21°C (63–70°F), with occasional rain showers nourishing the countryside. These pleasant weather conditions, combined with summer school holidays, make Ireland in July a popular time to visit, so booking ahead is essential to secure the best places to stay.

On the west coast, the Galway International Arts Festival brings two weeks of world-class theatre, music and art. It’s also a great time to visit the Aran Islands, one of the region’s top highlights, where warm weather makes Kilmurvey Beach perfect for swimming. Inland, take advantage of the long summer days with privately guided dusk or dawn visits to the Rock of Cashel in Ireland’s Ancient East.

July brings long days and mild weather, making it an excellent time to explore Norway’s natural landscapes. The fjords burst with greenery and waterfalls surge with snowmelt. One of our favourite ways to experience this is on a three day luxury cruise from Bergen to Flåm, offering a front-row seat to glacier-carved fjords, golden eagles soaring overhead and hillside villages tucked into the landscape. 

Norway in July is prime time to witness the midnight sun in the Svalbard Islands, one of the most remote travel locations in the world. The sun stays visible 24 hours a day, perfect for photography, wildlife viewing and late-night exploration. 

Morocco in July is hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). We recommend spending the hottest part of the day relaxing in your luxury riad and taking your city explorations in the early mornings and evenings. The streets come alive at this time, when the heat is more manageable. We recommend private tours of Marrakesh’s food markets and the historic medina of Fes.  

Coastal cities like Casablanca and Essaouira benefit from Atlantic breezes, ideal for relaxed sightseeing. Another of our favourite July retreats is the High Atlas Mountains, where cool mountain air, dry trails and accessible Berber villages offer rewarding summer hikes and opportunities to learn about the specific culture of the mountains.

July marks the height of Tanzania’s dry season (June to October), when sunny skies and sparse vegetation make for excellent wildlife viewing in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and beyond. As winter sets in, midday temperatures rarely exceed 25°C (77°F), making this one of our favourite times for family safaris. Just remember to pack layers for chilly mornings and evenings.

When exploring Tanzania in July, one of our favourite national parks to visit is the lesser-known Tarangire National Park, where the peak game season begins. From July to November, marvel at huge densities of zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and big cats gathering at the Tarangire River. July is also one of the best times to visit Tanzania to attempt a summit of the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, with dry trails and exceptional clear views.

July is late winter (June to August) in the Seychelles. Expect cool breezes, comfortable  daytime temperatures that peak around 26°C (79°F) and very little rain. On Mahé the steady coastal southeast trade winds are ideal for windsurfing and sailing along white sandy shores.

Aride Island in July marks the peak of seabird breeding season (May to October), where you can spot roseate terns, red-tailed tropicbirds and noddies that nest in large numbers. We recommend the Seychelles in July for secluded honeymoons, as it’s a quieter season with peaceful coastal paths and space for private beachfront dinners and days of exclusive activities in nature.

Kenya in July falls within its sunny dry winter season (June to October), bringing warm, clear days and excellent wildlife viewing. Along the Kenyan Coast, beaches like Diani, Watamu and Lamu enjoy low humidity, gentle breeze and pleasant temperatures around 25–28°C (77–82°F). It’s the perfect time to swim, snorkel or dive in the Indian Ocean. 

One of our favourite national parks in July is Amboseli National Park, often a little quieter than Masai Mara. We also love the exclusive Mara Conservencies at this time, where a hot air balloon safari over the open plains is one of our favourite things to do in Kenya. In July you’ll have excellent chances of spotting elephants, which are especially abundant at this time of year.

Winter (June to August) is in full swing in Australia in July, bringing striking contrasts across the country. In Queensland, enjoy mild days of 21–26°C (70–79°F) and the start of the annual humpback whale migration, just one of many reasons to visit Australia in winter. 

Further in land, the cold, dry air offers some of the world’s best stargazing. At Uluru and the Outback we highly recommend a stay at Longitude 131°, one of the world’s top luxury lodges. Here you’ll have uninterrupted views of the Milky Way, which in Aboriginal Dreamtime is seen as a representation of ancestral beings. One of the most prominent is the Emu in the Sky, recognised as a powerful creator spirit. Night time temperatures can drop to  3–5°C (37–41°F) in July, so packing a jacket is essential.

Thailand in July is a quieter time to explore the country’s natural beauty. Thailand is typically lesser-visited during the rainy season (May to October), but with plenty of sunshine, peaceful activities and the rains transforming jungles and waterfalls into lush, verdant natural wonderlands, we think it’s a beautiful time to visit. The weather stays warm and humid, averaging 25–31°C (77–88°F).

Visit Koh Kood, where waterfalls are at their fullest, forming natural pools perfect for swimming. On Koh Phangan, sunny breaks between short tropical showers and fewer crowds create a relaxed atmosphere for beach activities like snorkelling and diving.

Vietnam in July sees the monsoon season across the country. In the North Highlands and Ha Long Bay the summer (June to September) climate is hot with brief downpours followed by sunshine. The sea reaches 30°C (86°F), the warmest of the year, ideal for swimming at Titop Island amidst lush, green karst cliffs. 

In Ho Chi Minh, cooler air and rain-washed streets invite you indoors to explore galleries, museums or traditional performances. The city’s vibrant cafés offer cosy, welcoming retreats, and when the rain lets up, stroll glistening alleys or hop on a Vespa for an atmospheric night tour.

July falls within the monsoon season (mid-May to September) in the Maldives, bringing short tropical showers, often in the afternoon or evening. Overall you can expect at least half a day of clear skies. Warm temperatures around 29–30°C (84–86°F) make it ideal for swimming and water sports. 

The Maldives in July is a special time for honeymooners, as plankton-rich waters attract manta rays between May and September. On 26th July, Independence Day is a significant national holiday, marked by cultural performances, ceremonies and special events at many resorts.

Costa Rica in July brings El Veranillo de San Juan, a brief dry spell within the green season (May to November). This dry period typically lasts around a month, starting in mid-July. Daytime highs of 29–32°C (85–90°F) make it a great time for beach days, especially on the Caribbean coast, where Tortuguero enters the green turtle nesting season (July to October). 

We recommend visiting during the green season as it’s much quieter with fewer travellers in areas such as Manuel Antonio and Arenal (where the volcano is often visible during the clear days). Travelling at this time can help to positively benefit the environment, while allowing you to enjoy exclusive and authentic experiences. You can read more about our approach to positive impact travel here. 

Travelling to Guatemala in July means catching the canícula, a window of drier, sunnier weather within the rainy season (May to October). In Antigua, enjoy 21–28°C (69–83°F) while wandering cobbled streets, especially during the Festival of Santiago Apóstol on 25th July, celebrated with music and lively processions.

Around Lake Atitlán, cool mornings are perfect for hiking volcanoes or biking along the lakeshore before the afternoon showers. July also begins sea turtle nesting season (June to December) on the Pacific Coast, with Olive Ridleys coming ashore on black-sand beaches near Monterrico and El Paredón. 

Patagonia in July is quiet and wintry, one of the best times to experience its wild beauty. Daytime temperatures hover around 10°C (50°F), often accompanied by a cold wind. On Argentina’s Atlantic coast, Peninsula Valdés enters peak Southern right whale season (June to December), as these majestic creatures return to sheltered bays to breed and calve. 

In Chile, many of Torres del Paine’s snow-covered trails can still be explored from June to August, and we love July for its increased chances of spotting pumas, thanks to fewer visitors. Expect temperatures between 3–8°C (37–46°F), dropping below freezing at night.

Ecuador in July falls within the country’s dry season (June to September), bringing sunny and clear days that are ideal for outdoor exploration. In Cuenca, temperatures range from 9–19°C (49–67°F)  and the month marks the start of the waterfall hiking season (June to November), as trails dry out and the cascading falling waters remain strong.

In the Galápagos Islands, July is part of the cool, dry garúa season (June to November), averaging 21–25°C (70–77°F). It’s prime time for whale watching (June to October) and the beginning of dolphin season (July to November), especially near Isabela Island, where nutrient-rich waters attract abundant marine life.