Thinking about planning a summer holiday in July? There’s a huge variety of options when it comes to the best places to visit in July.
It might be one of the busiest and most expensive months to travel in Europe – but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out. As well as jetting off to the nearest beaches, you’ll find some quieter July holiday destinations a little further. Meaning? Some great deals on hotels and flights could be yours for the taking. In fact, you can check out KAYAK’s data-backed picks below to find options based on hotel and flight prices, alongside popularity and weather, for a July 2024 escape.
Best holiday destinations in July: Europe
July sits well and truly in Europe’s summer season, making it a prime time of year for a sun-soaked escape. The only trouble you’ll have is deciding where to go on holiday first! Here’s a little inspiration to help steer you in the right direction.
1. Stockholm, Sweden
- Learn more: Stockholm travel guide
- Why visit in July: Sailing trips and bear-watching tours
July is a wonderful time of year to visit Stockholm as all the Midsummer celebrations have ended and things are quieter. This leaves you to enjoy long days of extended daylight at your leisure. As well as exploring the city’s sights, why not sail out onto the open water for a cruise around Stockholm’s stunning archipelago? There are thousands of islands, both big and small, to explore.
Sweden is additionally one of the best places to visit in July for bear-watching in Sweden. It’s well worth combining a city break with an organised tour. The closest to Stockholm is in Gästrikland, a three-hour drive north of the city, where you can stay overnight in a hide while you watch out for brown bears.
2. The Azores, Portugal
- Learn more: Pico da Pedra travel guide
- Why visit in July: Beautiful blooms and numerous festivals
For an island escape that’s a little more on the wild side, make your way to the Azores in July. The Portuguese archipelago has become a much-loved holiday spot thanks to its rugged landscapes and diving.
July is a great month to visit, not least because it’s one of the warmest. Daytime temperatures typically sit at around 20°C and there’s little chance of rain. Summer is also when the islands are at their prettiest. Head to the Sete Cidades region of Sao Miguel for a hike to see its iconic duo of lakes surrounded by hundreds of vibrant hydrangea bushes.
Another prime reason the Azores is one of the best places to visit in July is the festivals. Venture to Velas on Sao Jorge Island in mid-July for Culture Week when the town comes alive with music, theatre and other performances from local and international artists. There’s also Semana do Chicarro on Sao Miguel Island earlier in the month where you can listen to local music and tuck into regional culinary delights – including heaps of fresh fish.
3. Sofia, Bulgaria
- Learn more: Sofia travel guide
- Why visit in July: An affordable city break
Anyone wondering where the cheapest place to go abroad in July is should consider a trip to Bulgaria. Despite flights and hotels being pricier in the summer months, the low cost of living balances it out – making it a wonderfully affordable option.
The capital city of Sofia is easily one of the best places to visit in July thanks to its favourable weather, fairly good deals on flights and range of attractions. Sofia has a fascinating history and impressive architecture, including remnants of Macedonian, Roman and Ottoman occupation. A trip to Sofia wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral either.
Not all of Sofia’s treasures are found in the city centre. There are very few capital cities in the world which have a mountain more than 7000 ft tall on their doorstep! Vitosha straddles the land around the city and is an absolute must-see. While ski season will long be over, you’ll be able to hike Vitosha’s many beautiful trails and visit the stunning Boyanna Waterfall.
4. Cowes, UK
- Why visit in July: Experience Cowes Week
The Isle of Wight was once a summer residence of Queen Victoria. In fact, she loved the island so much, she purchased her own residence there in 1845 which became known as Osbourne House. Today, it’s one of the island’s biggest tourist attractions and just a short drive from the beautiful port town of Cowes.
Life in Cowes is primarily about one thing: sailing. If you’re not as confident with your own abilities out in a boat on the open water, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to enjoy this popular pastime from the shore. There are many sailing events on the Island throughout the year – but Cowes Week is my favourite. The four-day sailing extravaganza takes place in the last week of July and sees a combination of boat races, firework displays and more than 1000 boats bobbing along the water.
If you’re after more outdoor activities, I’d recommend a hike across the island to the Needles Battery. This stunning lighthouse and fortification features incredible views out to sea and of the bay of Bournemouth.
5. Munich, Germany
- Learn more: Munich travel guide
- Why visit in July: Sunny beer gardens and breathtaking hikes
Munich is an underappreciated gem and one of the best places to visit in July for a mix of culture and sunshine. It’s the capital city of Germany’s Bavarian province and has some lovely scenery. Because of this, it should come as no surprise to learn that summer is a brilliant time for a trip.
There is, of course, one major attraction of visiting this part of the world: beer. Whilst Oktoberfest may not take place for a few more months, you can still hop around the city’s beautiful beer gardens and learn more about the history behind each of its brews. One of my favourite beer gardens sits next door to the Chinese Tower in English Garden Park, with benches overlooking a boating lake and giant pretzels to keep you sated.
There’s plenty more to do too. Enjoy a walk around English Garden and see if you can catch the local surfers trying to surf the river that meanders through the park. For a fun day trip, I’d recommend catching the train to Tegerensee to explore the incredible Bavarian countryside. If you’re feeling active, hike across Gindelalmschneid to Schliersee where you can take a refreshing dip in the lake before catching a train back into the city.
Best places to visit in July: long-haul
Want to get out of Europe? Or maybe you’re wondering where isn’t too hot in July? There are plenty of spots on the other side of the world that are more than worthy of a visit during the British summer season – here are my top picks.
6. New York City, USA
- Learn more: New York travel guide
- Why visit in July: for 4th July festivities and Shakespeare open-air performances
New York is an enticing city break, whatever the season. While it can get pretty hot in the summer, there are few better ways to spend your days than strolling down the High Line, iced coffee in hand, or sipping cocktails at a cool rooftop bar while the sunsets over the Manhattan skyline.
Whether it’s the city’s endless list of tourist attractions, the soulful history of Harlem or the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, New York has something for everyone. Visiting in July also gives you a chance to experience one of the city’s biggest celebrations – the 4th of July festivities. While it can be worth it to see the floats, parades and firework displays, the city’s hotel prices also skyrocket.
Those on a budget but still keen to take a bite out of the Big Apple might prefer visiting later in the month. The weather in NYC is usually fantastic throughout July. One of the best things to do is catch an open-air performance of Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park. Usually there’s two productions to chose between, with shows running throughout the summer.
7. Etosha National Park, Nambia
- Learn more: Namibia travel guide
- Why visit in July: Perfect safari weather
If a safari has been on your bucket list since forever, this summer might be the perfect time to tick it off. Hands-down one of the best countries to visit in July is Namibia. Why? Because the month sits right in the middle of the dry season, meaning great visibility for spotting incredible wildlife in its natural habitat. Despite the lack of rain, it doesn’t get too hot either. You’ll still need to pack a few layers, especially for the evenings.
Etosha National Park in northwest Namibia is one of the biggest national parks in Africa and a brilliant place to visit in July. It’s known locally as ‘the Great White Place’ as it hosts the continent’s biggest salt pan. In July, game drives will focus on the arid areas watering holes where animals – including huge herds of zebras and majestic elephants – tend to congregate to drink and bathe. It’s also not uncommon to see lions hunting if you’re a fan of big cats!
There are plenty of places to stay to suit all budgets around Etosha, from luxurious lodges to tented camps. While July might be on the pricier end of the scale, it’s worth paying extra for the dry weather and prime safari conditions.
8. Cusco, Peru
- Learn more: Cusco travel guide
- Why visit in July: Hike to Machu Picchu
Once the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, today Cusco is a hotbed for explorers of all kinds. At more than 11,000 ft above sea level, Cusco is a unique holiday destination. However, I guaranteed you’ll come away with a deep appreciation for the locals, their traditions and the astonishing preservation of history in this incredible city.
If you want to feel inspired by the tales of the old Inca Empire, it’s worth taking a tour of its most famous relic: Machu Picchu. These incredible ruins were kept a secret from the Spanish Occupation of Peru for centuries and were only officially rediscovered in 1911. July is one of the most popular months to experience them as the weather is dry and not too hot. You might find yourself catching your breath a little when you first arrive in Cusco. That’s why a guided trek to Machu Picchu is the best way to acclimatise quickly to the high altitude.
Another absolute must on a trip to Cusco is a visit to the ruins at Saksaywaman. Here, you can experience a culture which predates that of the Incas! As Cusco and Machu Picchu can get pretty busy in July, you might want to counterbalance your trip with a few relaxing days in Mancora on Peru’s north coast. While it’s technically the low season, the weather is balmy and it’s a great time for whale-watching.
9. Borneo, Malaysia
- Learn more: Sandakan travel guide
- Why visit in July: Dry season and amazing wildlife
Why fly all the way to the island of Borneo during your summer break? Well, if you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with orangutans, leopards, rhinos and bears, it’s the perfect time to visit as the weather will be hot and dry. Sandakan, a city on the Malaysian side of the island, will be your first port of call as it’s one of the gateways to the island’s protected wildlife areas.
There’s no better place to spot incredible wildlife in Borneo than the majestically beautiful Danum Valley. The natural conservation area is teeming with rare species – including the iconic Bornean orangutan. You could quite easily spend days camping out and wandering through the dense but beautiful jungle. Another wildlife trip to consider is Selingan Island – one of the aptly named Turtle Islands. Once there, you can see the island’s turtle conservation efforts and help release baby turtles into the ocean.
To break up your trip, spend a few days in Sandakan itself. The city has stunning temples, gardens to wander through and delicious local cuisine. Nearby is also the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where you can spend hours watching orphaned and injured orangutans swinging between the trees.
10. San Francisco, USA
- Learn more: San Francisco travel guide
- Why visit in July: Great sightseeing conditions
Another US city that’s worth adding to your July travel bucket list is San Francisco. While NYC might experience pretty hot temperatures at this time of year, San Fran is much milder. Number 4 on KAYAK’s data picks, San Fransisco promises average temperatures of 15°C and no rain – making it ideal weather for sightseeing. However it does get busy, so prepare for some busy attractions and book ahead for popular places such as Alcatraz.
If you’re a first-timer in the city, you’ll likely have a few obvious attractions on your itinerary. First up is the landmark Golden Gate Bridge. You can walk, cycle or drive across it and then head into the coastal Marin Headlands for awesome views of the bridge with a backdrop of the city. Touristy Fisherman’s Wharf is worth a quick visit to admire the harbour views and spot the resident seals.
Foodies will be in heaven in the city’s Chinatown – one of the largest in the world. There are also plenty of charming trattorias and wine bars in Little Italy, plus tantalising taquerias in the Mexican Mission District. San Francisco has plenty of green spaces too, perfect for relaxing on sunny July days. This includes the Presidio of San Francisco, which houses the wonderful Palace of Fine Arts, and Golden Gate Park which is crisscrossed with hiking trails.
Data-backed picks from KAYAK
If seasonal events and unlimited sunshine aren’t on your wish list, why not consider one of the below destinations? They’re all based on KAYAK flight and hotel data, taking into account budget, weather, and popularity (so you can avoid the crowds). For personalised recommendations based on your location and chosen destination, check out the Best Time to Travel tool.
| Destination | Country | Avg. flight price | Avg. hotel price | Avg. temperature | Avg. precipitation | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | TH | £945 | £36 | 29℃ | 150 mm | low |
| Koh Samui | TH | £1,179 | £62 | 29℃ | 123 mm | medium |
| Singapore | SG | £906 | £108 | 28℃ | 150 mm | medium |
| San Francisco | US | £685 | £160 | 15℃ | 0 mm | high |
| Amsterdam | NL | £149 | £209 | 16℃ | 70 mm | low |
| London | GB | £181 | £157 | 17℃ | 40 mm | medium |
| Los Angeles | US | £726 | £186 | 23℃ | 0 mm | medium |
| Madrid | ES | £166 | £109 | 25℃ | 10 mm | medium |
| Edinburgh | GB | £114 | £178 | 15℃ | 60 mm | medium |
| Istanbul | TR | £271 | £65 | 23℃ | 10 mm | high |
| Rome | IT | £222 | £173 | 23℃ | 15 mm | medium |
| Orlando | US | £765 | £115 | 29℃ | 180 mm | low |
| Barcelona | ES | £175 | £156 | 23℃ | 20 mm | high |
| Palma de Mallorca | ES | £218 | £151 | 25℃ | 0 mm | high |
| Berlin | DE | £188 | £137 | 18℃ | 45 mm | medium |
| Chania | GR | £310 | £121 | 26℃ | 1 mm | high |
| Honolulu | US | £1,508 | £254 | 27℃ | 13 mm | medium |
| Antalya | TR | £296 | £113 | 27℃ | 0 mm | high |
| Nice | FR | £159 | £167 | 24℃ | 12 mm | high |
| Paris | FR | £156 | £294 | 21℃ | 62 mm | medium |
Recommendation ranking within table:
Our recommendation ranking of where to go is calculated based on average flight prices, average hotel prices, popularity, average temperature, and average precipitation. Flight prices, hotel prices, popularity, and precipitation constitute inverse factors, meaning the lower the better. Average temperature optimal values are taken as the median for the destination, and a difference is calculated for the month from this reference point. The smaller the difference, the more desirable the city is to visit in this month. This temperature factor weighs twice as much as popularity and precipitation.
Flight and hotel prices:
Average prices are estimated from KAYAK internal data from search period ‘2023-11-01’ to ‘2024-01-15’ for travel period ‘2024-07’. Flight prices include economy class return trips for one traveler, and hotel prices represent 3 stars or below hotels’ nightly rates for a standard double room. Price insights are subject to vary depending on the exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.
Popularity:
Monthly crowd estimates for each destination are determined by internal flight and hotel search data. This incorporates the latest historical insights from the past year collected on ‘15-01-2024’. For each destination, this popularity estimate is pulled for the particular month to gauge where it might not be too crowded.
Weather (average monthly temperature and precipitation):
Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data isbased on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in real-time from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.
Explore more in July
Many of my recommendations for June are just as good to visit in July. Or, if you’re planning further ahead, why not look at the best places for August? KAYAK’s also got you covered for the best deals on flights and hotels across the globe.
