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12 Best Places to Travel in July

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Beach and cliffside town of Carvoeiro, Portugal

Carvoeiro, Portugal

July is a magnificent month in which to explore the world, as the Northern Hemisphere heads into summer, while its Southern counterpart sees the depths of winter. Whether you prefer a snowy escape or a jungle adventure, this list of destinations can help inspire your next getaway.

July brings you into the comfort of warmth or the beauty of the cold, in which you can explore lavender fields or ancient ruins, witness impressive wild herds or hike across glaciers, with any trip personalized with your goals in mind.

The following are our recommendations on some of the destinations you could visit in July.

Overview
  1. 1. Greece
  2. 2. Portugal
  3. 3. France
  4. 4. Austria
  5. 5. Finland
  6. 6. Sweden
  7. 7. Costa Rica
  8. 8. Colombia
  9. 9. Tahiti
  10. 10. New Zealand
  11. 11. Kenya
  12. 12. Tanzania
  13. Plan your trip for July

1. Greece

Vai beach on Crete island, Greece

Crete, Greece

Temperatures: Low 73.9°F • High 87.6°F

Highlights: Warm weather, culture, beaches, museums, cuisine, ancient ruins

Other recommended travel times: May • June • September • October

Greece is a dream destination in the Mediterranean and July demonstrates the beauty of islands bathed in golden sunlight, legendary ruins, and lively beaches brushing against crystal-clear waters.

The natural splendor of the islands and coastlines reveals an essential part of the cultural treasures of Greece found in cliff-side panoramas, the remains of hilltop temples, or cafés filled with the aromas of rich Greek coffee and sweet baklava.

Learn more: Greece Tours & VacationsGreece Travel Guide

2. Portugal

Cliffs near Lagos City in the Algarve region of Portugal

Algarve coast, Portugal

Temperatures: Low 70°F • High 80.6°F

Highlights: Warm weather, culture, beaches, museums, cuisine

Other recommended travel times: May • June • September

Portugal captures the inherent charm of the Iberian Peninsula in July. As one of the hottest months of the year, visitors and locals may indulge in the golden beaches of the Algarve region as the sands slide into the comfortable Atlantic Ocean.

The charisma can take you from the mountains to fairy-tale castles, immerse you in centuries of food culture, or simply highlight a riverside café. As you explore the rhythms of Portugal in July, you can sip wine, enjoy a pastry, and embrace the panoramic scenery.

Learn more: Portugal Tours & VacationsPortugal Travel Guide

3. France

Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Vally, France

Loire Vally, France

Temperatures: Low 68°F • High 87.6°F

Highlights: Warm weather, culture, beaches, museums, cuisine

Other recommended travel times: May • June • December

July is the warmest month of the year in France, whether visiting the luxurious palaces of the Loire Valley or the chic beaches of Cote d’Azur, the craggy cliffs of Normandy or the lavender fields of Provence.

Across the country, France revels in its celebrated charms, woven around cafés and markets that fill village squares. You can savor tradition and explore preserved heritage, from bistros to the joie de vivre instilled in daily life.

Learn more: France Tours & VacationsFrance Travel Guide

4. Austria

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, Austria

Temperatures: Low 63.3°F • High 80°F

Highlights: Culture, cuisine, villages, hiking, scenery, museums

Other recommended travel times: May • August • September • December

Austria is a destination where urban culture and natural wonders combine, especially in July, when marvels from the cities to the mountains are on display.

Baroque churches, comforting cuisine, engaging musical masterpieces, and the sounds of the hills create an enchanting scene in which you can discover Mozart and the Habsburgs, or the delights of strudel. In July, the diversity is palpable and accessible, making it easy to enjoy popular concerts and festivals or less-crowded corners.

Learn more: Austria Tours & Vacations Austria Travel Guide

5. Finland

Blue lakes and green forests on a sunny summer day in Finland

Finnish Lakeland

Temperatures: Low 57.6°F • High 70.7°F

Highlights: Culture, villages, museums, hiking

Other recommended travel times: February • May • June

Finland in July is a work of art. With the shimmering glow of the Midnight Sun spreading across the country, the depth of summer in Finland unveils a country infused with a warm climate, blossoming landscapes, and days filled with light.

The landscape captures the essential wonder of unspoiled nature, from glistening lakes to rushing rivers, connecting to the modern culture and charisma of Helsinki. From vibrant harbors to serene forests, quiet islands to Art Nouveau, Finland embraces art in all forms.

Learn more: Finland Tours & VacationsFinland: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

6. Sweden

Kayaking in Smögen, Sweden

Smögen, Sweden

Temperatures: Low 56°F • High 71.4°F

Highlights: Culture, villages, museums, hiking

Other recommended travel times: February • May • June

Sweden in July is festive and bright. The Midnight Sun acts as a spotlight on the entire country, as festivals create an exciting opportunity to experience authentic contemporary culture and preserved heritage in the depths of summer.

The varied landscapes can take you from the reflective waters of a secluded fjord to a serene woodland paradise, islands brimming with Viking history to museums overflowing with historical treasures. Sweden in July is more than just beautiful, it is compelling.

Learn more: Sweden Tours & Vacations Sweden Travel Guide

7. Costa Rica

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Temperatures: Low 67.6°F • High 84.6°F

Highlights: Warm weather, wildlife, culture, beaches, scenery

Other recommended travel times: February • August • October • December

Costa Rica gives you a taste of summer and tropical paradise in July. As a whole, Costa Rica embodies the ideals of pura vida, from the lush jungle trees to the curling Pacific waves.

July provides what locals call the “little summer” during the broader rainy season, which can immerse you in the endless charm of the artistic towns, the balance of sustainable farms, and biodiversity that combines visions of wildlife with outdoor adventure. In July, you can quickly experience why Costa Rica inspires the pure life.

Learn more: Costa Rica Tours & VacationsCosta Rica Travel Guide

8. Colombia

Beach in Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Temperatures: Low 79°F • High 88°F

Highlights: Warm weather, wildlife, culture, beaches, history, villages

Other recommended travel times: February • October • November

Colombia is full of surprises in July. As one of the best months to discover the country's diversity, you have much better access to the soaring Andean peaks or the unspoiled Caribbean shores, the mysterious archeological ruins or the enticing sounds of the Amazon jungle.

In July, the allure of Colombia can immerse you in comfortable weather and bring to light the mixture of stunning scenery, exciting excursions, and inspiring heritage found in colonial towns or ancient ruins.

Learn more: Colombia Tours & Vacations Colombia Travel Guide

9. Tahiti

Overwater bungalows in Tahiti

Tahiti

Temperatures: Low 66°F • High 79°F

Highlights: Warm weather, culture, beaches, water sports, cuisine

Other recommended travel times: May • October

Tahiti and French Polynesia are true paradises in July. The Southern Hemisphere's winter is the high season for visitors across the islands, but the great weather and decreased humidity provide sunny days in which you can bask in the warm and crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific.

The tropical splendor exudes from lush vegetation and white-sand beaches, naturally sweet flavors and friendly culture. From glamour to grace, festivals to private panoramas, Tahiti is a dream come true in July.

Learn more: Tahiti Tours & Vacations Tahiti Travel Guide

10. New Zealand

Winter treking in New Zealand

Winter treking in New Zealand

Temperatures: Low 53°F • High 61°F

Highlights: Wildlife, whale watching, culture, winter sports, wine tasting, hiking, scenery

Other recommended travel times: January • February • March • June • August • December

New Zealand in July immerses you in a winter wonderland. Winter sports emerge as an exciting new way to discover the islands and contemporary culture.

Each new excursion accentuates the splendor of the reflective fiords, dramatic mountains, and glistening glaciers. From large cities to secluded towns, whale watching to snowboarding, the natural beauty of New Zealand has a vibrancy all its own in July.

Learn more: New Zealand Tours & VacationsNew Zealand Travel Guide

11. Kenya

Lion in the golden grass plains of Masai Mara, Kenya

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Temperatures: Low 55°F • High 72°F

Highlights: Warm weather, safari, wildlife, culture, beaches

Other recommended travel times: February • June • August

Kenya personifies and transcends safari in July. The dry season takes hold over the plains and coastline, accentuating the golden colors of the landscape and contrasting the lush greenery of the equatorial mountains.

With proud cultural histories, abundant wilderness, and inspiring scenery, Kenya in July offers insights into the ancient struggles between nomadic herding versus farming, living side-by-side with wildlife, and conserving local treasures.

Learn more: Kenya Safaris & VacationsKenya Safari Guide

12. Tanzania

Herds of zebras and wildebeests in the Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Temperatures: Low 48°F • High 70°F

Highlights: Warm weather, wildlife, culture, beaches, scenery

Other recommended travel times: March • August • October • November

Tanzania in July captures greatness. With wildlife flooding the national parks, embodied in the customary Great Migration of the Serengeti, the dry season is the peak time for wildlife viewing across the country.

Beyond the open plains and steep slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, you can embrace the idyllic beaches fading into the Indian Ocean or visit a semi-nomadic community. From markets to antique cities, national parks to coral-garden adventures, Tanzania is effortlessly surprising and endlessly dazzling.

Learn more: Tanzania Safaris & VacationsTanzania Safari Guide

Plan your trip for July

Couple snorkeling in Belize Barrier Reef

Belize Barrier Reef

July is the heart of summer or the depth of winter across the world and promises an experience you prefer no matter where you travel.

With endless chances to enjoy immersive scenery or thrilling activities, you could visit a traditional Maasai village or lounge on a white-sand beach. No matter the kinds of experience you want, July is a fantastic time in which to embark on a custom-tailored vacation.

For more ways to indulge in a trip that fits your schedule, find inspiration with Zicasso’s guide to the best places to visit by month.

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