Quick Picks for July
July is peak summer in the northern hemisphere, which means long days, school holidays and high demand. Some destinations are at their best, while others are uncomfortably hot or crowded. Think about whether you want warmth, mild weather or a southern-hemisphere winter.
- To avoid heat: Iceland, Scandinavia, the Scottish Highlands, the Alps, the Canadian Rockies and Alaska.
- For beaches: the Mediterranean, the US coasts, and Atlantic islands.
- For wildlife: East Africa’s dry season, which often coincides with wildebeest migration viewing in parts of Kenya and Tanzania.
- For something different: the southern hemisphere’s winter, in places such as South Africa, Patagonia or Australia.
Where to Go in July That Is Not Hot
If you are asking where to go in July that is not hot, the usual answers are northern or high-elevation places.
- Iceland. Long daylight hours and mild temperatures, though it can still be windy, wet and cool. It is a popular month for road trips, hiking and waterfalls, and it does not offer northern lights because of the near-constant light. See our 5-day Iceland summer itinerary for a route.
- Norway, Sweden and Finland. Fjords, lakes and hiking with typically comfortable temperatures. Long days make activities easy to schedule.
- Scotland. Highlands and islands are scenic in summer, though midges and changeable weather are common. Our best UK travel itinerary lays out routes.
- The Alps and Dolomites. Higher elevations are cooler than the valleys, with trails and cable cars open for hiking. Our guide to the best travel destinations for hiking has more trail ideas.
- The Canadian Rockies and Alaska. Hiking, wildlife and glaciers; book popular parks early.
- Patagonia and the southern hemisphere. July is winter, so conditions are cold and some services reduce operations, but crowds are smaller than in summer. See Patagonia travel tips for weather and booking advice.
Beach and Mediterranean Trips
July is the main season for the Mediterranean, including Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain and Turkey. Sea temperatures are warm, but heat and crowds can be intense in popular towns. Some ideas to ease this:
- Choose lesser-known islands and coasts.
- Plan sightseeing early in the morning or late afternoon.
- Book accommodation with air conditioning, which is not guaranteed everywhere.
- Consider the shoulder months. Our guide to places to travel in October covers an alternative with milder weather.
Short US Trips
For a three-day trip in the United States, pick one region and fly or drive in. Options include:
- Coastal California, Oregon or Washington for cooler coastal weather. Our 10-day California road trip follows the coast.
- New England coast (Maine, Cape Cod) for beaches and seafood.
- National parks like Glacier or Yellowstone, which are popular and require advance reservations for lodging.
- Fireworks and Fourth of July events in cities such as Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York.
- San Diego for beaches and easy logistics.
Heat can be extreme in places like Arizona and Nevada in July, so those are better saved for other months.
Wildlife and Adventure
July suits wildlife travel in several regions. In East Africa, the dry season is a popular time for safaris, and the Great Migration is often associated with the Mara region, although timing varies from year to year. In Alaska, bears fish for salmon at certain locations in July. Check operator advice and book early for these popular trips. Our Tanzania safari packing guide covers what to bring.
Cheaper Options
July is usually expensive in the northern hemisphere, but there are ways to save:
- Travel in the southern hemisphere where July is low season.
- Consider destinations with rainy seasons, which can offer lower prices, such as parts of Southeast Asia, though conditions are wetter.
- Go midweek, and avoid long weekends and school-break starts.
- Search flexible dates and nearby airports.
Planning Notes
- Book early. Hotels in popular areas fill months ahead.
- Check wildfire and heat advisories for western North America and southern Europe.
- Bring sun protection, a refillable bottle and light layers.
FAQ
Where is it nice to travel in July? Iceland, Scandinavia, the Alps and the Canadian Rockies offer pleasant summer weather. The Mediterranean is warm and busy.
Where is the cheapest to travel in July? Southern hemisphere destinations and wet-season locations are often cheaper, but compare costs for your dates.
Where to go in July for a three-day trip in the USA? Consider San Diego, the New England coast or a national park, depending on whether you prefer beaches or hiking.
Where to go in July that is not hot? Iceland, Norway, Scotland and mountain regions are common picks.