July might just be the perfect month to pack your bags and explore somewhere new. With summer in full swing across the Northern Hemisphere and winter bringing its own charm down south, the world opens up with endless possibilities. As someone who’s spent the last few years chasing the perfect weather around the globe, I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to international travel.
From sun-soaked beaches where the water temperature is just right, to cities where evening festivals light up ancient streets, July offers that sweet spot for so many destinations. Whether you’re dreaming of hiking through misty mountains, wandering through quiet museums, or sipping coffee at sidewalk cafes, there’s a perfect place waiting for you.
I’ve pulled together 18 destinations that shine particularly bright in July, each offering its own mix of good weather, cultural events, and manageable crowd levels. Think of this as your jumping-off point for planning that mid-summer escape you’ve been daydreaming about at your desk.
Santorini, Greece
Walk along the iconic white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches that line Santorini’s cliffside villages. The Greek island offers some of the most photographed sunset views in Europe, especially from the town of Oia where crowds gather each evening to watch the sun sink into the Aegean Sea. Take a boat tour around the volcanic caldera, stop at black sand beaches, or spend your afternoons wine tasting at local vineyards that have been producing unique varieties for centuries. For a memorable meal, book a table at one of the many cliff-edge restaurants where you can enjoy fresh Mediterranean dishes while looking out over the sparkling water below.
Bali, Indonesia
Want to experience a slice of paradise where tropical beaches meet ancient temples? That’s exactly what you’ll find in Bali, where July brings perfect weather for exploring this Indonesian gem. The dry season means clear skies for visiting the terraced rice paddies of Tegalalang, or watching the sunset from clifftop temples like Uluwatu. In the cultural heart of Ubud, you’ll spot monkeys swinging through sacred forests and locals creating intricate offerings for daily ceremonies. The waters around Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands are at their clearest this month, making it prime time for snorkeling with manta rays and sea turtles. Base yourself at one of the bamboo villas in Canggu, where health-focused cafes and surf spots create a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Iceland
Many travelers come to Iceland in July for the midnight sun, when daylight extends for nearly 24 hours, but this Nordic island offers much more than extended sunshine. The summer months bring mild temperatures that make exploring Iceland’s natural wonders – from waterfalls and glaciers to volcanic landscapes – particularly pleasant. In July, you can spot puffins nesting along the coastal cliffs, take a dip in natural hot springs, or drive the Ring Road that circles the entire country. While the Golden Circle route draws crowds to its geysers and waterfalls, you can find peace and quiet in the remote Westfjords or the highland interior, where moss-covered lava fields stretch as far as the eye can see.
Provence, France
In the southeastern corner of France lies Provence, a dreamy slice of Mediterranean life that comes alive in July. Just a few hours from Paris by high-speed train, this region feels like it operates on its own laid-back schedule. The endless fields of lavender reach peak bloom this month, painting the countryside in waves of purple that stretch to the horizon. Like something from a Van Gogh painting (he lived here, after all), you’ll find yourself surrounded by olive groves, stone villages, and local markets where the scent of herbs and fresh bread fills the morning air. Thanks to the warm climate and rich soil, Provence became a haven for wine makers and artists over the centuries, and you’ll find both vineyards and art galleries tucked into nearly every town you visit.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Ever hiked through meadows bursting with wildflowers while snow-capped peaks tower overhead? That’s just another summer day in the Swiss Alps, where mountain trails lead you through scenes that look straight out of “The Sound of Music.” July brings perfect hiking weather to this alpine paradise, with temperatures hovering around 70°F (21°C) during the day. You can hop aboard the famous Glacier Express train for panoramic views, trek between cozy mountain huts serving hot chocolate and fondue, or try your hand at paragliding above the green valleys. The charming village of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, offers car-free streets and some of the best summer skiing in Europe.
Maldives
For anyone dreaming of a perfect beach getaway, the Maldives Islands should be at the top of your list. Scattered across the Indian Ocean like pearls on blue silk, this collection of coral atolls offers white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the world’s best spots for swimming with manta rays and whale sharks. The overwater bungalows here let you step right from your room into the warm lagoon, while the underwater restaurants give you front-row seats to the colorful marine life swimming by.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Few places spark wanderlust quite like Machu Picchu, the famous Incan city perched high in Peru’s Andes Mountains. This 15th-century archaeological site sits at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, where morning mists roll through ancient stone structures and terraced fields that have endured for centuries. The journey here isn’t quick or easy – most visitors take a train to Aguas Calientes, then a bus up a series of switchbacks, or tackle the challenging Inca Trail trek. But seeing the first rays of sunlight illuminate these age-old ruins, while llamas graze peacefully among the terraces, makes every step worthwhile. July falls during Peru’s dry season, offering clear skies and perfect hiking conditions for exploring this remarkable piece of human history.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Perched along Italy’s southwestern coast, the Amalfi Coast feels like it was plucked straight from a vintage Italian postcard. This string of seaside towns, built into steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, offers a perfect mix of beach life and cultural charm. You’ll find yourself wandering through narrow streets lined with lemon trees, past pastel-colored houses stacked like building blocks against the hillsides. Locals zip around hairpin turns on Vespas, while fishing boats bob in the clear waters below. Thanks to the region’s rich history of seafaring and trade, you’ll discover influences from ancient Rome to medieval times in the architecture and cuisine. Summer brings warm days perfect for boat trips to hidden coves, afternoons at beach clubs, and evenings spent eating gelato on town squares as church bells echo across the water.
Banff National Park, Canada
I first visited Banff National Park in July 2018, drawn to Canada’s oldest and most beloved national park nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Located just 90 minutes west of Calgary, Banff is a wonderland of turquoise lakes and soaring peaks that form the backbone of the Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake steal the spotlight here, their glacier-fed waters reflecting the surrounding mountains like mirrors in the summer sun. The small town of Banff itself fits perfectly into this alpine setting, with local shops and restaurants lining Banff Avenue, while the historic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands guard over the valley like a Scottish castle in the wilderness. In July, the hiking trails come alive with wildflowers, and the long daylight hours mean you can pack your days with adventures from dawn until dusk.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Looking for a classic African safari experience? Kruger National Park in South Africa delivers exactly that in July. This massive game reserve spans nearly 2 million hectares and offers some of the best wildlife viewing during the dry winter season. You’ll spot lions lounging in the sun, herds of elephants gathering at waterholes, and if you’re lucky, elusive leopards moving through the golden grass at dusk. The cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall make this time perfect for both morning and afternoon game drives.
Queenstown, New Zealand
I first visited Queenstown during a winter escape to New Zealand’s South Island in 2019. Nestled between the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range, this alpine town has earned its reputation as the adventure capital of the world. Small cafes and cozy restaurants line the downtown streets, while ski slopes and hiking trails weave through the surrounding peaks. In July, the winter season is in full swing, bringing powder-fresh snow to nearby Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski fields. The crisp mountain air and shorter days create perfect conditions for gathering around fire pits at local wineries, where Central Otago Pinot Noir keeps visitors warm as they watch the sun dip behind the mountains.
Croatian Coast, Croatia
The Croatian coast calls to sun-seekers in July, when its clear blue waters and white pebble beaches hit perfect swimming temperatures. From Split to Dubrovnik, you’ll find a string of islands dotted with terracotta-roofed towns and hidden coves perfect for afternoon dips. The ancient walled cities along the shore come alive with summer festivals, while seafood restaurants serve fresh catch-of-the-day dishes on terraces overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Ever seen a bagpiper playing on a medieval cobblestone street? That’s just another day in Edinburgh, where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with modern Scottish life. July brings the city’s warmest days and longest daylight hours, perfect for exploring Edinburgh Castle or hiking up Arthur’s Seat for views across the city and the Firth of Forth. The city comes alive mid-month as the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival kicks off, filling pubs and venues with music. Between wandering the narrow closes of the Royal Mile and discovering hidden gardens, you can stay in converted historical buildings like The Witchery by the Castle, where Gothic architecture meets luxury accommodation.
Norwegian Fjords, Norway
I first experienced Norway’s fjords on a summer sailing trip in 2019, weaving through the deep-blue waterways that slice into the country’s western coast. The Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretches like a long blue ribbon between towering cliffs that rise 1,700 meters from the water. Small farms and wooden houses cling to the steep mountainsides, while waterfalls like the Seven Sisters cascade down into the crystal-clear waters below. Taking a small ferry through the fjords offers front-row views of this natural wonder, where the morning mist often hangs low over the water and the summer sun creates perfect reflections on the glass-like surface. The surrounding hiking trails lead to viewpoints that make you feel like you’re standing on top of the world, with panoramic views of the serpentine waterways cutting through Norway’s ancient landscape.
Kyoto, Japan
Ever caught a glimpse of a geisha hurrying through narrow stone alleyways? That’s a regular sight in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. This former imperial capital comes alive in July when the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s biggest festivals, fills the streets with elaborate floats and traditional music. Between visiting centuries-old temples draped in morning mist and wandering through peaceful bamboo groves, you can cool off in traditional tea houses or join locals at evening food markets. The nearby Arashiyama district offers a perfect escape, where you can ride rickshaws past traditional wooden houses and watch boats drift along the Katsura River.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia
Many travelers come to Victoria Falls for its famous cascade straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia, but this natural wonder offers much more than just falling water. The area serves as a hub for adventure activities, from white-water rafting on the Zambezi River to bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge. In July, the water levels are ideal – not too high to create excessive mist, yet strong enough to maintain the falls’ powerful presence. While the falls themselves are the main draw, visitors can also enjoy game drives in nearby national parks, sunset river cruises, and cultural visits to local villages, making it an excellent choice for both thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Ever wanted to see giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat? That’s just an average day in the Galapagos Islands, where unique wildlife encounters happen around every corner. July brings cool, dry weather to this Pacific Ocean paradise, making it perfect for watching sea lions lounge on beaches and blue-footed boobies dance their mating ritual. The islands that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution offer some of the world’s best snorkeling – imagine swimming alongside peaceful sea turtles and playful penguins in crystal-clear waters. You can hop between islands on boat tours, stay in eco-lodges on Santa Cruz Island, or join guided hikes to active volcanoes where marine iguanas bask in the equatorial sun.
Seychelles
Step into paradise when you visit the Seychelles Islands, a chain of 115 granite and coral islands in the Indian Ocean. The clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches of Beau Vallon Bay offer perfect spots for swimming and snorkeling with tropical fish. Take a boat trip to La Digue island to see the famous Anse Source d’Argent beach, known for its interesting rock formations and calm waters. Nature lovers can explore Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island, home to rare coco de mer palms and black parrots that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
