This is part of our series on how to find the top holiday spots around the world by the calendar. These are the best holiday destinations for July. As with all our guides, we recommend you check all government travel warnings before you decide on a holiday destination.
No matter which continent you want to go to and how you want to travel, in July there is something for everyone. If you have further suggestions for travel destinations in July, we look forward of course to a comment.
Best holiday destinations for July: City breaks
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of the country, which has been named the happiest country in the world several times in recent years: Denmark. Even though this award went to Norway in 2017, Denmark continues to rank among the top 5 in the so-called “world happiness report”. So why not investigate the causes of the result in Copenhagen as one of the best holiday destinations for July?
Not only the many green areas, a beautiful harbor and bike paths, where the eye reaches, invite you to explore Copenhagen. Also culinary, the city is a real highlight, at least when it comes to the number of Michelin stars. Thus, the “Noma” has already been voted 4 times the world’s best restaurant. Of course, there are many more culinary options to discover.
St. Petersburg
For exploring the northernmost megacity in the world, July is recommended. For just because St. Petersburg is so far to the north, you should choose a month when the days are long and you have enough time to see the city in the light and it is not too cold. And the locals also appreciate the sun – in summer, the streets of St. Petersburg are of course much busier than in winter, but it is still one of the best holiday destinations for July.
Not only for art lovers, a visit to the Hermitage should be high on the to-do list. The huge, ornate building is one of the most important art museums in the world and is in no way inferior to the Louvre in Paris. On a city tour you should also take a look at some of the many cathedrals in the city. Especially the St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Kazan Cathedral are worth a visit.
A tip for your St. Petersburg trip is the daily opening of the bridges over the river Neva in the city. Every night, the many bridges are opened for ships, which can be a small spectacle. It’s best to look at it directly from the ship. In the city are regularly offered extra boat tours at midnight.
London
The summer months bring warm and sometimes even hot weather to London. Therefore, July is a great opportunity to get the most out of London’s parks, beer gardens and restaurants. In any case, you should plan a trip to one of the many chilled rooftop bars.
Only the sightseeing you better move to another month or you book in advance. Otherwise you have to wait for long waiting times at Madamae Tussauds, the London Eye, London Tower & Co. However, London is worth the visit even without the big tourist classics.
Even music, sports and festival fans will get their money’s worth during a vacation in London in July. Events like the Summer Streets on Regent Street, Wimbledon, Pride Parade or the relatively new Citadel Festival in Victoria Park are in July. There is definitely something for every taste.
Best of all, after London you can find really cheap flights practically all year round. Perfect for a short break.
Best holiday destinations for July: Road trips in Europe
Iceland road trip in July
Long summer nights, temperatures in the lower 20s and relatively dry weather – that sounds like good conditions for a road trip. Especially in a country otherwise known for its inclement weather. In July you can really go on a discovery tour in Iceland by car. As a rule, finally the last small road is finally thawed and passable by 4×4 vehicle.
In Iceland you will find hot springs, stunning volcanic landscapes, ice lagoons, black beaches, countless waterfalls and many more natural wonders. All this you can discover on a road trip through Iceland. If you want to represent your feet in between, then you can also take one or the other half-day or full-day excursion. You will find relaxation afterwards in one of the many thermal baths.
Of course, Iceland is an island because it is an island. For this you should plan 1-2 weeks depending on the daily mileage. Keep in mind, though, that it’s light in most of July. Therefore, getting used to sleeping can be a bit difficult. In July is also high season. By car, however, you are flexible enough to exchange the tourist hot spots for island adventures and recreation.
Best holiday destinations for July: Road trips worldwide
Australia Road Trip in July: Northern Territory
You always wanted to go to Australia and avoid the hottest temperatures? Then you are “Down Under” as one of the best holiday destinations for July. In the tropical north end there is dry season in July and winter in the other regions. The latter is in no relation to what we understand by winter.
In the Australian Northern Territory you can experience the “real” Australia. Because it is extremely sparsely populated. So you definitely find Australia’s eternal vastness. To drive for hours without encountering another human sign of life? I’ve only experienced that in Australia so far.
Highlights are of course the Uluru (landmark of Australia), the Kakadu National Park and the Kings Canyon . This is by far not everything. Here you will also find ancient rock art of the Aborigines, desert landscapes, mangrove forests, waterfalls and crocodile-free natural pools for swimming (eg in Litchfield National Park).
But if you want to be in the city for a while, plan a stop in the capital Darwin. Here you will find a huge harbor, delicious seafood and night markets. At Mindil Beach you can end the day at sunset. Darwin is also well suited as a base for a road trip through the Territory.
Adventure in Europe
Bregenz Forest in Austria
Active vacationers beware, because it does not always have to go into the distance. The Bregenzerwald can be reached very quickly from southern Germany. Here are great and affordable accommodations, great mountain panoramas, lots of opportunities to be active (canyoning, mountain biking, paragliding, climbing, hiking, rafting, …) and also to do leisurely hikes!
Insider tip Slovenia: hiking, rafting in combination with a road trip?
The small southern European country is a great destination for water sports fans. The Soca River in north-western Slovenia, with its many rapids, is perfect for canoeing or whitewater rafting, and is one of the country’s favorite destinations for athletes in the summer. If you have no previous experience in using this sport, do not worry: there are many courses available for beginners to advanced.
If you prefer it quiet, then Slovenia is also a good choice for hiking. The Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps in the north of the country offers tons of developed trails in a magnificent natural landscape. But you do not have to do without the sea in Slovenia: in the southwest, the country has 46 kilometers of coastline and beautiful Adriatic beaches to offer, for example, in Portoroz.
Cycling in Holland
If you do not want to travel far, the Netherlands is ideal for a holiday in July. Especially if you fancy a beach vacation, the Atlantic coast of our neighboring country is a great destination, where you can now catch the perfect weather for it. The temperatures are not too hot, but have a pleasant 20 ° C in the summer months on average. Perfect for surfing or sailing off the coast.
Also, a city trip is absolutely recommended in the Netherlands! The classic is of course the capital Amsterdam with its world-famous channels. But always worth a visit are also The Hague, where you can perfectly combine bathing and city holidays. Or Rotterdam, which has become the Dutch party capital in recent years and has a reputation for providing one of the best nightlife in Europe, making it surely best holiday destinations for July.
Baltic Sea in Germany in July
How about the beautiful Baltic Sea in Germany? In July the weather is mostly perfect. It does not matter if you are riding from beach to beach with a camper, surfing or kitesurfing or simply riding by bike along the sea: it’s just beautiful here!
Africa
The Okavango Delta in Botswana
At the latest since the BBC series Planet Earth Botswana is also on the top of my travel list. If the images from the Okavango are even nearly as beautiful as they are already in the documentary series, nature and animal lovers will experience a true miracle: In July, the annual flood reaches the delta and brings the dry landscape to life.
In addition to the Okavango Delta, there are many other national parks and game reserves to explore in Botswana. If you want to be real adventurous, you can plan a tour of the fascinating and varied country like Katrin. Sleep in the roof tent under the African sky, drive over sandy slopes and admire nature and wildlife. Sounds good? Then on to Botswana.
Madagascar
On the island off the east coast of the African mainland alone is the colorful wildlife already one of the great attractions for tourists: The vast majority of animals here actually live only in Madagascar and occur in the wild in any other country on earth. The best known example of this is the lemur species, such as the katta.
The unique nature of the island is best explored in the numerous national parks in Madagascar. Good tips here are the Masoala National Park in the northeast or the Antasibe-Mantadia National Park in the east of the country.
Of course, as a tropical island Madagascar does not lack sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Especially recommended is for example the Île aux Nattes, a small island off the west coast of Madagascar. The perfect place for you to relax, but also for diving. With a little luck, you can watch whales in front of Île aux Nattes.
Best holiday destinations for July: North America
The island kingdom of Hawaii
The most recent US state is also one of the most beautiful – at least if you like great weather, exciting nature and relaxed people. July is the perfect month for your trip to the islands. Whilst it’s warm all year round on the islands of Hawaii, by far the lowest rainfall is in the summer months.
For a traditional Lu’au, head up to Waikiki Beach in Honolulu on O’ahu Island with local food. There you will almost always find free hula shows in the evening. So spend money is not necessary. During the day you should of course not forget to go in the horizontal and on Waikiki Beach properly relax and swim. If you want to surf, the north coast of O’ahu is a good spot. There you will find surf beaches for beginners to professionals.
However, no Hawaii trip is complete without visiting one of the many volcanoes. For example, the Mauna Kea, which brings it up to 4205 meters above sea level. If one adds to the approximately 5400 meters of Mauna Kea, which he shoots already below the sea level in the height, he is even the largest mountain on earth.
Hiking on the Great Trail in Canada
Canada, oh Canada how beautiful you are! I love Canada and nature! Since 2017, there is the longest hiking trail in the world: The Great Trail. This leads from the east and the west coast of Canada through all regions.
How about if you walk a part of it? A perfect adventure in combination with a road trip from Vancouver, Calgary or Toronto, right?
Best holiday destinations for July: South America
Chile – combination of desert and skiing
A little change from the Central European summer complacent? In Chile, weather permitting, in July you can take pretty much anything that is there. The elongated shape of the country makes it possible: It stretches over almost 4,300 kilometers from Cape Horn in the south to the northern border with Peru and Bolivia.
In the middle of the country, you can do great winter sports in July. For example, in El Colorado, which together with Valle Nevado and La Parva form the largest contiguous southern hemisphere ski resort. Conveniently located at a mere 40 kilometers from the Chilean capital Santiago de Chile – the cultural center of the country.
In the six million metropolis, you should also plan a stop. During the day, there are many museums that tell you all about the history of the country. As soon as the sun goes down, you can immerse yourself in the diverse nightlife of Santiago de Chile.
You can also pay a visit to the north of the country! From the oasis city of San Pedro you can travel the Atacama Desert. As one of the driest parts of the world, not only does it truly deserve the name desert, but it also boasts one of the clearest stars on the planet. The landscape is also spectacular, including geysers and hot springs – a must for nature fans.
Best holiday destinations for July: Asia
Island feeling on Bali
Bali is always a good idea. This slogan has been deeply engraved on me since my first trip as a slogan at different places. And there is something in it. Because the island of the gods draws almost everyone under its spell with its mystical temples, loveable inhabitants and beautiful nature. Also priced Bali is recommended for a holiday in July, at least if you can find a cheap flight.
Although the region around Kuta is now touristically overcrowded, there are still many beautiful and also much quieter corners to discover. The best way to rent a scooter and explore the interior. In addition to rice terraces, lakes, forests and volcanoes, you can also get a rough idea of what the life of the Balinese looks like.
You will find activities in great abundance. Whether with family, for the adventurous, culture lovers or water sports enthusiasts. However, as in many places in Bali, the high season starts in July, so it can be quite crowded. The quietest spots can be found in the north of Bali. Alternatively, there are also some more islands around Bali to discover. There are usually fewer tourists getting lost there.
