Best Countries to Visit in July 2024

Canada

Taking the temperature into consideration, July can is well-known for being one of the hottest months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Known for its highly long winters, Canada has some of the best natural wonders, filled with pristine nature and astonishing sights. The best time to visit Canada is during the summer months, as all attractions are open at this time. Canada is huge, and each of its provinces and territories comes equipped with national landmarks.

Niagara Falls is an extremely popular destination. Bordering the state of New York, Niagara Falls is an international marvel, and its waterfall generates enough hydroelectric power to keep the lights running in millions of households.

Switzerland

Nestled between western Europe's most popular countries, Switzerland started as a strategic settlement in the mountains to discourage raiders and invaders. Tourists often wonder why Switzerland is the most popular "neutral" country in the world, and are quickly satisfied when they get there. It is clear from its high hills and endless greenery that anyone trying to invade this country would have an extremely difficult time, and would not be worth the effort of a mountainous reward. This has given Switzerland a unique place in society, harboring some of the World's best tourist attractions, ski destinations, and economic developments.

Italy

What's not to love about Italy? Due to its climate, Italy has a more brisk climate, so it can be visited anytime during the year, but this is especially true in July. The calmer Venetian waters are sure to provide an exhilarating adventure for those who are looking for a romantic gondola ride. It is also the season where most of the crop has been turned into its final product, making ingredients taste all that much better in authentic Italian cuisine.

Italy was created out of a merging of city-states, that were each considered global superpowers during the 14th to 16th centuries. Out of necessity, Italy was created by forming a union of these powers, once other countries decided to plunder their wealth. Because of this, each Italian city is unique and has its own distinct culture. From Florence to Rome, there are thousands of years of history just waiting to be explored.

Seychelles

The term "June bride" explains the popularity and desire of having matrimonial ceremonies in June. Following this, it is customary to go to an amazing and exotic destination for a honeymoon trip. Seychelles, therefore, is the prime destination for July, as it is right after the most popular month of wedding celebrations. It is an archipelago of over 115 islands, which makes Seychelles one of the most pristine and untouched natural beauties in the world. Seychelles lies in the western part of the Indian Ocean, giving the islands a hotbed that greatly influences its climate. The water is clear, and activities are in abundance. Seychelles is picturesque and is home to an enormous number of luxurious hotels and clubs.

Country	Wonderlust Rank	Conde Nast	Travel Triangle	Attractions
Albania	3 - Tirana, River Vjosa, Blue Eye spring			Tirana - Albania's capital city, or the resort town of Sarandë, which combines beaches, history and hiking. \| The River Vjosa flows through Albania and has recently received national park status, becoming the first wild river national park in Europe, so there's no better time to explore this protected ecosystem.. Temperatures here reach hot heights of 30°C to 35°C.
Australia	13 - Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase, Seal Bay			Roos on Kangaroo Island - Kangaroo Island is off South Australia and, despite the devastating fires of 2020, it's back to being a must-visit for fans of marsupials. Kangaroos roam the island freely and can be spotted on farmland and along the verges. Wallabies are shyer but keep your eyes peeled at dusk and after dark. July is midwinter for Australians, though don't expect minus temperatures and piles of snow. There may be a little rain, but temperatures rest around a palatable 14°C.
Belgium			21 - Ghent	Ghent is known for the beauty of its gardens and historic architecture, which ranges from Gravensteen castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral to the picturesque canals of Graslei and Korenlei.
Belize	16 - Belize Barrier Reef, Glover's Reef, Lamanai, Blue Hole			The weather in July is at its best. Hot days are followed (often) by rainy nights, with a cooling breeze rolling in shortly after. So visitors can dive into the Belize Barrier Reef and Glover's Reef, explore ancient Maya cities such as Lamanai, and marvel at the Blue Hole – a natural large sinkhole off the coast that is both mysterious and the largest of its kind. \| Additionally, the countries Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are close by and also offer many appealing attractions--though travellers are advised to consult the Department of State's travel advisories for each country before visiting.
Canada	24 - Montreal	Yes - Newfoundland	7 - Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal	Montreal's Just For Laughs festival does involve people in the streets and arty parade floats, but it's all decidedly a bit less serious. The comedy festival started in 1983 and is now said to be the largest comedy festival in the world. Typically, it takes place over two to three weeks in July, and offers locals and visitors a variety of stand-up shows, comedy nights and evening events – taking place in many different locations across the city. \| For those seeking to commune with nature, Newfoundland offers rugged hiking along sea cliffs, nesting puffins, iceberg views, the occasional whale, and Viking-style scenery.
Denmark			17 - Copenhagen	The bicycle-friendly coastal city of Copenhagen is known for many attractions, including the picturesque neighborhood Nyhavn, the Tivoli Gardens theme park (which helped inspire DisneyLand), The Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg museum, and a world-class botanical garden
Fiji		Yes - Dolphin Island, mainland, Laucala Island		Fiji's reef diving is among the best in the world, even with only a snorkel.
Finland	11 - bear watching in Lakeland			Early to mid July is often the best time to spot a brown bear in Finland, Sweden or Arctic Norway. Typically, brown bears arise from hibernation around April time, and tend to disappear for mating in June, before becoming visible again – often to feed.
France	4 - Provence, Verdon Natural Regional Park	Yes - Provence	4 - Paris, Nice, French Riviera	Alpes-de-Haute-Provence known for lavander fields is also perfect for adventurers, with activities such as hiking, rafting and mountaineering. \| Head to Verdon Natural Regional Park for superb gorges, turquoise glacial river waters, and wildlife spotting, or UNESCO-listed Luberon Region Natural Park for its fields of vineyards, limestone mountains, and medieval villages that perch on rugged hilltops. Beyond the blissful summer scenery, a July visit to Provence should also be well timed with France's national day, La Fête Nationale, commonly known as Bastille Day. It's an annual celebration in France taking place on 14 July, often marked with festivities, fireworks and the odd parade.
French Polynesia	20 - Tahiti, Bora Bora,			French Polynesia is a long-haul destination worth every minute of the journey, with its largest island Tahiti and neighbouring island Bora Bora being the most sought-after. Nowhere is perfect, but this volcanic archipelago comes pretty close, with its crystal-clear ocean waters, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and some of the world’s most idyllic accommodation. \| Not to mention its weather, which hovers around 30°C year-round, with July being the midst of its dry season.
Germany		Yes - Berlin	2 - Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne	July is peak season to enjoy Berlin's top-notch beer gardens, parks, and cafes. Many neighborhoods of Berlin also put on summer festivals, from the folk funfair at Zentraler Festplatz, to the arts Biennale and illuminated creations at Botanical Night in the Botanical Gardens.
Gibraltar	2 - Catalan Bay, Sandy Bay, Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, Gibraltar Strait, Calentina Food Festival			Beaches and gardens - Set just south of Spain, the tiny British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar hits highs of 28°C in July and benefits from 11 hours of sunshine a day. The east side of Gibraltar features the colourful, Italianesque Catalan Bay and Sandy Bay, ideal for beachgoers, and plant lovers can explore the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens all year round.
Greece		Yes - Naxos	8 - Athens, Santorini, Mykonos	Like much of the Mediterranean region, the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, is known for its sandy beaches. Some are family-friendly, others more rugged. Kiteboarding and horseback riding are common as well.
Greenland			9 - Ilulissat, Nuuk, Disko Bugt	Attractions include hiking, backpacking, dog sledding, and wildlife viewing starring whales and walruses, all during one of Greenland's warmest months.
Iceland	10 - Snaefell, Husavik	Yes - Geysir hot springs, Thingvellir National Park (hiking, diving, fishing)	10 - Blue lagoon, Pingvellir, Jokulsarlon	Whale watching and puffins in Iceland - The best place to take a trip to see humpback, minke and blue whales is from Husavik, in the north of the island. The days are long, the temperatures at their highest, and so this is the perfect month to really explore Iceland's delights.
Indonesia	19 - Bali, Jakarta, Sumatra, Komodo Island, Nusa Tenggara	Yes - Canggu village in Bali (sun, surfing, not yet crowded)	5 - Bali, Kuta, Ubud	It won't be the quietest month in Indonesia, as temperatures reach up to a scorching 30°C and visitors do come to many of the 17,000+ islands that make up Indonesia for a dose of glorious sun. But as its dry season, so its a good chance of ideal weather on all the islands. \| Bali is a classic, as is Java – the most populous island in the country, where you'll find the capital city, Jakarta. \| Sumatra, and Komodo Island for a unique glimpse at the Komodo Dragon in its natural habitat. Finally, Nusa Tenggara (the Lesser Sunda Islands) are all good places to start.
Ireland	7 - Dublin, Galway, Connemara National Park, County Cork, County Donegal		19 - Dublin	In July visitors can expect 18 hours of daylight, and a cool temperature. There are many options for visits and trips: from Kilkenny that can lead you straight to the capital, Dublin, via County Carlow's wild countryside, or Galway and a visit to Connemara National Park. \| Alternatively, the little-visited northwest tip is glorious in the summer. The Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal has enough to occupy tourists for days, with white-sand beaches without the crowds, numerous blustery coastal walks, and fantastic local pubs serving hearty meals.
Italy		Yes - Puglia	20 - Florence	Puglia is known for its beaches, cuisine, and laid-back attitude. \| Florence is filled with art, food, museums (Ufizzi Gallery) and historical and/or architectural wonders such as the Palazzo Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Piazza del Duomo.
Japan	23 - Kyoto			Kyoto's Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) is one of Japan's most famous annual celebrations, taking place throughout July. It's been going since the year 869, when the reigning emperor ordered worship at the Yakasa Shrine, in hopes that it would prevent the plague.
Kenya	14 - Masai Mara Nature Reserve	Yes - wildlife, Watamu	22 - Nairobi	The Great Migration, Tanzania and Kenya - One of the world's biggest and most memorable wildlife migrations is the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, in which more than 1.5 million animals start in northern Tanzania's Serengeti and move towards the Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya in search of water and fresh grass. \| Additionally, the coastal town of Watamu features golden beaches miles long.
Mexico	9 - Tulum, Cancun,	Yes - Yucatan Peninsula	3 - Coba, El Castillo, Xcaret park	Sun-seekers can rejoice in Mexico's July temps, reaching highs of a hot 28°C. It does cool off in the evenings. \| Wildlife viewing is another draw: July is peak sea turtle season in Mexico, and Isla Mujeres hosts the Whale Shark Festival, where hundreds of whale sharks congregate annually. \| There's also nature reserves and national parks aplenty, but to cool off from the heat, visit one of the many cenotes. These natural pools were once key water sources for the Mayans, and also believed to be portals to the underworld where Mayan gods would visit.
Mongolia	26 - Ulaanbaatar, Khovd, Khatgal			Every July, Mongolia celebrates the country's culture and unique sports at Naadam Festival. Its name roughly translates to 'Manly Festival', and focuses on three main nomadic events: archery, horse racing and wrestling. Although women do not take part in the latter, young girls can now compete in the horse racing, and women in the archery. \| As one of the biggest festivals in Mongolia's cultural calendar, you'll see participants and locals dressed in traditional clothing. Beyond the sports, there are concerts and parades to keep you entertained, plus plenty of opportunities to sample traditional cuisine, such as khuushuur (fried dumplings) and airag (fermented mare's milk).
Mozambique		Yes - Gorongosa National Park, Stone Town, Nuarro, Bazaruto,		Gorongosa National Park offers the traditional safari experience, and the Bazaruto archipelago features white-sand beaches and scenic diving in protected areas. Stone Town offers whale watching, among other attractions.
Namibia	18 - Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park			It's true that Namibia, in Southern Africa, is a country that has it all. Famous for its towering red sand dunes, it's also a wildlife hot spot, with a sprawling sandy coast. The weather is pretty sensational, for one thing. There's low chance of rain, and the temp typically hovers around 20°C – making exploring the Sossusvlei dunes and the desert expanse much cooler than you'd expect. \| In Etosha National Park, visitors can spot zebra, giraffes and elephants gathering around watering holes.
Netherlands			14 - Delft	The city of Delft is known for its beaches, art scene, and cheerful vibes. Popular attractions include Vermeer Centrum, Nieuwe church, and Museum Prinsenhof Delft.
New Zealand		Yes - Coronet Peak		For those who prefer cold-weather sports, New Zealand's Coronet Peak offers excellent skiing. Moreover, attractions in nearby Queenstown include bungee jumping, zip-lining, and heli-skiing. More relaxed pursuits include vineyards with mountain views.
Norway	11 - bear watching near Sweden/Finland borders			Early to mid July is often the best time to spot a brown bear in Finland, Sweden or Arctic Norway. Typically, brown bears arise from hibernation around April time, and tend to disappear for mating in June, before becoming visible again – often to feed.
Portugal	1 - Madeira and the Azores			Madeira and the Azores - These islands in the North Atlantic average (24°C in July and are ideal for tourists seeking the sunny beaches or lush greenery. Nicknamed the Floating Garden of the Atlantic, Madeira is in bloom all year round. As the name suggests, Pride of Madeira – a bush with purple cone blooms – is native to the island, but other July bloomers include magnolias, red hot poker trees, and hydrangeas.
Saint Lucia	27 - Castries			St Lucia Carnival is the highlight of summer in the Caribbean. Celebrations are centred around the Castries, which comes to life with Soca, Calypso, and steel-pan performances by artists from St Lucia and neighbouring islands. If planning your visit, make sure to sign up to your favourite fetes (planned parties) before they sell out. \| The event culminates on the final days during the National Parade, where thousands take to the streets as part of marching bands, wearing brightly-coloured costumes embellished with feathers and sequins. Visitors and locals can spectate, but can also join the bands as they take to the streets, if registered early enough. \| St Lucia Carnival originated in 1947, when a small crowd first paraded the island. More than 75 years later, around 30,000 revellers join the party every year.
Seychelles	6 - St. Pierre Island, Morne Seychellois National Park	Yes - Beaches, hiking, and wildlife	1 - La Digue, Anse Lazio, Curieuse, Vallee De Mai	The weather across the Indian Ocean archipelago Seychelles reaches pleasant highs of around 28°C throughout July, usually averaging out around 25°C to 26°C. \| Visitors can seek the elusive giant Aldabra tortoise, snorkel and admire the natural beauty of St Pierre Island, or get their feet dirty hiking through the rich green forests of Morne Seychellois National Park.
Spain	25 - Mallorca,	Yes - Benicassim	6 - Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada	Benicassim in July is attractive for multiple reasons, including the Benicassim music festival, miles of sandy beach, pleasant shoreline hiking, and the walled city of Morella. \| One of the four main Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca comes alive in mid July with the Virgin of Carmen Festival (also known as Día de la Virgen del Carmen fiesta). The festival dates back to the 13th century, when a monk had a vision of the Virgin Mary with her baby son in her arms. Today, particularly in coastal areas, visitors can watch an effigy of the virgin guide a procession of floats carried by fishermen down to the sea, where the parade continues on illuminated boats as fireworks are set off to music.
Sweden	11 - bear watching in Hälsingland, Bollnäs, and Sandviken	Yes - Stockholm		Early to mid July is often the best time to spot a brown bear in Finland, Sweden or Arctic Norway. Typically, brown bears arise from hibernation around April time, and tend to disappear for mating in June, before becoming visible again – often to feed.
Switzerland	8 - Interlaken, Schynige Platte		11 - Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, Geneva	The Swiss Alps transform into an adult playground for outdoor enthusiasts. July temperatures range from 18 to 28 °C. Visitors can enjoy attractions including alpine hikes and guided kayak tours on turquoise lakes, to adrenaline-pumping activities such as white-water rafting, canyoning and paragliding.
Tanzania	14 - Serengeti			The Great Migration, Tanzania and Kenya - One of the world's biggest and most memorable wildlife migrations is the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, in which more than 1.5 million animals start in northern Tanzania's Serengeti and move towards the Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya in search of water and fresh grass.
Thailand	21 - north Thailand			Visit the north of Thailand in July to experience Phi Ta Khon, or Ghost Festival. The festival's origins are partly based on one of Buddha's past lives when he was a prince who was presumed dead after a long journey – but his safe return led to celebrations so huge they were said to wake the dead. As well as parades, music shows and pageants, you can watch locals dressed in ghostly masks compete in games. \| Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival also takes place in the north this month. What began as a Buddhist tradition of donating candles to monks has morphed into spectacle of float-like candles parading to local temples.
Turkey			12 - Istanbul, Antalya, Pamukkale, Cappadocia
United Kingdom		Yes - Cornwall	18 - Devon, England	Cornwall is known for its beaches and surfing conditions (not what many people would expect from a UK destination), as well as its seafood, the artists of St Ives, and the ruggedly historic fishing village of Mousehole. \| Devon is known for its beaches and typical countryside British lifestyle.
United States	17 - Alaska - Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park \| 22 - Philadelphia (July 4th)	Yes - Boston	13 - Denver, Colorado \| 15 - Atlantic City, New Jersey \| 16 - Bar Harbor, Maine \| 23 - Burlington, Vermont \| 24 - Jackson Hole, Wyoming \| 25 - Minneapolis, Minnesota \| 26 - Nag's Head, North Carolina	Alaska - There's a small window for Alaska's peak season: late May to July. There'll be 17 to 18 hours of daylight each day during a July excursion, and it's also the warmest time of year to visit – with highs of approximately 18°C. \| Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Portland, Houston - Most any sprawling, metropolitan city in the United States will be sure to offer you the full red-white-and-blue experience on July 4th, with fireworks and parades galore in celebration of US Independence Day.
Vanuatu	12 - bird watching			Birdwatching in Vanuatu - The 80 islands making up the Pacific Ocean county of Vanuatu may not have the largest number of birds in history. \| There are thought to be 30 rare species flying around, 11 of which are said to only appear in Vanuatu.

Country

Wonderlust Rank

Conde Nast

Travel Triangle

Attractions

Albania

3 - Tirana, River Vjosa, Blue Eye spring

Tirana - Albania's capital city, or the resort town of Sarandë, which combines beaches, history and hiking. | The River Vjosa flows through Albania and has recently received national park status, becoming the first wild river national park in Europe, so there's no better time to explore this protected ecosystem.. Temperatures here reach hot heights of 30°C to 35°C.

Australia

13 - Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase, Seal Bay

Roos on Kangaroo Island - Kangaroo Island is off South Australia and, despite the devastating fires of 2020, it's back to being a must-visit for fans of marsupials. Kangaroos roam the island freely and can be spotted on farmland and along the verges. Wallabies are shyer but keep your eyes peeled at dusk and after dark. July is midwinter for Australians, though don't expect minus temperatures and piles of snow. There may be a little rain, but temperatures rest around a palatable 14°C.

Belgium

21 - Ghent

Ghent is known for the beauty of its gardens and historic architecture, which ranges from Gravensteen castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral to the picturesque canals of Graslei and Korenlei.

Belize

16 - Belize Barrier Reef, Glover's Reef, Lamanai, Blue Hole

The weather in July is at its best. Hot days are followed (often) by rainy nights, with a cooling breeze rolling in shortly after. So visitors can dive into the Belize Barrier Reef and Glover's Reef, explore ancient Maya cities such as Lamanai, and marvel at the Blue Hole – a natural large sinkhole off the coast that is both mysterious and the largest of its kind. | Additionally, the countries Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are close by and also offer many appealing attractions--though travellers are advised to consult the Department of State's travel advisories for each country before visiting.

Canada

24 - Montreal

Yes - Newfoundland

7 - Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal

Montreal's Just For Laughs festival does involve people in the streets and arty parade floats, but it's all decidedly a bit less serious. The comedy festival started in 1983 and is now said to be the largest comedy festival in the world. Typically, it takes place over two to three weeks in July, and offers locals and visitors a variety of stand-up shows, comedy nights and evening events – taking place in many different locations across the city. | For those seeking to commune with nature, Newfoundland offers rugged hiking along sea cliffs, nesting puffins, iceberg views, the occasional whale, and Viking-style scenery.

Denmark

17 - Copenhagen

The bicycle-friendly coastal city of Copenhagen is known for many attractions, including the picturesque neighborhood Nyhavn, the Tivoli Gardens theme park (which helped inspire DisneyLand), The Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg museum, and a world-class botanical garden

Fiji

Yes - Dolphin Island, mainland, Laucala Island

Fiji's reef diving is among the best in the world, even with only a snorkel.

Finland

11 - bear watching in Lakeland

Early to mid July is often the best time to spot a brown bear in Finland, Sweden or Arctic Norway. Typically, brown bears arise from hibernation around April time, and tend to disappear for mating in June, before becoming visible again – often to feed.

France

4 - Provence, Verdon Natural Regional Park

Yes - Provence

4 - Paris, Nice, French Riviera

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence known for lavander fields is also perfect for adventurers, with activities such as hiking, rafting and mountaineering. | Head to Verdon Natural Regional Park for superb gorges, turquoise glacial river waters, and wildlife spotting, or UNESCO-listed Luberon Region Natural Park for its fields of vineyards, limestone mountains, and medieval villages that perch on rugged hilltops. Beyond the blissful summer scenery, a July visit to Provence should also be well timed with France's national day, La Fête Nationale, commonly known as Bastille Day. It's an annual celebration in France taking place on 14 July, often marked with festivities, fireworks and the odd parade.

French Polynesia

20 - Tahiti, Bora Bora,

French Polynesia is a long-haul destination worth every minute of the journey, with its largest island Tahiti and neighbouring island Bora Bora being the most sought-after. Nowhere is perfect, but this volcanic archipelago comes pretty close, with its crystal-clear ocean waters, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and some of the world’s most idyllic accommodation. | Not to mention its weather, which hovers around 30°C year-round, with July being the midst of its dry season.

Germany

Yes - Berlin

2 - Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne

July is peak season to enjoy Berlin's top-notch beer gardens, parks, and cafes. Many neighborhoods of Berlin also put on summer festivals, from the folk funfair at Zentraler Festplatz, to the arts Biennale and illuminated creations at Botanical Night in the Botanical Gardens.

Gibraltar

2 - Catalan Bay, Sandy Bay, Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, Gibraltar Strait, Calentina Food Festival

Beaches and gardens - Set just south of Spain, the tiny British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar hits highs of 28°C in July and benefits from 11 hours of sunshine a day. The east side of Gibraltar features the colourful, Italianesque Catalan Bay and Sandy Bay, ideal for beachgoers, and plant lovers can explore the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens all year round.

Greece

Yes - Naxos

8 - Athens, Santorini, Mykonos

Like much of the Mediterranean region, the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, is known for its sandy beaches. Some are family-friendly, others more rugged. Kiteboarding and horseback riding are common as well.

Greenland

9 - Ilulissat, Nuuk, Disko Bugt

Attractions include hiking, backpacking, dog sledding, and wildlife viewing starring whales and walruses, all during one of Greenland's warmest months.

Iceland

10 - Snaefell, Husavik

Yes - Geysir hot springs, Thingvellir National Park (hiking, diving, fishing)

10 - Blue lagoon, Pingvellir, Jokulsarlon

Whale watching and puffins in Iceland - The best place to take a trip to see humpback, minke and blue whales is from Husavik, in the north of the island. The days are long, the temperatures at their highest, and so this is the perfect month to really explore Iceland's delights.

Indonesia

19 - Bali, Jakarta, Sumatra, Komodo Island, Nusa Tenggara

Yes - Canggu village in Bali (sun, surfing, not yet crowded)

5 - Bali, Kuta, Ubud

It won't be the quietest month in Indonesia, as temperatures reach up to a scorching 30°C and visitors do come to many of the 17,000+ islands that make up Indonesia for a dose of glorious sun. But as its dry season, so its a good chance of ideal weather on all the islands. | Bali is a classic, as is Java – the most populous island in the country, where you'll find the capital city, Jakarta. | Sumatra, and Komodo Island for a unique glimpse at the Komodo Dragon in its natural habitat. Finally, Nusa Tenggara (the Lesser Sunda Islands) are all good places to start.

Ireland

7 - Dublin, Galway, Connemara National Park, County Cork, County Donegal

19 - Dublin

In July visitors can expect 18 hours of daylight, and a cool temperature. There are many options for visits and trips: from Kilkenny that can lead you straight to the capital, Dublin, via County Carlow's wild countryside, or Galway and a visit to Connemara National Park. | Alternatively, the little-visited northwest tip is glorious in the summer. The Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal has enough to occupy tourists for days, with white-sand beaches without the crowds, numerous blustery coastal walks, and fantastic local pubs serving hearty meals.

Italy

Yes - Puglia

20 - Florence

Puglia is known for its beaches, cuisine, and laid-back attitude. | Florence is filled with art, food, museums (Ufizzi Gallery) and historical and/or architectural wonders such as the Palazzo Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Piazza del Duomo.

Japan

23 - Kyoto

Kyoto's Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) is one of Japan's most famous annual celebrations, taking place throughout July. It's been going since the year 869, when the reigning emperor ordered worship at the Yakasa Shrine, in hopes that it would prevent the plague.

Kenya

14 - Masai Mara Nature Reserve

Yes - wildlife, Watamu

22 - Nairobi

The Great Migration, Tanzania and Kenya - One of the world's biggest and most memorable wildlife migrations is the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, in which more than 1.5 million animals start in northern Tanzania's Serengeti and move towards the Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya in search of water and fresh grass. | Additionally, the coastal town of Watamu features golden beaches miles long.

Mexico

9 - Tulum, Cancun,

Yes - Yucatan Peninsula

3 - Coba, El Castillo, Xcaret park

Sun-seekers can rejoice in Mexico's July temps, reaching highs of a hot 28°C. It does cool off in the evenings. | Wildlife viewing is another draw: July is peak sea turtle season in Mexico, and Isla Mujeres hosts the Whale Shark Festival, where hundreds of whale sharks congregate annually. | There's also nature reserves and national parks aplenty, but to cool off from the heat, visit one of the many cenotes. These natural pools were once key water sources for the Mayans, and also believed to be portals to the underworld where Mayan gods would visit.

Mongolia

26 - Ulaanbaatar, Khovd, Khatgal

Every July, Mongolia celebrates the country's culture and unique sports at Naadam Festival. Its name roughly translates to 'Manly Festival', and focuses on three main nomadic events: archery, horse racing and wrestling. Although women do not take part in the latter, young girls can now compete in the horse racing, and women in the archery. | As one of the biggest festivals in Mongolia's cultural calendar, you'll see participants and locals dressed in traditional clothing. Beyond the sports, there are concerts and parades to keep you entertained, plus plenty of opportunities to sample traditional cuisine, such as khuushuur (fried dumplings) and airag (fermented mare's milk).

Mozambique

Yes - Gorongosa National Park, Stone Town, Nuarro, Bazaruto,

Gorongosa National Park offers the traditional safari experience, and the Bazaruto archipelago features white-sand beaches and scenic diving in protected areas. Stone Town offers whale watching, among other attractions.

Namibia

18 - Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park

It's true that Namibia, in Southern Africa, is a country that has it all. Famous for its towering red sand dunes, it's also a wildlife hot spot, with a sprawling sandy coast. The weather is pretty sensational, for one thing. There's low chance of rain, and the temp typically hovers around 20°C – making exploring the Sossusvlei dunes and the desert expanse much cooler than you'd expect. | In Etosha National Park, visitors can spot zebra, giraffes and elephants gathering around watering holes.

Netherlands

14 - Delft

The city of Delft is known for its beaches, art scene, and cheerful vibes. Popular attractions include Vermeer Centrum, Nieuwe church, and Museum Prinsenhof Delft.

New Zealand

Yes - Coronet Peak

For those who prefer cold-weather sports, New Zealand's Coronet Peak offers excellent skiing. Moreover, attractions in nearby Queenstown include bungee jumping, zip-lining, and heli-skiing. More relaxed pursuits include vineyards with mountain views.

Norway

11 - bear watching near Sweden/Finland borders

Portugal

1 - Madeira and the Azores

Madeira and the Azores - These islands in the North Atlantic average (24°C in July and are ideal for tourists seeking the sunny beaches or lush greenery. Nicknamed the Floating Garden of the Atlantic, Madeira is in bloom all year round. As the name suggests, Pride of Madeira – a bush with purple cone blooms – is native to the island, but other July bloomers include magnolias, red hot poker trees, and hydrangeas.

Saint Lucia

27 - Castries

St Lucia Carnival is the highlight of summer in the Caribbean. Celebrations are centred around the Castries, which comes to life with Soca, Calypso, and steel-pan performances by artists from St Lucia and neighbouring islands. If planning your visit, make sure to sign up to your favourite fetes (planned parties) before they sell out. | The event culminates on the final days during the National Parade, where thousands take to the streets as part of marching bands, wearing brightly-coloured costumes embellished with feathers and sequins. Visitors and locals can spectate, but can also join the bands as they take to the streets, if registered early enough. | St Lucia Carnival originated in 1947, when a small crowd first paraded the island. More than 75 years later, around 30,000 revellers join the party every year.

Seychelles

6 - St. Pierre Island, Morne Seychellois National Park

Yes - Beaches, hiking, and wildlife

1 - La Digue, Anse Lazio, Curieuse, Vallee De Mai

The weather across the Indian Ocean archipelago Seychelles reaches pleasant highs of around 28°C throughout July, usually averaging out around 25°C to 26°C. | Visitors can seek the elusive giant Aldabra tortoise, snorkel and admire the natural beauty of St Pierre Island, or get their feet dirty hiking through the rich green forests of Morne Seychellois National Park.

Spain

25 - Mallorca,

Yes - Benicassim

6 - Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada

Benicassim in July is attractive for multiple reasons, including the Benicassim music festival, miles of sandy beach, pleasant shoreline hiking, and the walled city of Morella. | One of the four main Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca comes alive in mid July with the Virgin of Carmen Festival (also known as Día de la Virgen del Carmen fiesta). The festival dates back to the 13th century, when a monk had a vision of the Virgin Mary with her baby son in her arms. Today, particularly in coastal areas, visitors can watch an effigy of the virgin guide a procession of floats carried by fishermen down to the sea, where the parade continues on illuminated boats as fireworks are set off to music.

Sweden

11 - bear watching in Hälsingland, Bollnäs, and Sandviken

Yes - Stockholm

Switzerland

8 - Interlaken, Schynige Platte

11 - Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, Geneva

The Swiss Alps transform into an adult playground for outdoor enthusiasts. July temperatures range from 18 to 28 °C. Visitors can enjoy attractions including alpine hikes and guided kayak tours on turquoise lakes, to adrenaline-pumping activities such as white-water rafting, canyoning and paragliding.

Tanzania

14 - Serengeti

Thailand

21 - north Thailand

Visit the north of Thailand in July to experience Phi Ta Khon, or Ghost Festival. The festival's origins are partly based on one of Buddha's past lives when he was a prince who was presumed dead after a long journey – but his safe return led to celebrations so huge they were said to wake the dead. As well as parades, music shows and pageants, you can watch locals dressed in ghostly masks compete in games. | Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival also takes place in the north this month. What began as a Buddhist tradition of donating candles to monks has morphed into spectacle of float-like candles parading to local temples.

Turkey

12 - Istanbul, Antalya, Pamukkale, Cappadocia

United Kingdom

Yes - Cornwall

18 - Devon, England

Cornwall is known for its beaches and surfing conditions (not what many people would expect from a UK destination), as well as its seafood, the artists of St Ives, and the ruggedly historic fishing village of Mousehole. | Devon is known for its beaches and typical countryside British lifestyle.

United States

17 - Alaska - Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park | 22 - Philadelphia (July 4th)

Yes - Boston

Alaska - There's a small window for Alaska's peak season: late May to July. There'll be 17 to 18 hours of daylight each day during a July excursion, and it's also the warmest time of year to visit – with highs of approximately 18°C. | Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Portland, Houston - Most any sprawling, metropolitan city in the United States will be sure to offer you the full red-white-and-blue experience on July 4th, with fireworks and parades galore in celebration of US Independence Day.

Vanuatu

12 - bird watching

Birdwatching in Vanuatu - The 80 islands making up the Pacific Ocean county of Vanuatu may not have the largest number of birds in history. | There are thought to be 30 rare species flying around, 11 of which are said to only appear in Vanuatu.

Best Countries to Visit in July 2024

Canada

Switzerland

Italy

Seychelles

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