Best places to go in July: A guide to memorable summer fun
July, one of the hottest months worldwide, is perfect for tourism with longer daylight and vibrant events. Whether you seek tropical beaches or bustling historical cities, this month offers stunning destinations at their peak beauty. Here’s your travel guide for July!
Within the global context, July is one of the hottest months in many countries and constitutes a wonderful time for tourism due to longer daylight hours, celebrations of numerous international events. No matter how you’re planning your vacation, July offers a whole array of locations that are somehow at the peak of their beauty. From beautiful beaches of tropical paradise to great historical cities alive with people, here is your travel guide to the most exciting places to visit in July.
1. Santorini, Greece
Why visit in July:
It started with the recommendation on the map of one of the most beautiful islands of Greece – Santorini, which can be both an excellent beach resort and an interesting historic destination. July has made for comfortable sunbathing on the black and red sand beaches, visiting archeological sites, and enjoying the dramatic sunsets.
Highlights:
Oia Sunset: One cannot recommend a visit to the village of Oia enough due to the beautiful sunset there. Santorini, especially in the evening time, is something that can simply make anyone's day bright.
Beaches: Hear about the beaches of Kamari, Perissa, and Sandy, Black or Red Beach which are famous for their volcanic black sand and clear seawater.
Ancient Ruins: Explore the Site of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement buried under volcanic lava, and give a view into the life of the island thousands of years ago.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Why visit in July:
July is one of the best times to visit Bali because it is the midday season, which implies less humidity and therefore perfect beach weather. The island is a center of activity in terms of cultural events, surfing events, and awesome nightlife dinners.
Highlights:
Beaches and Surfing: Bali is a surfer’s paradise. For the surfer, you can try the waves in Uluwatu or Seminyak while those interested in having a plain sun bath can take a dip into the beaches of Nusa Dua.
Ubud: Famously referred to as the cultural capital of Bali, the Ubud has the Monkey Forest, rice paddies as well as galleries. Many cultural performances are also witnessed in July.
Temple Visits: Sightseeing through the island, visit Uluwatu Temple on the cliff and the tour will be complete with the visit to Tanah Lot Temple.
3. Kyoto, Japan
Why visit in July:
July in Kyoto is absolutely beautiful and rich in history that I have discovered for myself. The city has a lot to offer, starting with the beautiful Gion Matsuri which is among the largest and most well-known festivals of Japan with huge processions and plays.
Highlights:
Gion Matsuri: It is a festival that gives people one month to feel the real Japanese culture through floats, foods, and shows.
Temples and Gardens: Kyoto is famous for its temples as Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) and the Shinto shrine Fushimi Inari with a multitude of red entrance gates.
Tea Houses: May is a recommendable time to take a tour of a standard local tea house and enjoy the real tea ceremony that is Japanese.
4. Iceland
Why visit in July:
Iceland is so far north that in late June and early July, there is close to total daylight every day – or as the locals call that, the midnight sun, making it perfect for exploring the country’s stunning landscapes. It’s also considered the best time for nature activities such as hiking, whale watching, and waterfalls among other mountain activities.
Highlights:
Golden Circle: Learn about the Golden Circle, the number one tourist attraction in Iceland, which covers Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring area, and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Whale Watching: Whaling is done almost all year round since it is a traditional way of life for Icelanders, but the best time to spot a whale is in July and the best place to do this is the northern town of Húsavík.
Hiking and Nature: Food has been cooked in heat sources and enjoy hiking in the beautiful region of Landmannalaugar with colorful rhyolite mountains or relaxing in one of the many hot spring pools.
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Why visit in July:
In July, this coastline boasts a Mediterranean climate, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful Mediterranean towns, delicious Italian food, and a beautiful sea.
Highlights:
Positano and Ravello: Do not miss visiting the town of Positano set on a vertical cliff with very tight streets and stunning shops or take a tour to Ravello for exotic gardens and a breathtaking view of the coast.
Boat Tours: The view of the area is best seen on a boat ride along the coast of the island. Visits to the quiet bays and to neighbors Capri Island are a must.
Culinary Delights: Savor the tasty seafood, pasta, and Italian delicacies especially locally made lemon liqueur, normally known as limoncello found in the Amalfi region.
6. Alaska, USA
Why visit in July:
When it comes to July, Alaska is something like a wonderland, as far as the natural environment is concerned. The days are longer, and there is plenty of wildlife and many possibilities for outdoor activities. It’s perfect weather to hike or do whatever you like, from glaciers to wildlife in July in the Last Frontier.
Highlights:
Denali National Park: Choose a Denali House tour and get the chance to meet such wilderness inhabitants as bears, moose, and caribou.
Glacier Bay National Park: See vertical glaciers and other sea animals – whales and seals, for example. There is the possibility to kayak and to go on boat tours and see the seals in closer distance.
Fishing and Hiking: July is the best time for catching salmon, trekking, and getting a first-hand experience of Alaskan outbacks.
7. Machu Picchu, Peru
Why visit in July:
Since it’s in the dry season, July is a perfect time to visit Peru and especially the Inca Trail to the famous Machu Picchu. You can be sure that there are no clouds when you reach the plateau and get a great chance to discover this UNESCO site.
Highlights:
Machu Picchu: Explore the architectural marvel of the Inca Empire, set majestically at a high altitude.
Inca Trail: For those with the spirit of the traveler, the 4-day Inca trail hike is an amazing journey through mountain terrain to the international symbol of reason – Machu Picchu.
Cusco: While it is very beautiful to go there, trek or after it you can visit the city called Cusco which has Inca and Spanish colonial influences.
8. Lake District, England
Why visit in July:
The Lake District is splendid during July with abundant vegetation, clear water bodies, and meandering hills. Weather for leisure activities such as hiking and boating, as well as a natural sightseeing of the English countryside area.
Highlights:
Hiking: The Lake District may present numerous, ranging from the easy to the challenging ones. Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, offers one of the great treks, not to speak of the lovely country that includes the walks around Lake Windermere.
Water Sports: Sailing and canoeing activities can involve the use of kayaks, boats, or paddleboards and are well suited for the lakes, Windermere in particular, and Derwentwater in general.
Charming Villages: Take a stroll along Bowness-on-Windermere with its picturesque houses and have a taste of the local famous gingerbread.
9. Banff, Canada
Why visit in July:
They are ideal in July, as views of the wildflowers and the bright light reflected off the mountains and the many glacial lakes are the best during this time. This natural spectacle is extremely popular among those who love nature and traveling on foot, by bicycle, or on cross-country skis.
Highlights:
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake: Such glacial lakes are famous for their crystal clear water and rich blue-green color, which is reflected by the surrounding mountains.
Hiking and Wildlife: In Banff, the best time to go hiking is in July. Places such as Johnston Canyon Hike and Plain of Six Glad ices are incredible attractions that one will enjoy, while some wild animals like the elk and mountain goats are easily seen.
Banff Town: Find out the dining, and shopping options and nearby attractions such as Banff hot springs.
July is therefore the best period to visit several beautiful places, with different attractions and offers in each of them. If you dream about a hot, lazy summer by the sea on the Islands of Greece or adventurous travel in Japan or the Alaskan wilderness, then the best places to visit in July are guaranteed to impress.
