The 10 Best Places To Visit in July

For many July marks the beginning of 'proper' summer. School's out, the weather for much of Europe is warm and sunny, and a myriad of festivals and events are taking place. It is, therefore, a perfect time for a summer getaway, but consequently is also peak tourist season, and thus many destinations will be crowded and prices will be high. Taking this into account, along with availability, value for money, and of course climate, we've combed the globe, from Northern Europe to the South Pacific, and assembled a list of the 10 BEST places to visit in July.

Portugal

From grand, pastel-hued cities and charming whitewashed villages, to stunning, verdant valleys and postcard-perfect beaches, Portugal is a truly beautiful country, with a rich cultural heritage and a long illustrious history that belies its diminutive size.

With plenty of sun and average daily highs of around 27°C, July is a great time to visit the country; many will head to the Algarve, the warmest region in Portugal and home to an abundance of great beaches, resorts, golf courses, bars, eateries and attractions, though those seeking slightly quieter locales, can head further north and find more secluded stretches of coastline, the picture-perfect landscapes of the Douro Valley, and some of the most beautiful towns in all of Europe!

Sweden

Scandinavia's most populous nation, Sweden is a stunning mosaic of lakes, rivers, scenic evergreen forests, meadows and rugged snow-capped peaks, along with some of the most fascinating and picturesque cities in the region.

Though a popular winter destination (not least among those on the hunt for the Northern Lights) Sweden is arguably at its most stunning during July, when the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for taking advantage of the myriad outdoor activities on offer. Equally, for those who prefer the excitement of the city, there is no better time to soak up the culture, history and excellent gastronomy, of places such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo.

South Africa

A country with so much to offer, South Africa's spectacular landscapes encompass vast mountain ranges and plateaus, rugged coastlines punctuated by scenic beaches, grassy plains, teeming with incredible wildlife, and so much more, whilst its major cities are some of the most culturally and historically-rich on the continent.

Though a great year-round destination, the month of July (mid-winter in South Africa) is a great time to visit the country, due to the generally warm dry conditions which are perfect for enjoying the wide range of adrenaline-rich activities on offer. In addition, for lovers of wildlife, July marks the midpoint of peak safari season and the beginning of whale watching season and is also a great time for spotting other marine animals such as dolphins and sharks.

Bali, Indonesia

July offers a sweet spot for a visit to the island paradise of Bali, as it falls within the dry season and offers pleasant weather with less rainfall. Enjoy the array of stunning beaches, vibrant cultural festivals, and explore lush rice terraces. Experience the warm hospitality of the Balinese people while benefiting from great deals on accommodations and activities during the low season.

Germany

Like much of Europe, Germany has plenty to offer all year round, though is arguably at its best during July when temperatures are warm throughout the country, and its natural landscapes are at their most spectacular.

From soaring mountain peaks to postcard-perfect valleys, and alpine forests, dissected by vast, snaking rivers and dotted with stunning medieval castles and charming villages, July is the perfect time to discover the picturesque beauty of Western Europe's largest nation and to soak up the fascinating history and culture of its many towns and cities.

Niue

It might be the smallest independent nation on the planet, but the South Pacific island of Niue boasts a wealth of stunning scenery, encompassing striking coastal cliffs and labyrinthine caves, untouched beaches, rainforests and crystal-clear, coral-rich waters.

Typically extremely hot and humid most of the year, the island is considerably drier and cooler in July, with temperatures averaging in the mid-20s: perfect conditions for exploring the island on foot; enjoying one of the traditional cultural festivals; diving in the crystal clear waters, and even swimming with humpback whales!

Poland

Poland may not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a summer break, but the eastern European nation has so much to offer. July is the hottest month of the year with average daily highs of just over 23°C, and little chance of rainfall, and is a great time to visit historic urban centres like Wallsall, Krakow or the oft-overlooked port city of Gdansk, and it's also a great time to go hiking through mountains and forests, kayak down winding rivers, or encounter the incredible flora and fauna of the UNESCO World Heritage-accredited Bialowieza National Park.

Tanzania

A delightful blend of diverse cultures and spectacular landscapes: Tanzania is one of the most beautiful and captivating countries on the planet. From the north where the striking, snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro (Africa’s tallest mountain, and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world) towers majestically over the Serengeti plains, to the paradisical beaches and azure waters of the Indian Ocean coastline, and the picturesque island of Zanzibar.

One of the finest safari destinations on earth, the country is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, and during the month of July, the world-famous Serengeti national park is the site for the most spectacular animal migration on the planet, where millions of wildebeest and zebra cross the vast Mara River in search of new breeding grounds.

The Seychelles

Situated off the eastern coast of Africa’s mainland, The Seychelles is a true paradise: an archipelago of over 100 islands, which boast some of the world’s finest beaches (fringed by palm trees and sculpture-like natural rock formations) coral-rich coastal waters, verdant mountains and tropical forests home to a diversity of flora and fauna and some truly breathtaking waterfalls.

With average daily temperatures of between 26 and 28°C and little rainfall, July is the perfect time to visit and explore biodiverse nature reserves, picture-perfect beaches, scenic hiking trails, and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

Namibia

One of the most spectacular under the radar destinations on earth, the southwestern African nation of Namibia, is dominated by the Namib desert which features a wealth of surreal landscapes, from the largest sand dunes in the world, shipwreck strewn coastlines, and vast salt pans, along with a surprisingly diverse array of unique flora and fauna.

Due to the almost unbearable heat of the summer months, Namibia is best visited during its peak winter months of July and August, when average daily temperatures usually sit between 21-26°C. This is also a great time to see the countries unique wildlife, such as crocodiles in the Kunene River, big cats in Etosha National Park, and Africa’s largest population of free-roaming rhinos in Damaraland, as well as marine mammals like dolphins, seals, leatherback turtles, and migratory whales in the waters of Walvis Bay.