Many of the most amazing cities, coasts, and countrysides in the world welcome tourists from all over the world in July, which continues to be one of the most popular months for packing up and taking a vacation.
Being the warmest time of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere, at least) and falling in the middle of the summer break, it presents many people with the ideal opportunity to travel the globe in search of sunshine.
There are many locations that offer continuous sun without the risk of record-breaking heatwaves, despite the fact that some regions are susceptible to extremely high temperatures.
Anyone who is willing to look long and hard enough can find a good deal, even though there is a chance for higher prices and busier locations at that time of year. And if your main objective is to find some sun, July offers options that range from nearby to far away.
Here are our top picks for idyllic summer vacations, from visiting European cities and Greek Islands to having adventures in Indonesia or Mexico.
Spain’s Barcelona
July’s average temperature is 26C.
Sunlight hours per day: nine
Even in the winter, the weather in the Catalan capital is excellent, but July is the hottest and driest month of the year. Even though it frequently gets into the 30s, don’t let that deter you from visiting this wonderful city (just make sure your accommodations have air conditioning).
The beach and port sections, which have miles of shoreline and a lovely sea breeze, provide a wonderful alternative to meandering through the Gothic Quarter’s winding alleyways or seeing the city’s ancient sites. Nevertheless, the numerous cobbled streets offer much-needed shade in addition to a large number of cafes and bars to visit if the temperature rises too high. The weather is nicer at night, and it’s a fantastic time to explore some of the attractions, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, which stay open until 8.30 p.m.
Portugal’s Azores
July’s average temperature is 22C.
Sunlight hours per day: 8
The Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean just over 1,500 kilometres from Portugal’s main peninsula, offers fantastic options for adventurous sports. The days are rarely oppressively hot in July because the average high is approximately 24C, and there are only three days when it rains.
The capital of the Azores is Ponte Delgada, which has an odd fusion of architectural forms, including a Gothic entry gate, Baroque religious retreats, and even a few instances of Moorish influence. There are many beautiful places in the countryside, such as the twin lakes at Caldeira das Sete Cidades, the Lagoa de Fodo lake, and Parque Terra Nostra.
Italy’s Bologna
July’s average temperature is 25C.
Sunlight hours per day: nine
This city is well-known for its porticoes, which are included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and university, which is the oldest continuously operating institution in the world. Although Bologna may not get as much attention as other Italian tourist destinations, it is still worthwhile to visit.
As visitors explore the Plaza Maggiore and climb the Asinelli towers, they can almost always expect sunshine thanks to July’s average high temperature of 30C (and almost no rain). Bologna, a genuine centre of Italian cuisine, is a fantastic place to eat and even boasts a theme park dedicated to food a few miles outside the city.
France’s Provence
July’s average temperature is 24 C.
Sunlight hours per day: 10
Provence, a former province of France that is now part of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region, is arguably best known for the lavender that blooms in its parks and countryside throughout the summer.
While the region’s capital city, Marseille, is a popular destination for travellers, smaller towns like Aix-en-Provence are much less crowded and offer a more genuine taste of France. With it come options for cycling or trekking, and if the days grow too hot, the numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal regions offer a pleasant respite.
Greece’s Santorini and the Cyclades
July’s average temperature is 26C.
Sunlight hours per day: 13
It is simple to understand why the Cyclades, particularly islands like Santorini, have become so well-liked by tourists given the region’s remarkable 13 hours of sunlight each day and average highs of 30C. Rows of white houses perched above rocky cliffs and coastlines provide for incredible photo possibilities, and the weather makes it possible to swim, tan and explore as much as you like without having to worry about getting wet.
The Cyclades consist of nearly 220 islands, yet the official tourist website provides in-depth information on only 23 of them, including Ios, Neros, and Mykonos. In addition to its fantastic weather, this collection of Aegean islands offers something for everyone, from charming settlements to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the upmarket nightlife of Mykonos.
Bali, Indonesia’s Canggu
July’s average temperature is 26C.
Sunlight hours per day: nine
Bali, a renowned vacation spot in the Southern Hemisphere that has high temperatures and minimal rain in July, had more than six million foreign visitors in 2019. After strict entry requirements during the Covid pandemic, the number of visitors to Bali has been steadily increasing. A trip to Bali means embracing nature, whether it be through mountain hikes, beach lounging, or strolls through patches of jungle.
Although those seeking particular activities can take advantage of the numerous animal sanctuaries, temples, and, in some areas, a vibrant nightlife scene, this is the place to unwind and enjoy the sunshine.
Tulum, Mexico
Average July temperature is 29C
Sunlight hours per day: nine
Tulum is a popular tourist destination because of its well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins, white sand beaches, and clean seas. It is located on the Caribbean coast on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Other natural features include many cenotes, places where natural limestone bedrock has crumbled, revealing a natural pit and groundwater. The Mayan castle is perched on a rocky cliff overlooking one such beach, which is bordered by woodland and palm palms. There’s a good chance you’ll need to go to one to cool down with typical highs of 33C.
Namibia
July’s average temperature is 20C.
Sunlight hours per day: 10
With barely 1mm of rain falling on average each month, July is the driest month in this region of southern Africa. This month is one of the greatest for safaris and viewing varied species, despite the fact that the temperatures aren’t as high as some other locations – with average highs in the low 20s – and overnight temperatures may occasionally drop low (it being midwinter during July, after all). Four of the “Big Five” animals—lions, elephants, black rhinoceroses, and leopards—can be seen at Etosha National Park, which is open to the public.
Other attractions include Deadvlei, a white clay pan desert, and the tallest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. In the nation, there are four additional national parks, including Skeleton Coast and Damaraland.
USA, Hawaii, Oahu
July’s average temperature is 25C.
Sunlight hours per day: 10
Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island, and July is the ideal time to come with average highs of 29C and little rain. Honolulu, the state capital, is a thriving city similar to many other US cities, yet it stands out due to its tropical location and Polynesian influences.
The most well-known beach on the island is Waikiki, although others, such Sunset Beach and Lanikai, provide serenity in a more picturesque setting. Along with the numerous national parks on the island, Oahu offers hiking, surfing, cycling, snorkelling, and golfing opportunities.
In Croatia, Hvar
July’s average temperature is 27C.
Sunlight hours per day: 11
Hvar is the ideal summer destination for island hopping in the unbroken sun, with average highs of above 30C and almost no rainfall in July. Regular boats departing from Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, travel between 50 minutes and two hours to reach this Adriatic Sea location.
Hvar is full of its own Dalmatian character and has a comparable ancient town with limestone lanes to Dubrovnik. The major activity in this area is sailing, so you should go out on the water in some capacity, whether you choose to sail on your own or simply take an island-hopping cruise. If you’d rather stay on land, the island features a number of beautiful beaches, including Dubovica and Pokonji Dol.
Source: independent