Best holiday destinations in July

July is one seriously exciting time to go on holiday: it's peak summer getaway season when the only real issue is choosing from the long list of places you can go.

Kendwa Beach in the far north of Zanzibar
Kendwa Beach in the far north of Zanzibar © Anatoliil - Adobe Stock Image

There's really no better time to get away thanks to the weather in southern Europe in particular, which is excellent at this time with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine almost everywhere.

Top five destinations to visit in July

There's arguably nowhere better in July than the Mediterranean. Your options are seemingly endless as you can go anywhere from western Portugal to Cyprus and expect near-perfect holiday weather conditions.

As well as plenty of heat and generous lashings of sunshine, the Med regions enjoy a distinct absence of rain, while stable high pressure tends to dominate at this time of year producing plenty of cloudless skies.

It can be windy (especially in the Aegean), and the odd passing thunderstorm does develop, but they're minor issues, really. Here's our pick of five exceptional destinations in July to help you narrow down the search:

Where to go on holiday in July 2024/2025
Where to go on holiday in July 2024/2025 © Lilyling1982 - Dreamstime.com

1. Bodrum, Turkey

  • Flight time from London: 4 hours
  • Daily high: 33°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 14
  • Sea temperature: 24°C

Without question, the warmest and sunniest destinations in the Med during July lie to the east, and Bodrum is a stand-out option.

As one of Turkey's most popular destinations, it has an abundance of beaches, resorts, things to do, and - crucially - reliably great holiday weather.

Bodrum harbour and castle
Bodrum harbour and castle © Ming-yen Hsu - Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

Daytimes along Bodrum's coast are long, hot and drenched in sunshine, although UV is strong and very high, so use a good SPF. Things stay toasty in the evenings as well, when it rarely falls below 21°C.

Although the sea provides a refreshing escape, the high heat and humidity may make Bodrum too hot for some, in which case you might want to consider more westerly destinations such as the Algarve or Canary Islands.

Recommended for the Bodrum & Izmir

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2. Malta

  • Flight time from London: 3 hours
  • Daily high: 31°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 12
  • Sea temperature: 24°C

Sitting between the east and west coasts of the Mediterranean, Malta is 500 miles closer to the UK than Turkey, so it's that little bit quicker to get to.

The weather in Malta in July is somewhere between the heat of the eastern Med and conditions further west, where the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean is more evident. It's still hot with high heat and humidity, but perhaps without the searing temperatures of more eastern locations.

The aptly named Golden Bay, Malta
The aptly named Golden Bay, Malta - photo courtesy of Malta Tourism Authority

Onshore, afternoon breezes help to keep it cool offering refreshing bursts of air. With bright, sunny days and balmy sea temperatures, Malta is a great option for those after a good dose of sunshine in July.

Recommended for Malta

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3. The Algarve, Portugal

  • Flight time from London: 3 hours
  • Daily high: 29°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 12
  • Sea temperature: 20°C

Another favourite summertime beach destination is the Algarve along Portugal's southern coast.

Although not technically in the Med, the region basks in just as much sunshine as the likes of Malta but, thanks to the Atlantic Ocean, the sea temperature is noticeably cooler.

Praia de Albandeira Beach, Algarve, Portugal
Praia de Albandeira Beach, Algarve, Portugal © Claus Thoemmes - Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0

The significantly lower sea temperature prevents conditions along the coast from becoming too hot, and heat and humidity remains low to moderate.

However, with plenty of sunshine and a great variety of resorts and accommodation to choose from, the Algarve is much-loved by holidaymakers in July for good reason.

Recommended for the Algarve

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4. Skiathos, Greece

  • Flight time from London: 3.5 hours
  • Daily high: 30°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 13
  • Sea temperature: 24°C

Skiathos, part of the Sporades archipelago to the east of mainland Greece, is a small island in the Aegean Sea and has been a favoured holiday spot since the 1960s.

It's adored for its clear waters, steady supply of beaches and densely forested interior, plus many trendy bars and restaurants.

Vasilias Beach, Skiathos
Vasilias Beach, Skiathos © Kassandra Bay Resort - Flickr CC BY 2.0

Weatherwise, Skiathos sees hot days give way to warm evenings, rarely dropping below 21°C after dark. Although there is high heat and humidity, and very high UV, there's hardly any rainfall in July.

Just be aware of the wind, which can pick up in this region during the summer months, and be a blessing (for its cooling effect) or a curse (some may find it a little irritating) depending on your point of view.

Recommended for Skiathos

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5. Costa Blanca, Spain

  • Flight time from London: 2.5 hours
  • Daily high: 29°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 11
  • Sea temperature: 24°C

We couldn't talk about July without mentioning the southeastern coast of Spain - arguably one of the finest places in Europe at this time.

Its appeal is no secret, with more than 120 miles of coastline, and a resort for every taste and budget but it's the weather that plays a massive part in the Costa Blanca's enduring irresistibility.

Torre la Mata beach, Costa Blanca
Torre la Mata beach, Costa Blanca © Costa Insider - Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

Whether you go for the bright lights of Benidorm, the charm of Alicante or the laidback pace of whitewashed towns such as Altea, the Costa Blanca is a fantastic option in July.

Balmy evenings follow hot, sunny days, although unlike Bodrum and Skiathos, the Costa Blanca only experiences a moderate level of heat and humidity, which can make all the difference to those who don't like it too hot.

While the heat may feel less severe here, there is still a very high level of UV, so plenty of SPF will be required.

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Alternative destinations to visit in July 2024/2025

If you've set your sights on a more far-flung destination but don't know quite where to go in July to get a taste of the tropical, we have some top rate long haul suggestions as well.

For platinum beaches, high temperatures and warm evenings, the islands of Zanzibar off the east coast of Africa, Bali in Indonesia, and Tahiti in French Polynesia all offer this by the bucket load.

Although they're spread quite far apart, their near-equatorial locations ensure that their climates are quite similar.

Temple beside mountain lake, Bali
Temple beside mountain lake, Bali © Aqnus - Fotolia.com

Bali is the hottest at 29°C, with Zanzibar just behind at 28°C and Tahiti a little cooler at 23°C. They all enjoy richly warm waters between 26°C and 27°C, as well as the chance of encountering a brief passing rain storm.

Another destination you might consider in July is California in the good old U-S-of-A. It benefits from a Mediterranean-style climate with one significant difference in the shape of the mighty Pacific Ocean, which is as much as 10°C colder than the Mediterranean Sea.

This keeps coastal areas fresh, especially north of Santa Barbara. Generally speaking, in July Los Angeles is much like the Algarve at the same time of year, while San Francisco is more like the south of England, only with more sunshine.

Walking through sequoia forest, California
Walking through sequoia forest, California © Lucas Teske - Flickr CC BY 2.0

July is classic summer holiday season with destinations close to home that really are hot and sunny. Just remember that the while Med is sunny everywhere, warmer air and sea temperatures are found in the east, and for something a little cooler, head out to the Canary Islands in the Atlantic.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out more about the weather in July before visiting our full collection of travel deals and discounts to help you escape on holiday in July 2024/2025 for less.

Destination ideas for July 2024

  • Month: July
  • Daytime temperature: 22 - 28°C [remove]
  • Sunshine hours: 8 hours or more [remove]
  • Sea temperature: 25°C or warmer [remove]

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Rank Rating Score Destination
1 Weather Score for Calabria in July is 100% 100% Calabria, Italy
  Weather Score for Campania in July is 100% 100% Campania, Italy
  Weather Score for Crete in July is 100% 100% Crete, Greece
  Weather Score for Croatia in July is 100% 100% Croatia
  Weather Score for French Polynesia in July is 100% 100% French Polynesia
  Weather Score for Greece in July is 100% 100% Greece
  Weather Score for Guadeloupe in July is 100% 100% Guadeloupe
  Weather Score for Hawaii in July is 100% 100% Hawaii, United States
  Weather Score for Ibiza in July is 100% 100% Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Italy in July is 100% 100% Italy
  Weather Score for Kenya in July is 100% 100% Kenya
  Weather Score for Madagascar in July is 100% 100% Madagascar
  Weather Score for Majorca in July is 100% 100% Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Montenegro in July is 100% 100% Montenegro
  Weather Score for Mozambique in July is 100% 100% Mozambique
  Weather Score for Peloponnese in July is 100% 100% Peloponnese, Greece
  Weather Score for Sicily in July is 100% 100% Sicily, Italy
  Weather Score for Skopelos in July is 100% 100% Skopelos, Greece
  Weather Score for Tanzania in July is 100% 100% Tanzania
  Weather Score for Thassos in July is 100% 100% Thassos, Greece
  Weather Score for Venetian Riviera in July is 100% 100% Venetian Riviera, Italy
22 Weather Score for Brazil in July is 97% 97% Brazil
  Weather Score for Indonesia in July is 97% 97% Indonesia
  Weather Score for Japan in July is 97% 97% Japan
  Weather Score for Queensland in July is 97% 97% Queensland, Australia
  Weather Score for Seychelles in July is 97% 97% Seychelles
27 Weather Score for Bulgaria in July is 96% 96% Bulgaria
  Weather Score for Corsica in July is 96% 96% Corsica, France
  Weather Score for Costa Dorada in July is 96% 96% Costa Dorada, Spain
  Weather Score for Italian Riviera in July is 96% 96% Italian Riviera, Italy
  Weather Score for Menorca in July is 96% 96% Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Skyros in July is 96% 96% Skyros, Greece
  Weather Score for Slovenia in July is 96% 96% Slovenia
  Weather Score for Spain in July is 96% 96% Spain
  Weather Score for Turkey in July is 96% 96% Turkey
  Weather Score for Tuscany in July is 96% 96% Tuscany, Italy
37 Weather Score for Bali in July is 94% 94% Bali, Indonesia
  Weather Score for Costa Blanca in July is 94% 94% Costa Blanca, Spain
  Weather Score for Egypt in July is 94% 94% Egypt
  Weather Score for Formentera in July is 94% 94% Formentera, Balearic Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Puerto Rico in July is 94% 94% Puerto Rico
  Weather Score for Samoa in July is 94% 94% Samoa
  Weather Score for St Vincent & the Grenadines in July is 94% 94% St Vincent and the Grenadines
44 Weather Score for Mauritius in July is 93% 93% Mauritius
45 Weather Score for Fiji in July is 92% 92% Fiji
  Weather Score for Martinique in July is 92% 92% Martinique
  Weather Score for Papua New Guinea in July is 92% 92% Papua New Guinea
48 Weather Score for Kefalonia in July is 90% 90% Kefalonia, Greece
  Weather Score for Lefkada in July is 90% 90% Lefkada, Greece
  Weather Score for Sardinia in July is 90% 90% Sardinia, Italy
  Weather Score for Western Australia in July is 90% 90% Western Australia, Australia
  Weather Score for Zante in July is 90% 90% Zante, Greece
53 Weather Score for Barbados in July is 89% 89% Barbados
  Weather Score for Bodrum & Izmir Coast in July is 89% 89% Bodrum and Izmir Coast, Turkey
  Weather Score for British Virgin Islands in July is 89% 89% British Virgin Islands
  Weather Score for Cyprus in July is 89% 89% Cyprus
  Weather Score for Halkidiki in July is 89% 89% Halkidiki, Greece
  Weather Score for Israel in July is 89% 89% Israel
  Weather Score for Jamaica in July is 89% 89% Jamaica
  Weather Score for Lombok in July is 89% 89% Lombok, Indonesia
  Weather Score for Malta in July is 89% 89% Malta
  Weather Score for Rhodes in July is 89% 89% Rhodes, Greece
  Weather Score for Skiathos in July is 89% 89% Skiathos, Greece
  Weather Score for St Lucia in July is 89% 89% St Lucia
  Weather Score for Trinidad & Tobago in July is 89% 89% Trinidad and Tobago
  Weather Score for Virgin Islands in July is 89% 89% Virgin Islands
  Weather Score for Virginia in July is 89% 89% Virginia, United States
68 Weather Score for Costa Brava in July is 88% 88% Costa Brava, Spain
  Weather Score for France in July is 88% 88% France
  Weather Score for Lesbos in July is 88% 88% Lesbos, Greece
  Weather Score for Monaco in July is 88% 88% Monaco
  Weather Score for Mykonos in July is 88% 88% Mykonos, Greece
  Weather Score for Naxos in July is 88% 88% Naxos, Greece
  Weather Score for Paros in July is 88% 88% Paros, Greece
  Weather Score for Romania in July is 88% 88% Romania
  Weather Score for Santorini in July is 88% 88% Santorini, Greece
  Weather Score for South Africa in July is 88% 88% South Africa
  Weather Score for South Korea in July is 88% 88% South Korea
  Weather Score for Syros in July is 88% 88% Syros, Greece
80 Weather Score for Costa Rica in July is 86% 86% Costa Rica
  Weather Score for Grenada in July is 86% 86% Grenada
  Weather Score for Kerala in July is 86% 86% Kerala, India
  Weather Score for Malaysia in July is 86% 86% Malaysia
  Weather Score for Maldives in July is 86% 86% Maldives
  Weather Score for Panama in July is 86% 86% Panama
  Weather Score for Philippines in July is 86% 86% Philippines
  Weather Score for Sri Lanka in July is 86% 86% Sri Lanka
88 Weather Score for Albania in July is 85% 85% Albania
  Weather Score for Corfu in July is 85% 85% Corfu, Greece
  Weather Score for Costa Almeria in July is 85% 85% Costa Almeria, Spain
  Weather Score for Paxos in July is 85% 85% Paxos, Greece
92 Weather Score for Anguilla in July is 83% 83% Anguilla
  Weather Score for Antalya Coast in July is 83% 83% Antalya Coast, Turkey
  Weather Score for Antigua in July is 83% 83% Antigua
  Weather Score for Bahamas in July is 83% 83% Bahamas
  Weather Score for Bermuda in July is 83% 83% Bermuda
  Weather Score for Cuba in July is 83% 83% Cuba
  Weather Score for Curacao in July is 83% 83% Curacao
  Weather Score for Dalaman & Marmaris Coast in July is 83% 83% Dalaman and Marmaris Coast, Turkey
  Weather Score for Dominica in July is 83% 83% Dominica
  Weather Score for Dominican Republic in July is 83% 83% Dominican Republic
  Weather Score for Florida in July is 83% 83% Florida, United States
  Weather Score for South Carolina in July is 83% 83% South Carolina, United States
  Weather Score for St Barthelemy in July is 83% 83% St Barthelemy
  Weather Score for St Kitts & Nevis in July is 83% 83% St Kitts and Nevis
  Weather Score for Texas in July is 83% 83% Texas, United States
  Weather Score for Tunisia in July is 83% 83% Tunisia
  Weather Score for Turks & Caicos in July is 83% 83% Turks and Caicos
109 Weather Score for Cape Verde in July is 82% 82% Cape Verde
  Weather Score for New Jersey in July is 82% 82% New Jersey, United States
111 Weather Score for China in July is 81% 81% China
  Weather Score for Gambia in July is 81% 81% Gambia
  Weather Score for Hong Kong in July is 81% 81% Hong Kong
  Weather Score for India in July is 81% 81% India
  Weather Score for Mexico in July is 81% 81% Mexico
116 Weather Score for Azores in July is 80% 80% Azores, Portugal
  Weather Score for Costa de la Luz in July is 80% 80% Costa de la Luz, Spain
  Weather Score for El Hierro in July is 80% 80% Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Gran Canaria in July is 80% 80% Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for La Gomera in July is 80% 80% La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for La Palma in July is 80% 80% La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Madeira in July is 80% 80% Madeira, Portugal
  Weather Score for Morocco in July is 80% 80% Morocco
  Weather Score for Tenerife in July is 80% 80% Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
125 Weather Score for Cayman Islands in July is 78% 78% Cayman Islands
  Weather Score for Georgia (USA) in July is 78% 78% Georgia, United States
127 Weather Score for Ecuador in July is 75% 75% Ecuador
  Weather Score for Goa in July is 75% 75% Goa, India
  Weather Score for Mexico's Caribbean Coast in July is 75% 75% Caribbean Coast, Mexico
  Weather Score for Palau in July is 75% 75% Palau
  Weather Score for Singapore in July is 75% 75% Singapore
  Weather Score for Thailand in July is 75% 75% Thailand
  Weather Score for Venezuela in July is 75% 75% Venezuela
  Weather Score for Vietnam in July is 75% 75% Vietnam
135 Weather Score for Costa del Sol in July is 74% 74% Costa del Sol, Spain
136 Weather Score for Algarve in July is 72% 72% Algarve, Portugal
  Weather Score for Aruba in July is 72% 72% Aruba
  Weather Score for Fuerteventura in July is 72% 72% Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Gibraltar in July is 72% 72% Gibraltar
  Weather Score for Lanzarote in July is 72% 72% Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Ontario in July is 72% 72% Ontario, Canada
  Weather Score for Pennsylvania in July is 72% 72% Pennsylvania, United States
  Weather Score for Red Sea in July is 72% 72% Red Sea, Egypt
144 Weather Score for Kos in July is 71% 71% Kos, Greece
  Weather Score for Samos in July is 71% 71% Samos, Greece
146 Weather Score for Cambodia in July is 70% 70% Cambodia
  Weather Score for El Salvador in July is 70% 70% El Salvador
148 Weather Score for British Columbia in July is 67% 67% British Columbia, Canada
  Weather Score for California in July is 67% 67% California, United States
  Weather Score for Cook Islands in July is 67% 67% Cook Islands
  Weather Score for Jordan in July is 67% 67% Jordan
  Weather Score for Massachusetts in July is 67% 67% Massachusetts, United States
  Weather Score for New York in July is 67% 67% New York, United States
  Weather Score for Oman in July is 67% 67% Oman
  Weather Score for Portugal in July is 67% 67% Portugal
  Weather Score for Quebec in July is 67% 67% Quebec, Canada
  Weather Score for Sweden in July is 67% 67% Sweden
  Weather Score for Tonga in July is 67% 67% Tonga
  Weather Score for UAE in July is 67% 67% UAE
  Weather Score for Washington State in July is 67% 67% Washington State, United States
161 Weather Score for Pakistan in July is 64% 64% Pakistan
162 Weather Score for Peru in July is 63% 63% Peru
163 Weather Score for Denmark in July is 61% 61% Denmark
  Weather Score for England in July is 61% 61% England, United Kingdom
  Weather Score for Estonia in July is 61% 61% Estonia
  Weather Score for Finland in July is 61% 61% Finland
  Weather Score for Latvia in July is 61% 61% Latvia
  Weather Score for Lithuania in July is 61% 61% Lithuania
  Weather Score for Norway in July is 61% 61% Norway

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Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton is Weather2Travel.com's editor. Kirsten writes, commissions and edits our travel features, liaising with our contributors and ensuring copy is spick-and-span. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Kirsten also freelances writing articles on travel, history and the outdoors for titles such as Scotland Magazine and BBC Travel.

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