Best holiday destinations in July

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

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

More about the Bodrum & Izmir Coast

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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.

Recommended for the Costa Blanca

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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]
  • Destination: England, United Kingdom [remove]

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Rank Rating Score Destination
1 Weather Score for Portsmouth in July is 92% 92% Portsmouth
2 Weather Score for Bournemouth in July is 88% 88% Bournemouth
  Weather Score for Brighton in July is 88% 88% Brighton
  Weather Score for Chelmsford in July is 88% 88% Chelmsford
  Weather Score for Colchester in July is 88% 88% Colchester
  Weather Score for Dartford in July is 88% 88% Dartford
  Weather Score for Epsom in July is 88% 88% Epsom
  Weather Score for Guildford in July is 88% 88% Guildford
  Weather Score for Harlow in July is 88% 88% Harlow
  Weather Score for Haywards Heath in July is 88% 88% Haywards Heath
  Weather Score for High Wycombe in July is 88% 88% High Wycombe
  Weather Score for London in July is 88% 88% London
  Weather Score for Malvern in July is 88% 88% Malvern
  Weather Score for Margate in July is 88% 88% Margate
  Weather Score for New Forest in July is 88% 88% New Forest
  Weather Score for Newhaven in July is 88% 88% Newhaven
  Weather Score for Oxford in July is 88% 88% Oxford
  Weather Score for Petworth in July is 88% 88% Petworth
  Weather Score for Poole in July is 88% 88% Poole
  Weather Score for Reading in July is 88% 88% Reading
  Weather Score for Ryde in July is 88% 88% Ryde
  Weather Score for Shaftesbury in July is 88% 88% Shaftesbury
  Weather Score for Watford in July is 88% 88% Watford
  Weather Score for Windsor in July is 88% 88% Windsor
  Weather Score for Yeovil in July is 88% 88% Yeovil
26 Weather Score for Bognor Regis in July is 80% 80% Bognor Regis
  Weather Score for Camber Sands in July is 80% 80% Camber Sands
  Weather Score for Dover in July is 80% 80% Dover
  Weather Score for Eastbourne in July is 80% 80% Eastbourne
  Weather Score for Folkestone in July is 80% 80% Folkestone
  Weather Score for Hailsham in July is 80% 80% Hailsham
  Weather Score for Hastings in July is 80% 80% Hastings
  Weather Score for Lyme Regis in July is 80% 80% Lyme Regis
  Weather Score for Plymouth in July is 80% 80% Plymouth
  Weather Score for Salcombe in July is 80% 80% Salcombe
  Weather Score for Torquay in July is 80% 80% Torquay
  Weather Score for Weymouth in July is 80% 80% Weymouth
38 Weather Score for Banbury in July is 79% 79% Banbury
  Weather Score for Basingstoke in July is 79% 79% Basingstoke
  Weather Score for Bath in July is 79% 79% Bath
  Weather Score for Bedford in July is 79% 79% Bedford
  Weather Score for Boston in July is 79% 79% Boston
  Weather Score for Bristol in July is 79% 79% Bristol
  Weather Score for Burnham on Sea in July is 79% 79% Burnham on Sea
  Weather Score for Burton on Trent in July is 79% 79% Burton on Trent
  Weather Score for Bury St Edmunds in July is 79% 79% Bury St Edmunds
  Weather Score for Cambridge in July is 79% 79% Cambridge
  Weather Score for Cheltenham in July is 79% 79% Cheltenham
  Weather Score for Cirencester in July is 79% 79% Cirencester
  Weather Score for Clacton-on-Sea in July is 79% 79% Clacton-on-Sea
  Weather Score for Corby in July is 79% 79% Corby
  Weather Score for Derby in July is 79% 79% Derby
  Weather Score for Devizes in July is 79% 79% Devizes
  Weather Score for Diss in July is 79% 79% Diss
  Weather Score for Ely in July is 79% 79% Ely
  Weather Score for Felixstowe in July is 79% 79% Felixstowe
  Weather Score for Gainsborough in July is 79% 79% Gainsborough
  Weather Score for Grantham in July is 79% 79% Grantham
  Weather Score for Harwich in July is 79% 79% Harwich
  Weather Score for Hereford in July is 79% 79% Hereford
  Weather Score for Ipswich in July is 79% 79% Ipswich
  Weather Score for Kidderminster in July is 79% 79% Kidderminster
  Weather Score for King's Lynn in July is 79% 79% King's Lynn
  Weather Score for Leicester in July is 79% 79% Leicester
  Weather Score for Lincoln in July is 79% 79% Lincoln
  Weather Score for Luton in July is 79% 79% Luton
  Weather Score for Maidstone in July is 79% 79% Maidstone
  Weather Score for Milton Keynes in July is 79% 79% Milton Keynes
  Weather Score for Newark-on-Trent in July is 79% 79% Newark-on-Trent
  Weather Score for Newbury in July is 79% 79% Newbury
  Weather Score for Northampton in July is 79% 79% Northampton
  Weather Score for Norwich in July is 79% 79% Norwich
  Weather Score for Peterborough in July is 79% 79% Peterborough
  Weather Score for Petersfield in July is 79% 79% Petersfield
  Weather Score for Rugby in July is 79% 79% Rugby
  Weather Score for Salisbury in July is 79% 79% Salisbury
  Weather Score for Southend in July is 79% 79% Southend
  Weather Score for Spalding in July is 79% 79% Spalding
  Weather Score for Stamford in July is 79% 79% Stamford
  Weather Score for Stow on the Wold in July is 79% 79% Stow on the Wold
  Weather Score for Stratford-upon-Avon in July is 79% 79% Stratford-upon-Avon
  Weather Score for Swindon in July is 79% 79% Swindon
  Weather Score for Thetford in July is 79% 79% Thetford
  Weather Score for Tunbridge Wells in July is 79% 79% Tunbridge Wells
  Weather Score for Warminster in July is 79% 79% Warminster
  Weather Score for Weston-Super-Mare in July is 79% 79% Weston-Super-Mare
  Weather Score for Winchester in July is 79% 79% Winchester
88 Weather Score for Aldeburgh in July is 71% 71% Aldeburgh
  Weather Score for Ashford in July is 71% 71% Ashford
  Weather Score for Barnstaple in July is 71% 71% Barnstaple
  Weather Score for Beverley in July is 71% 71% Beverley
  Weather Score for Birmingham in July is 71% 71% Birmingham
  Weather Score for Canterbury in July is 71% 71% Canterbury
  Weather Score for Chesterfield in July is 71% 71% Chesterfield
  Weather Score for Cromer in July is 71% 71% Cromer
  Weather Score for Dereham in July is 71% 71% Dereham
  Weather Score for Doncaster in July is 71% 71% Doncaster
  Weather Score for Exeter in July is 71% 71% Exeter
  Weather Score for Falmouth in July is 71% 71% Falmouth
  Weather Score for Fowey in July is 71% 71% Fowey
  Weather Score for Great Yarmouth in July is 71% 71% Great Yarmouth
  Weather Score for Grimsby in July is 71% 71% Grimsby
  Weather Score for Hull in July is 71% 71% Hull
  Weather Score for Louth in July is 71% 71% Louth
  Weather Score for Lowestoft in July is 71% 71% Lowestoft
  Weather Score for Minehead in July is 71% 71% Minehead
  Weather Score for Newquay in July is 71% 71% Newquay
  Weather Score for Norfolk Broads in July is 71% 71% Norfolk Broads
  Weather Score for Nottingham in July is 71% 71% Nottingham
  Weather Score for Padstow in July is 71% 71% Padstow
  Weather Score for Scilly Isles in July is 71% 71% Scilly Isles
  Weather Score for Scunthorpe in July is 71% 71% Scunthorpe
  Weather Score for Sheffield in July is 71% 71% Sheffield
  Weather Score for Shrewsbury in July is 71% 71% Shrewsbury
  Weather Score for Skegness in July is 71% 71% Skegness
  Weather Score for Southwold in July is 71% 71% Southwold
  Weather Score for Stafford in July is 71% 71% Stafford
  Weather Score for Taunton in July is 71% 71% Taunton
  Weather Score for Tiverton in July is 71% 71% Tiverton
  Weather Score for Wells in July is 71% 71% Wells
  Weather Score for Wells-next-the-Sea in July is 71% 71% Wells-next-the-Sea
  Weather Score for Withernsea in July is 71% 71% Withernsea
  Weather Score for Wolverhampton in July is 71% 71% Wolverhampton
124 Weather Score for Barnsley in July is 63% 63% Barnsley
  Weather Score for Chester in July is 63% 63% Chester
  Weather Score for Church Stretton in July is 63% 63% Church Stretton
  Weather Score for Crewe in July is 63% 63% Crewe
  Weather Score for Leeds in July is 63% 63% Leeds
  Weather Score for Ludlow in July is 63% 63% Ludlow
  Weather Score for Manchester in July is 63% 63% Manchester
  Weather Score for Mansfield in July is 63% 63% Mansfield
  Weather Score for Pontefract in July is 63% 63% Pontefract
  Weather Score for Thirsk in July is 63% 63% Thirsk
  Weather Score for Warrington in July is 63% 63% Warrington
  Weather Score for Whitchurch in July is 63% 63% Whitchurch
  Weather Score for York in July is 63% 63% York
137 Weather Score for Blackpool in July is 62% 62% Blackpool
  Weather Score for Bridlington in July is 62% 62% Bridlington
  Weather Score for Bude in July is 62% 62% Bude
  Weather Score for Dartmoor in July is 62% 62% Dartmoor
  Weather Score for Launceston in July is 62% 62% Launceston
  Weather Score for Liverpool in July is 62% 62% Liverpool
  Weather Score for Morecambe in July is 62% 62% Morecambe
  Weather Score for Penzance in July is 62% 62% Penzance
  Weather Score for Preston in July is 62% 62% Preston
  Weather Score for Southport in July is 62% 62% Southport

Metric (°C / mm)  |  Imperial (°F / inches)

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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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