Introduction

We are now in the peak travel season, which changes everything for many of the best places to visit in July. It is hot in many destinations, crowded almost everywhere, and often more expensive than the rest of the year. But that doesn’t mean July is a bad time to travel; it does mean being careful about where you are going.

We’ve travelled a lot in July, both in Europe and further away, and our best experiences all had one thing in common: they matched the season instead of fighting it. Some places shine because summer is when they’re at their best. Others work because their climate stays manageable, even in the middle of July.

July is also a month of contrasts. Southern Europe is in full summer mode, with long days and a strong outdoor culture. At the same time, parts of South America are in their dry season, offering great conditions for travel without summer heat.

If you’re wondering where to travel in July, it helps to accept that crowds and heat are part of the equation, then plan around them. Pick destinations where July makes sense, either because of the weather, the landscapes, or the kind of trip you want to have.

As always, this guide only includes places we’ve personally visited. These are destinations that genuinely worked for us in July, where timing played in our favour rather than against us.

How to choose where to travel in July

July is not a month where you can improvise too much. Heat, crowds, and prices can turn a great destination into a tiring one if the timing isn’t right. Choosing where to travel in July is really about working with the season instead of against it.

The first thing to consider is climate. In many parts of Europe, July can be hot, especially in cities. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it changes how you travel. Destinations with coastlines, mountains, or a slower pace tend to work better than dense city breaks. That’s why places like the Balkans or rural regions in southern Europe can feel much more enjoyable than major capitals in mid-summer.

Crowds are the second big factor. July is high season in Europe, full stop. Popular destinations will be busy, especially along the coast and in well-known spots. The key is not to avoid crowds entirely, but to choose places where tourism is spread out rather than concentrated in one small area. Road trips and multi-stop itineraries usually work better than staying in one hotspot.

July is also a great month to look beyond Europe. In South America, July falls during the dry season in several countries, making it one of the best times of year to travel there. Temperatures are more moderate, landscapes are accessible, and long-distance travel feels easier than during the rainy months.

Budget matters more in July than in other months. Prices are higher, accommodation books out faster, and flexibility is limited. Choosing destinations where July falls in the shoulder or dry season, rather than the peak holiday season, can make a big difference to both cost and experience.

If you’re wondering where to travel in July, the safest approach is to pick destinations that either handle summer well or benefit from it. July rewards places with space, nature, and good weather, making it an excellent month to travel if you plan with that in mind.

Weather in July: what to realistically expect

July is a month of extremes, and that’s exactly why choosing the right best places to visit in July matters so much. Depending on where you go, July can mean intense heat, perfect summer conditions, or some of the best weather of the year.

In southern and eastern Europe, July mean summer. Countries like Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and southern France are usually pretty hot, with long days and little to no rain. During the day, expect temperatures between 28–35°C (82–95°F), especially inland. Coastal areas and higher elevations are generally more comfortable, which makes beaches, islands, and mountain regions much more appealing than big cities in July.

In places like Provence, southern France, July is dry, sunny, and very much an outdoors-focused month. Days are hot, but evenings are pleasant, and life shifts to early mornings and late dinners. If you adapt your rhythm, July works very well here.

In South America, July tells a completely different story. It’s winter, but more importantly, it’s dry season in several regions. In Peru, Bolivia, and northern Chile, July brings clear skies, low rainfall, and excellent travel conditions.

Temperatures vary depending on altitude. Expect cool mornings and evenings, especially in the Andes, with daytime temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F). It’s not hot, but it’s comfortable for hiking, sightseeing, and moving around without interruptions from the weather.

One of the biggest advantages of July weather in these regions is reliability. Rain is rare, roads are accessible, and landscapes are at their most dramatic. The trade-off is cooler nights, which are easy to handle with the right layers.

Overall, the weather of the best places to visit in July works best when you follow logic rather than instinct. Go where heat adds to the experience, like coastal Europe, or where dry season creates ideal conditions, like parts of South America. Once you do that, July becomes a surprisingly rewarding month to travel.

Best places to visit in July (based on our travels)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in July, especially if you mix cities with nature. Summer is in full swing, but the country’s landscapes and slower pace make the heat manageable.

Expect temperatures around 28–35°C (82–95°F). Days are hot, but mornings and evenings are pleasant, and rivers and shaded old towns offer natural breaks from the heat.

We travelled through Bosnia and Herzegovina in July and found it ideal for road trips. Cities like Mostar and Sarajevo were lively, and swimming spots along rivers were a real highlight. July works well here if you plan your days around the heat and don’t rush.

If you’re looking for good places to visit in July that still feel authentic and not overly touristic, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a strong option.

Croatia

July is peak season in Croatia, and for good reason. The Adriatic coast is at its best, with warm sea temperatures, clear skies, and long summer days.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 28–33°C (82–91°F), with coastal breezes helping to keep things comfortable. The sea is warm and perfect for swimming.

We road tripped through Croatia in July and focused on mixing coastal towns, islands, and early starts. Yes, it’s busy, but if you avoid the most obvious stops at peak hours and move around a bit, it’s still an incredible time to be there.

For beach time, island hopping, and a classic summer atmosphere, Croatia easily earns its place among the best places to travel in July.

Provence (France)

Provence is another one of the best places to visit in July; it is hot, dry, and unmistakably summery. Life shifts outdoors, markets are in full swing, evenings stretch late into the night, and it is the best time to see the lavender fields.

Temperatures often sit between 30–35°C (86–95°F). It’s warm, but predictable, with very little rain.

We’ve spent time in Provence in July and found it works best when you adapt your rhythm. Early mornings, long lunches, and slower afternoons make a big difference. It’s a great month for road trips between lavender fields, old towns and villages, scenic drives, and spending time outside rather than in cities.

If you’re wondering where to travel in July in France, Provence makes sense if you’re comfortable with the heat and plan accordingly.

Peru

July is one of the best months to visit Peru. It’s dry season, which makes travel far easier, especially in mountainous regions.

Expect cool mornings and evenings, with temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), depending on altitude. Rain is rare, and skies are usually clear.

We travelled in Peru, including Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Arequipa, in July and found the conditions ideal for moving around and spending full days outside. Hiking, sightseeing, and long travel days were really manageable even if we got a bit of moody weather early morning in Machu Picchu.

For anyone considering South America, Peru is one of the best places to visit in July from a weather and logistics point of view.

Bolivia

Bolivia in July is dry, clear, and surprisingly comfortable during the day, especially in high-altitude regions.

Temperatures during the day usually sit around 15–20°C (59–68°F), but nights can be cold, sometimes dropping below freezing. The dry weather more than makes up for it.

We travelled through Bolivia, including Copacabana and the Uyuni salt flats, in July and appreciated how reliable the conditions were. Roads were accessible, landscapes were dramatic, and travel plans weren’t constantly changing because of the weather.

If you’re prepared for cold nights, Bolivia is a rewarding and often overlooked destination for July travel.

Northern Chile

July is a great time to explore northern Chile. Dry season brings clear skies and excellent visibility, especially in desert regions. Many of the cities in Chile can be consider some of the best places to visit in July.

Expect mild daytime temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F), with cooler nights. Rain is extremely rare.

We travelled through northern Chile, including San Pedro de Atacama and Santiago, or even Valparaiso, in July and found it to be one of the most stable weather-wise. Long drives, outdoor exploration, and sightseeing were all easy to plan without weather disruptions.

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in July that feel remote, spacious, and weather-reliable, northern Chile fits perfectly.

Is July a good month to travel?

Yes, but only if you choose some of the best places to visit in July that suit the season.

Most of the best places to visit in July can be intense. It’s hot in many places, busy across much of Europe, and often more expensive than other months. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to travel; it just means it’s a month where planning matters more than usual.

If you pick some of the best places to visit in July that thrive in summer, July can be great. Coastal areas, places with water nearby, and regions where life naturally shifts to early mornings and late evenings all work well. The Balkans and southern France fall into this category if you adapt your rhythm and avoid rushing.

July is also an excellent month to travel outside Europe. In South America, the dry season creates some of the best travel conditions of the year. Cooler temperatures, clear skies, and reliable weather make countries like Peru, Bolivia, and northern Chile especially enjoyable.

The key with July is acceptance. Accept that in most of the best places to visit in July, you will have heat and crowds, and plan around them rather than fight them, as I would. Start early, be flexible, and choose the right destination.

If you’re wondering where to travel in July, the best advice is simple: go where July is an advantage, not a drawback. Do that, and it can be a surprisingly rewarding month to travel.