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July is a wonderful month to explore the outdoors and finally take those summer vacations that you’ve been wanting to experience. Summer is a time for a change of scenery and July presents the perfect opportunity to do just that. Check out summer festivals, celebrate the Fourth of July in the U.S., and spot exotic wildlife in July. Here are my top 25 picks for where to travel in July.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 80°F high; 57°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
Similar to other coastal Maine towns, July is a busy time to visit. This is because it’s the ideal time to feel the cool ocean breeze and go on hikes followed by some classic east coast seafood cuisine. If you’re traveling around Independence Day, Bar Harbor is known to have one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the country.
Key Events:
Fourth of July: voted the #1 Fourth of July celebration in America by the Today Show with a parade, concert series, and evening fireworks display
Open Garden Day: a day to tour multiple gardens in the town
Seaside Cinema: weekly outdoor movie series in Agamont Park
Bar Harbor Music Festival: a series of concerts from different genres that take place all over Bar Harbor, mostly outdoors
Where to Stay:
Belize
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 89°F high; 77°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
Though there are occasional showers in Belize in July, the weather is usually sunny. Evenings stay cooler with refreshing breezes. During this time of year, lobster season opens and is celebrated by many festivals. It’s also an ideal time for swimming, sailing, snorkeling, or sunbathing on the beach.
Key Events:
Pibil Fest: celebration of the Maya culinary tradition of cooking pork
Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta: local fair to celebrate a patron saint with cultural shows, marimba bands, food, and games
Caye Caulker Lobster Festival: music, dancing, food and drink in celebration of lobster season
Grand Caribe Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament: annual deep sea classic fishing tournament at Ambergris Caye
Where to Stay:
Berlin, Germany
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 76°F high; 58°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
July is considered a drier time to visit Berlin with less chance of rainfall. It may feel hotter than it really is due to humidity, however it’s a good time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. If you want to beat the heat, there’s plenty of museums and historical landmarks that you can explore inside!
Key Events:
Classic Open-Air Festival: series of open air concerts
Lesbian and Gay City Festival: Europe’s largest lesbian and gay festival
Christopher Street Day: Berlin’s “Gay Pride” day
Where to Stay:
Corsica
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 82°F high; 64°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
Corsica has beautiful weather in the month of July, perfect for beach days. Ocean temperatures are pleasant this time of year for swimming and if you’re not a beach goer, you can opt to hike the island’s mountainous terrain as an alternative.
Key Events:
Calvi on the Rocks: gathering of techno-pop performers
Fiera di u Vinu: celebration of Corisca’s wine
Bastille Day: French National holiday celebrated with street parties and fireworks
Fiera di l’Alivu: annual festival demonstrating the art of producing olive oil
Les Nuits de la Guitare: guitar music festival
Festival Padul’Ella: open-air free festival with female performers
Nuits du Piano: classical music festival
Festival du Film de Lama: week-long festival featuring mainstream and niche films in multiple languages
Where to Stay:
Delft, Netherlands
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 72°F high; 56°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
You can expect very pleasant weather during the day in Delft. You’ll experience plenty of blue sky and sunshine this time of year, perfect for swimming, cycling, walking, camping, grilling, and more.
Key Events:
Delft Chamber Music Festival: classical music festival that runs from late July to mid-August
Where to Stay:
Glacier National Park, Montana
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 70°F high; 45°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
July is the perfect month to visit Glacier National Park in Montana because the top sights are open at this time. That would include visitor centers, campgrounds, roads, trails, hotels, and activities. Days are sunny and warm and nights are cool.
Key Events:
Native America Speaks: evening programs and cultural presentations provide opportunities for local tribal members to share their rich history and culture through singing, storytelling, presentations, and hands-on learning
Where to Stay:
Greenland
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 49°F high; 42°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in July:
At this time of year, Greenland’s sea should be completely free of ice for easier mobility. Days are sunny and nights remain bright due to the Midnight Sun. During this month, locals enjoy camping and boating and getting in touch with nature and the outdoors.
Key Events:
NuukKap Extreme Running Race: extreme running race in wild untouched arctic nature
Where to Stay:
Bali, Indonesia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 84°F high; 75°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid to high
Reason to Travel in July:
Humidity is low and days are dry during July in Bali, making it a pleasant time to visit. Many festivals take place this time of year, so expect more tourists and higher prices.
Key Events:
Bali Kite Festival: annual kite festival held in Denpasar or Sanur
Bali International Choir Festival: a significant musical event on the island attracting participants from around the world
Makepung Festival: annual cultural event held by Jembrana regency (buffalo race)
Where to Stay:
Honshu, Japan
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 89°F high; 73°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in July:
July sees lower crowds and prices in the Honshu region in July due to heat and humidity. The northern part of Honshu (Tohoku) is cooler than the southern parts of the island. If you can withstand less comfortable weather conditions, July can be an exciting time to visit due to the traditional summer festivals occurring this time of year.
Key Events:
Sōma Nomaoi: traditional event with horse racing in warrior gear
Gion Matsuri: festival of Yasaka Shrine, the most famous festival in Japan
Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival & Fireworks: night festival with boats, lanterns, music, and fireworks
Tenjin Matsuri: summer festival with rituals, music, and dance; one of the the 3 grandest festivals in Japan
Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival: festival with ornate floats and a procession
Gujo Odori: cultural dance festival
Where to Stay:
Ocean City, Maryland
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 89°F high; 73°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
July is a very popular time to visit Ocean City, MD as it’s a summer destination, so expect higher prices and more crowds. That being said, the weather is perfect for beach-going this time of year. The town has over 30 miles of beaches so it’s a good spot for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and other water activities.
Key Events:
Fourth of July Concert & Fireworks: one-day party with live music, food, DJs, and fireworks
Sunset Park Party Nights: free concert series at Sunset Park
Where to Stay:
Mongolia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 78°F high; 52°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in July:
The highlight for traveling to Mongolia in July is to see the Naadam Festival - the biggest national holiday in the country. This festival comprises wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions. It’s a month full of cultural activities and events that showcase Mongolian history and tradition.
Key Events:
Naadam Festival: a series of wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions
Tsaatan Festival: traditional celebration of reindeer racing, folk concerts, reindeer polo, and more
National Costume Festival Mongolia: Mongolian costume runway, cultural performances, and costume competitions
Nomadic Culture Festival: festival showcasing nomadic life, culture, and rituals in Mongolia
Yak Festival: yak racing and showing, wilk stallion and yak riding, milking contests, and other traditional Naadam events
Where to Stay:
Montenegro
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 82°F high; 60°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
July is one of the warmest months to visit Montenegro, next to August. The summer months are considered an ideal time to visit when beach activities are in their prime.
Key Events:
Statehood Day: Montenegro’s independence day
International Fashion Festival: fashion design event held annually
Fashinada: traditional event in Perast with a boat procession
Days of Mrkojevici: traditional Montenegrin festival with food and music
Where to Stay:
Nairobi, Kenya
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 72°F high; 55°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid to high
Reason to Travel in July:
With July comes the start of dry season in Nairobi, and that season runs through September. This season coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, which is a significant draw to this destination. At this time, tourist numbers will start to rise.
Key Events:
Great Migration: annual event where over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra make their 1,800 mile round trek, when the animals arrive in the Masai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti in neighboring Tanzania
Where to Stay:
South Island, New Zealand
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 55°F high; 44°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid to high
Reason to Travel in July:
If you’re craving snow in the summer months, visit South Island, New Zealand. July is likely to bring snow to South Island, making it a skiing paradise. The weather may be unpredictable however it’s not peak tourist season, so you should experience lower prices and fewer crowds.
Key Events:
Matariki Festivals: celebration of the Maori new year and the rising of the Matraiki star cluster
New Zealand International Film Festival: film festival covering 13 towns and cities throughout the country
Queenstown Winter Festival: the winter party for the South Island that kicks off ski season
Christchurch Arts Festival: showcase of international dance, music, theater, and visual arts, hosted biennially in July to August
Where to Stay:
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 87°F high; 74°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
Temperatures remain at mid to high 80s in July within the Outer Banks, making it a great time to visit the beach. Rain may come and go at this time, however you should not expect long storms. It’s a very popular time to visit this destination, so try to avoid coming into the Outer Banks on a Saturday.
Key Events:
Fourth of July: celebrations of the U.S. Independence Day with parades, music, food, drinks, and fireworks
Wright Kite Festival: annual kite festival
Vusic on the Banks Music & Arts Festival: one-day music and arts festival
Where to Stay:
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 93°F high; 83°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in July:
July is the start of hurricane season, but the chance of getting hit in the Yucatan Peninsula is low. Though it will be hot and humid, you may experience decreased crowds early to mid July. You may have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks at this time.
Key Events:
Whale Shark Festival: celebration dedicated to the largest fish in the world - the whale shark
Where to Stay:
Pamplona, Spain
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 81°F high; 59°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
The main reason to visit Pamplona in July is for their 9-day running of the bulls festival. The weather is typically mild and cool this time of year with a gentle breeze.
Key Events:
Festival of San Fermín: world-famous festival where thousands of people come to Pamplona to experience the World’s Largest Fiesta for 7 days; includes running with the bulls
Where to Stay:
Pantanal, Brazil
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 69°F high; 57°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
July marks the start of dry season, so it’s a good month to see wildlife around the river banks, including wading bird concentrations, Giant Otters, Jabiru Storks, and Jaguars.
Where to Stay:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 89°F high; 72°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
During the summer, Philadelphia can be warm, humid, and wet. Though spring may be a better time to visit Philadelphia in terms of weather, July is still a good time to visit to experience the many outdoor festivals and events.
Key Events:
Welcome America!: annual celebration of Independence Day with concerts, fireworks, block parties, a parade, and educational activities
Tiny Room for Elephants Festival: art and music festival
Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival: brewery festival at the zoo
Where to Stay:
Block Island, Rhode Island
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 76°F high; 68°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
July is a busy season to visit Block Island due to summer vacations, ideal weather conditions, and open shops, lodging, restaurants, and bars. If you can help it, try to avoid traveling in and out of Block Island on weekend days during the summer. If you enjoy body or board surfing, you’ll want to check this destination out!
Key Events:
Block Island 4th of July Parade and Steak Fry: independence day celebration with BBQ
Ballard’s Block Island Country Fest: country music festival
Block Island Barbershop Festival: free concert featuring quartets
Block Island A Cappella Show: an evening of a cappella performances
Where to Stay:
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 85°F high; 55°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
July is a hot month for Santa Fe. If you want to go for ideal mild temperatures, you may consider September, October, or November timeframe instead. That being said, there are lots of fun events in Sante Fe during this month that you may want to stick around for.
Key Events:
City of Santa Fourth of July Celebration: independence day celebration
Santa Fe Art Week: art, culture, food, and historic architecture
Santa Fe International Folk Art Market: largest international folk art market in the world
HIPICO Santa Fe Dressage: world-class equestrian facility that showcases the classical sport of dressage and demonstrates horse and rider communication
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival: one of the world’s preeminent music festivals
Santa Fe Desert Chorale Summer Festival: music performances
ART Santa Fe: gathering of exceptional artists and galleries from around the world
Traditional Spanish Market: 250 Hispanic artists from NM and Southern CO show their wares
Viva Mexico!: music, arts, crafts, food to celebrate the town’s shared history with Mexico
Contemporary Hispanic Market: annual market showcasing original contemporary works by juried Hispanic artists who are full-time residents of New Mexico
Where to Stay:
Seychelles
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 83°F high; 77°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in July:
July is the coolest month in the Seychelles which makes for very pleasant weather. The south-east trade winds make the climate ideal for sailing, surfing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Where to Stay:
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 79°F high; 66°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in July:
July is a good time to visit Tahiti because of the low chance of rain. You’ll likely experience sun and warmth during your stay. The winter season has less humidity.
Key Events:
Heiva Nui: cultural event lasting 2 months (also known as Tiurai), closing on Bastille Day
Where to Stay:
Vienna, Austria
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 79°F high; 61°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
Though Vienna is a beautiful city to visit year-round, the summer months are particularly pleasant. There will likely be more crowds at this time of year soaking up the sun however the summer festivals make the visit worth it.
Key Events:
Rathaus Film Festival: open-air classical music film festival
Vienna Jazz Festival: jazz music celebration
Popfest Wien: music festival held over 4 days
Afrika Tage Festival: African music festival
Amadeus Festival Vienna: tribute to music, art, and the city of Vienna
Montur und Pulverdampf: medieval festival
Where to Stay:
San Juan Islands, Washington
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 72°F high; 51°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in July:
July is a warm and busy month to visit the San Juan Islands. It’s a great time of year to see whales on over 90% of tours, including orcas, humpbacks and/or minke. Be sure to book your ferry tickets in advance, as the summer months are peak tourist season for the San Juan Islands.
Key Events:
Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks: U.S. independence day celebrations