The 7 Best Places to Go in July 2026

With summer in full swing across most of the world, July is one of the best months for travel. Whether you’re looking to catch some rays on a Mediterranean beach, explore quaint Alpine villages and towns, or enjoy mountain hiking under the summer sun, July means guaranteed good weather and perfect holidaying conditions.

From the Swiss Alps to the rolling plains of Central Asia, and from the savannah of East Africa to the beaches of southern France, these destinations offer something for every type of traveller. Here are the best destinations to visit in July. 

These Are the Best Places to Visit in July 2026

1. Montreux, Switzerland

Average temperature in July: 25℃

Closest Airport: Geneva Airport

Known as the Jewel of the Swiss Riviera, Montreux is found on the northern shoreline of Lake Geneva and is one of Europe’s most picturesque summer destinations.

Surrounded by Alpine peaks – some with snow caps, even in July – and the glistening waters of the lake, the warm temperatures attract visitors to the Riviera town, where they enjoy some of the most stunning Alpine and lakeside views in the country.

To reach Montreux, the easiest way is to fly into Geneva Airport and follow the lakeside road for around an hour. Montreux and Geneva are at opposite ends of the lake, and this scenic drive ensures that you pass through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful scenery. One of the highlights that you’ll pass is the terraced vineyards of Lavaux – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

When you reach Montreux, take a gentle stroll along the palm-lined promenade and enjoy a glass of wine in one of the lakefront bars or restaurants. You can also visit the nearby Chillon Castle, or take the cog train up to Rochers de Naye, a 2,402m peak which offers stunning views over the Swiss Riviera below.

July is also the month when the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival takes place, a rite of passage for any music lover. Now in its 60th iteration, this year’s festival takes place from 3rd to 18th July 2026 and features bands and artists such as Deep Purple, Sting, Raye, Lewis Capaldi, John Legend, Van Morrison and more.

2. Val di Noto, Sicily, Italy

Average temperature in July: 32℃

Closest Airport: Catania Airport

If you’re seeking a classic Mediterranean summer, then look no further than Val di Noto on the Italian island of Sicily. The region’s beautiful beaches, stunning food and historic towns are all soaked in sunshine throughout July, making this the perfect Mediterranean escape.

After landing at Catania Airport, hop in a taxi or collect your hire car and drive south towards the Val di Noto region. Along the journey, you’ll see some of the most incredible scenery on the islands: traditional Baroque towns, golden coastline and hilly olive groves.

Upon your arrival, enjoy exploring the little towns and villages which make Val di Noto so special. Take the opportunity to sample some of the finest Sicilian chocolate in Modica and wander the honey-coloured streets of Noto, the namesake of the region.

As the temperatures can reach over 30℃ in July, cool off by visiting one of the nearby beaches – San Lorenzo is a particular favourite of ours – where the temperate Mediterranean waters offer the perfect conditions for a relaxing dip. This beach is a 20-30 minute drive from Noto, we recommend hiring a car to make the most of the region. Enjoy a chilled glass of Italian wine or an ice-cold beer in the late afternoon sunshine, and take a minute to sit back, relax and realise why Val di Noto is one of the best places to visit in July.

3. Banff, Canada

Average temperature in July: 23℃

Closest Airport: Calgary Airport

Not a conventional summer holiday destination, Banff in Alberta, Canada, is easily one of the best places to visit in July.

Found in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts to visit in the high summer. The snow has melted from the hiking trails, and these trails – which are often used as cross-country skiing trails for most of the year – take you through the dark green pine forests and mountains which make Banff so stunning.

Lake Louise, which laps at the shores of Banff, transforms from a frozen ice rink into a turquoise, Alpine-esque lake which looks like it has been plucked right out of a fairytale.

If you fly into Calgary Airport to reach Banff, you’ll have to drive for around 90 minutes, but this journey takes you along the legendary Icefields Parkway – often regarded as one of the most beautiful roads to drive on in the world.

Expect glacier-fed lakes, snowy mountain peaks and even the chance to glimpse wildlife such as both black and grizzly bears, moose, elk and more. Whether you’re paddleboarding on Lake Louise or hiking mountain trails, a visit to Banff this summer will show you that Canada is far more than just a skiing or winter holiday destination. 

4. Rovaniemi, Finland

Average temperature in July: 20℃

Closest Airport: Rovaniemi Airport

Forget everything that you think you know about Lapland – banish those images of Santa Claus, snowmen and reindeer from your mind – and open your eyes to the wonders of an Arctic summer.

With temperatures breaking 20℃ in July, Rovaniemi is an idyllic destination for a summer holiday for those who aren’t fussed about topping up their tan on a beach.

Because of its location right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi experiences the Midnight Sun during the summer months, and July is the best month to experience it.

Of course, flying into Rovaniemi opens up the whole of the Lapland region to you when you hire a car, and the long summer days in the region create a calming atmosphere that’s hard to find almost anywhere else in Europe during July. 

Experience lake swimming, kayaking, fishing, traditional Finnish sauna, uncrowded landscapes, and Rovaniemi quickly becomes one of Europe’s most underrated summer destinations.

5. Almaty, Kazakhstan

Average temperature in July: 28℃

Closest Airport: Almaty Airport

Over the last few years, more people have been discovering that Central Asia is one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth – but thankfully, the large tourism crowds have not arrived yet. And one of Central Asia’s best destinations is Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan.

Despite its northern location, summers in Almaty can reach temperatures well above 30℃, so making the city your base and using a hire car to explore the nearby region and head off to cooler destinations is the best way to experience the former Kazakh capital.

Some excellent destinations include Big Almaty Lake – around an hour’s drive south of the city – with its striking turquoise waters. The hiking trails around the region are snow-free in July, meaning you can walk around the lake and surrounding hills without specialised equipment and experience the colourful wildflower meadows in full bloom.

The Asy Plateau is around two hours from the city, and in July it transforms into a lush green carpet with nomadic yurts, making it ideal for stargazing, and because of its high-altitude – 2,600m to 3,200m above sea level – you might even get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the very elusive snow leopard, which calls this region home.

With fewer international visitors in July than most other countries worldwide, Almaty offers the chance to experience one of the world’s most overlooked travel destinations at its very best.

6. Nice, France 

Average temperature in July: 31℃

Closest Airport: Nice Airport

The French Riviera reaches its peak in July, and Nice is the perfect base from which to explore the wider region. 

The warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, glamorous coastal towns and warm, sunny evenings make Nice one of the premier destinations for a July visit in all of the South of France.

If you fly into Nice Airport, you’re within driving distance of some of the French Riviera’s most stunning destinations. Nice itself – with its iconic promenade – is well worth staying in. Even if you’re travelling on a budget this July, there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels in Nice just a street or two back from the Promenade.

Nice Old Town is a must-visit for authentic Niçoise cuisine – unlike the food found anywhere else in France, thanks to the nearby Italian, North African and Mediterranean influences – while the hilltop village of Èze is another fantastic place to explore. If you prefer relaxing beachside, head to nearby Antibes or Villefranche-sur-Mer for some of the best coastal scenery and beaches in the region.

A road trip along the Côte d’Azur will quickly show why the region has inspired writers, artists, poets and countless other creatives for generations, so whether it’s the quaint villages or beachside restaurants that pick your fancy, Nice in July is more than nice – it’s simply perfect.

7. Arusha, Tanzania

Average temperature in July: 26℃

Closest Airport: Kilimanjaro Airport

For a July to remember, head to East Africa for a safari-based holiday this summer.

Arusha, in northern Tanzania, is perfect for a July safari. July marks the beginning of the dry season in the region, and therefore, one of the best months to see iconic African wildlife.

Only around an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha is typically known as the gateway to Tanzania. Arusha National Park is simply packed with native wildlife, including giraffes, baboons, leopards, hippos and buffalo, and is a fantastic place to experience in July.

However, if you don’t mind driving further afield – and on the way you’ll see incredible scenery including the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s tallest mountain) – then you can also opt to visit the Ngorongoro Crater (3.5 hours from Arusha) or the world-famous Serengeti National Park (5 hours from Arusha). 

Cooler temperatures and dry conditions make for perfect wildlife watching experiences: expect lions, elephants, crocodiles, rhinos, zebra and more. Beyond the wildlife, visitors to the region can also explore local coffee plantations, markets, villages and more.

If you’re seeking natural beauty, adventure and wildlife encounters, then there are few better places to visit in July than northern Tanzania.

Note: 2026 temperature information taken from AccuWeather