Where to travel in July

The best countries to visit in July

The holiday season is in full swing and you have an almost unlimited choice of warm destinations in the northern hemisphere. For longer haul choices and more adventurous locations, with older children or just as a couple, it’s good to know where’s best, where to avoid the monsoon season and where and what ticks which boxes.

Sicily

If you’re after warmth, Sicily delivers. July and August are its hottest months. Whilst the beaches come into their own – with the occasional cooling dip – the towns and villages become vibrant with festivals. Visit early for all the architectural sites, and take your seat in the evening at the Syracuse Festival del Teatro Greco, or at the amphitheatre in Taormina with its stunning Mount Etna backdrop.

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France

Oh la la! Where to start? A perennial favourite and for good reason, France has everything you need, and of course, it’s just a short hop away. Head to the south west for surfing, Provence for food and very delicious wine, the Ile de Ré for cycling and incredible markets, or the Ile d’Yeu for outdoor fun, and good old fashioned beaches.

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Portugal

Endless stretches of beaches, especially along the west coast, are the perfect place to enjoy the gorgeous July weather. Surf the Atlantic waves, or cycle amongst the dunes before breakfast. The Douro Valley is slightly cooler, or head to the hills for a real rural escape. And like its European neighbours, Portugal is packed with summer festivals this month.

 

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Mauritius

It may be low season on this Indian Ocean island, but the weather is still an extremely pleasant temperature, with clear skies and breezes perfect for water sports. Better still, the prices are lower, making it a great option for taking the children if you’d like to travel further than Europe. Head for the west coast for the best conditions.

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Maldives

During July, whale sharks flock to the waters around the islands and atolls of the Maldives, to feast on the abundance of plankton. It’s a great time to visit for nature lovers. The winds are up a bit too, so if you want to learn to surf, there’s no more paradisical a place to do it. And again, it’s low season, so the prices reflect this.

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Mozambique

It’s the dry season here and July brings beautiful clear days. The beaches on the Bazaruto Archipelago couldn’t be more alluring, and if you keep an eye out, you may see a humpback whale or two, as they begin their migration up the coast. This time of year also offers some of the best diving, thanks to the visibility in the water.

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Sri Lanka

The rains are tailing off in July – it’s entirely possible to go days without a drop – and the tropical temperatures remain high. It’s a good time to explore the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle and the east coast, whilst the tea plantations are slightly cooler, thanks to their higher altitude.

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Indonesia

July is without doubt, one of the best months to head to Indonesia. It’s mid dry season, with hot, sunny days and warm waters across the entire archipelago nation. Early morning visit temples or climb volcanoes, learn to surf in the afternoon, and sit back to watch a traditional Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) show in the evening. Or, head east and sail around Komodo or to Raja Ampat.

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