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.

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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]
  • Sea temperature: 25°C or warmer [remove]
  • Destination: Portugal [remove]

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Rank Rating Score Destination
1 Weather Score for Calheia in July is 80% 80% Calheia, Madeira
  Weather Score for Canico in July is 80% 80% Canico, Madeira
  Weather Score for Funchal in July is 80% 80% Funchal, Madeira
  Weather Score for Machico in July is 80% 80% Machico, Madeira
  Weather Score for Porto Moniz in July is 80% 80% Porto Moniz, Madeira
  Weather Score for Porto Santo in July is 80% 80% Porto Santo, Madeira
  Weather Score for Santa Maria in July is 80% 80% Santa Maria, Azores
  Weather Score for Santana in July is 80% 80% Santana, Madeira
  Weather Score for Santo da Serra in July is 80% 80% Santo da Serra, Madeira
10 Weather Score for Faial in July is 77% 77% Faial, Azores
  Weather Score for Graciosa in July is 77% 77% Graciosa, Azores
  Weather Score for Pico in July is 77% 77% Pico, Azores
  Weather Score for Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel in July is 77% 77% Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores
  Weather Score for Sao Jorge in July is 77% 77% Sao Jorge, Azores
15 Weather Score for Ponta Do Sol in July is 74% 74% Ponta Do Sol, Madeira
  Weather Score for Ribeira Brava in July is 74% 74% Ribeira Brava, Madeira
  Weather Score for Sao Vicente in July is 74% 74% Sao Vicente, Madeira
18 Weather Score for Estoi in July is 72% 72% Estoi, Algarve
  Weather Score for Faro in July is 72% 72% Faro, Algarve
  Weather Score for Goldra in July is 72% 72% Goldra, Algarve
  Weather Score for Olhao in July is 72% 72% Olhao, Algarve
  Weather Score for Santa Barbara de Nexe in July is 72% 72% Santa Barbara de Nexe, Algarve
23 Weather Score for Corvo in July is 71% 71% Corvo, Azores
  Weather Score for Flores in July is 71% 71% Flores, Azores
25 Weather Score for Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel in July is 69% 69% Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Azores
  Weather Score for Terceira in July is 69% 69% Terceira, Azores
27 Weather Score for Acoteias in July is 67% 67% Acoteias, Algarve
  Weather Score for Albufeira in July is 67% 67% Albufeira, Algarve
  Weather Score for Alcantarilha in July is 67% 67% Alcantarilha, Algarve
  Weather Score for Almancil in July is 67% 67% Almancil, Algarve
  Weather Score for Alvor in July is 67% 67% Alvor, Algarve
  Weather Score for Armacao de Pera in July is 67% 67% Armacao de Pera, Algarve
  Weather Score for Balaia in July is 67% 67% Balaia, Algarve
  Weather Score for Boliqueime in July is 67% 67% Boliqueime, Algarve
  Weather Score for Bordeira in July is 67% 67% Bordeira, Algarve
  Weather Score for Branqueira in July is 67% 67% Branqueira, Algarve
  Weather Score for Carvoeiro in July is 67% 67% Carvoeiro, Algarve
  Weather Score for Cascais in July is 67% 67% Cascais
  Weather Score for Cerro d'Aguia in July is 67% 67% Cerro d'Aguia, Algarve
  Weather Score for Estoril in July is 67% 67% Estoril
  Weather Score for Ferragudo in July is 67% 67% Ferragudo, Algarve
  Weather Score for Ferreiras in July is 67% 67% Ferreiras, Algarve
  Weather Score for Gale in July is 67% 67% Gale, Algarve
  Weather Score for Guia in July is 67% 67% Guia, Algarve
  Weather Score for Lagoa in July is 67% 67% Lagoa, Algarve
  Weather Score for Lagos in July is 67% 67% Lagos, Algarve
  Weather Score for Lisbon in July is 67% 67% Lisbon
  Weather Score for Loule in July is 67% 67% Loule, Algarve
  Weather Score for Luz in July is 67% 67% Luz, Algarve
  Weather Score for Montechoro in July is 67% 67% Montechoro, Algarve
  Weather Score for Montinhos Da Luz in July is 67% 67% Montinhos Da Luz, Algarve
  Weather Score for Porches in July is 67% 67% Porches, Algarve
  Weather Score for Portimao in July is 67% 67% Portimao, Algarve
  Weather Score for Porto in July is 67% 67% Porto
  Weather Score for Prahia de Olhos d'Aqua in July is 67% 67% Prahia de Olhos d'Aqua, Algarve
  Weather Score for Praia Da Falesia in July is 67% 67% Praia Da Falesia, Algarve
  Weather Score for Praia Da Luz in July is 67% 67% Praia Da Luz, Algarve
  Weather Score for Praia Da Marinha in July is 67% 67% Praia Da Marinha, Algarve
  Weather Score for Praia Da Oura in July is 67% 67% Praia Da Oura, Algarve
  Weather Score for Praia Da Rocha in July is 67% 67% Praia Da Rocha, Algarve
  Weather Score for Praia Do Vau in July is 67% 67% Praia Do Vau, Algarve
  Weather Score for Quarteira in July is 67% 67% Quarteira, Algarve
  Weather Score for Quinta do Lago in July is 67% 67% Quinta do Lago, Algarve
  Weather Score for Sagres in July is 67% 67% Sagres, Algarve
  Weather Score for Sao Joao in July is 67% 67% Sao Joao, Algarve
  Weather Score for Sao Rafael in July is 67% 67% Sao Rafael, Algarve
  Weather Score for Sesmarias in July is 67% 67% Sesmarias, Algarve
  Weather Score for Vale Do Lobo in July is 67% 67% Vale Do Lobo, Algarve
  Weather Score for Vale de Garrao in July is 67% 67% Vale de Garrao, Algarve
  Weather Score for Vale de Parra in July is 67% 67% Vale de Parra, Algarve
  Weather Score for Vilamoura in July is 67% 67% Vilamoura, Algarve
72 Weather Score for Moncarapacho in July is 66% 66% Moncarapacho, Algarve
73 Weather Score for Altura in July is 61% 61% Altura, Algarve
  Weather Score for Manta Rota in July is 61% 61% Manta Rota, Algarve
  Weather Score for Monte Gordo in July is 61% 61% Monte Gordo, Algarve
  Weather Score for Tavira in July is 61% 61% Tavira, Algarve

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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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