In a nutshell
- Not sure where to go for your July vacation? We’ve rounded up the 14 best places to travel in July — from quick getaways to long-haul adventures.
- Beach vacation, city trip, or an exotic far-flung destination — you’ll find a great option for every travel style right here.
- For each destination, we tell you what makes it special in July and which highlights you shouldn’t miss.
- Curious about our personal favorites? Here they are: Lake Constance in Germany, the Azores in Europe, and Colombia for a long-haul trip.
The Best Travel Destinations in July at a Glance
Want to see all our July picks side by side? Our table below lays everything out clearly — including recommended trip duration, approximate flight time, and price level.
| Destination | How much time to plan? | Flight duration | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Constance | 5–7 days | none (car/train) | moderate |
| Potsdam | 3–5 days | none (car/train) | moderate |
| Vorarlberg | 4–7 days | none (car/train) | moderate to high |
| Switzerland | 4–7 days | from 1 hour | high |
| Amsterdam | 3–4 days | from 1 hour | high |
| Belgium | 3–7 days | from 1 hour | moderate |
| Estonia | 5–7 days | from 2 hours | low to moderate |
| Mallorca | 7–10 days | from 2 hours | moderate to high |
| Crete | 1–2 weeks | from 3 hours | moderate |
| Azores | 7–10 days | from 4.5 hours | moderate |
| Gran Canaria | 7–10 days | from 4.5 hours | low to moderate |
| New York | 5–7 days | from 8.5 hours | high |
| Colombia | 2–3 weeks | from 11 hours | low |
| Java | 10–14 days | from 15 hours (with stopover) | low |
July Destinations in Germany
Not in the mood for a long flight? No problem! You can have a wonderful July vacation right in Germany. Here are the best places to visit in Germany in July.
Lake Constance
- Type of trip: Nature and active vacation, beach vacation
- Also a great time to visit: May through June and August through September
- Climate: 59–79°F, 10–12 rainy days
Lake Constance is the perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. You can stroll through the charming old towns of Lindau, Meersburg, or Konstanz, cycle along the shore, or jump into the water at one of the lakeside swimming areas — the options are genuinely great.
In July, the weather is ideal for spending days outdoors. The water is at a comfortable temperature, the sunsets are spectacular, and Mainau Island is in full bloom. Add in cultural highlights like the Bregenz Festival right on the water and you’ve got a seriously well-rounded trip.
The region also delivers on the food front: at the many restaurants and wine taverns, you can dig into regional specialties — from fresh fish to Lake Constance wines. Honestly, it’s hard to ask for more from a July vacation.
Our hotel pick: Hotel Bella Vista – family-run hotel in Konstanz with super friendly staff and a generous breakfast buffet
Our best tips for Lake Constance:
Potsdam
- Type of trip: City and cultural trip, nature vacation
- Also a great time to visit: May through June and August through September
- Climate: 57–77°F, 6–8 rainy days
Potsdam really does have it all: magnificent palaces, green parks, and plenty of water. You can explore Sanssouci Palace, relax by Glienicker Lake, or wander through the Dutch Quarter. A stroll along the Havel is a must too.
As a July destination, Potsdam is especially beautiful. The parks are in full bloom, the lakes are perfect for cooling off, and the sidewalk cafés are always buzzing with life.
It’s also worth exploring the surrounding area. Cycling through the Brandenburg countryside or taking a boat trip on the many lakes — there’s plenty to discover. And for a day trip to the capital, Berlin is just a short train ride away.
Our hotel pick: Hotel Am Jägertor – stylish city hotel with great value for money and a prime location
Our best tips for Potsdam:
July Destinations in Europe
Fancy a July vacation beyond Germany? There are plenty of fantastic spots across Europe that are well worth the trip. Here are our top July travel destinations in Europe:
Vorarlberg
- Type of trip: Nature and active vacation, relaxation vacation
- Also a great time to visit: May through June, August through September, and December through March
- Climate: 57–77°F, 12–14 rainy days
Vorarlberg is a real standout as a July vacation spot! The region in western Austria offers perfect conditions for anyone who wants to spend the summer in the mountains. The weather is wonderfully pleasant, and you’ve got countless options for outdoor adventures.
You can go hiking, explore the mountains by bike, and discover picturesque villages like Lech, Zürs, or Schruns.
Vorarlberg is also a fantastic July pick for a family vacation with kids! Whizzing down a summer toboggan run or gliding across crystal-clear mountain lakes by boat — that’s guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Our hotel pick: Schlosshotel Dörflinger – family-run hotel in Bludenz with stunning views
Our best tips for Vorarlberg:
Switzerland
- Type of trip: Nature and active vacation
- Also a great time to visit: May through June, August through October, and December through March
- Climate: 54–77°F, 9–12 rainy days
Imagine hiking through the Alps with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, then jumping into a crystal-clear mountain lake afterward. That’s what a summer vacation in Switzerland actually feels like!
Beyond its stunning nature, Switzerland is also home to truly beautiful cities like Lucerne or Bern. The historic old towns with their winding alleyways and little hidden cafés are absolutely worth your time.
In July, you’ll have great weather for both hiking and sightseeing: warm, but not too hot. And with summer festivals happening all over the country, the atmosphere is really lively.
Our best tips for Switzerland:
Amsterdam
- Type of trip: City trip
- Also a great time to visit: April through June and August through October
- Climate: 55–72°F, 9–10 rainy days
Amsterdam is just a seriously cool city. The canals give it a truly special charm — so a boat tour through Amsterdam is practically non-negotiable.
You can wander leisurely through the streets, admire the beautiful old buildings, or settle into a cozy canal-side café with a slice of appeltaart.
If you’re into art, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are definite highlights. And when you need a breather, just find a sunny spot in Vondelpark and soak it all in.
July is a great time to visit Amsterdam. The weather is really pleasant for a city trip, the days are long, and there are tons of festivals, markets, and events that make the whole city feel electric.
Our hotel pick: Inntel Hotels – central, stylish hotel right on the water
Our best tips for Amsterdam:
Belgium
- Type of trip: Road trip, city trip, beach vacation
- Also a great time to visit: May through June and August through September
- Climate: 57–73°F, 10–12 rainy days
Belgium in July? Great idea! The summery weather is ideal for a road trip. In cities like Bruges and Ghent, you’ll wander through medieval alleyways and discover impressive architecture like the Belfry in Bruges or Gravensteen Castle in Ghent.
The capital Brussels brings the iconic Atomium, the stunning Grand Place, and plenty of museums to the table as well.
Need a break from city life? A detour to the Belgian coast is totally worth it. Places like Ostend and Knokke-Heist have beautiful, long sandy beaches and promenades — perfect for soaking up the sun and unwinding.
Our best tips for Belgium:
Estonia
- Type of trip: Nature vacation, city trip, beach vacation
- Also a great time to visit: June and August
- Climate: 57–72°F, 9–11 rainy days
Want to try something different? If the usual July spots don’t excite you, head to Estonia! The northernmost country in the Baltics is where culture meets nature — a truly great combination.
Tallinn is a real highlight and it’s no coincidence it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic old town is absolutely worth seeing.
And since Estonia sits right on the Baltic Sea, a trip to the coast with its charming harbor towns and small fishing villages is a great idea too.
In July, you can swim here comfortably — this is one of the warmest months of the year. Take full advantage, because for most of the rest of the year it turns quite chilly again quickly.
Our best tips for Estonia:
Mallorca
- Type of trip: Beach vacation, nature and active vacation
- Also a great time to visit: year-round
- Climate: 68–88°F, 1–2 rainy days
Mallorca is just party strips and rowdy tourists? Think again! Beyond the party zone, you’ll find unspoiled landscapes, dream beaches, and charming fishing villages like Port de Soller and Sant Elm.
The island is one of the most popular destinations among European travelers, and we completely get it. The water is so clear it instantly makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away to the South Pacific. And the capital Palma de Mallorca has a lot to offer too, with its Mediterranean flair and historic old quarter.
In July, Mallorca is at its best: genuinely warm and ideal for a beach vacation — exactly what you want for the perfect summer getaway!
Our hotel pick: Bordoy Mostatxins – stylish adults-only design hotel in the old town of Alcúdia
Our best tips for Mallorca:
Crete
- Type of trip: Beach vacation, cultural trip
- Also a great time to visit: April through June and August through October
- Climate: 72–86°F, 0–1 rainy days
Crete is the perfect July destination for a beach vacation. You’ll find countless stunning beaches on Crete, like Balos Beach with its shimmering turquoise water or Elafonissi Beach with its famous pink sand.
In July, you’ll have ideal conditions for the beach: it’s the month with the most sunshine hours on Crete and it barely rains at all. Seriously great.
Sightseeing can feel a bit intense in the July heat, but if you don’t want to miss out, the Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion are two of Crete’s top must-sees — and you’ll come away with a real sense of Minoan culture.
After a long day of sun, sand, and sea, settle into one of the cozy tavernas and savor the delicious Greek food. You’ve earned it.
Our hotel pick: Vergina Beach Hotel – small, modern 4-star hotel right on a private sandy beach
Our best tips for Crete:
Azores
- Type of trip: Nature and active vacation
- Also a great time to visit: May through June and August through October
- Climate: 64–79°F, 5–7 rainy days
The Azores — where exactly are they? They’re a group of nine islands belonging to Portugal, sitting quite a distance away in the middle of the Atlantic.
The islands are genuine natural wonders, and each one is unique: São Miguel is ideal for surfing, Pico is great for hiking, and Flores is the ultimate flower paradise.
You’ll find dense forests, deep blue lakes, hot springs, geysers, and an abundance of blue hydrangeas. And the best part: most travelers still haven’t put the Azores on their radar, so they’re still refreshingly untouristy. A real off-the-beaten-path find for your July vacation!
July in the Azores means pleasantly warm and dry weather, but not oppressively hot. Perfect for hikes through pristine nature.
Our hotel pick: Casa das Palmeiras – small, cozy hotel on the main island of São Miguel
Our best tips for the Azores:
Gran Canaria
- Type of trip: Beach vacation, nature and active vacation
- Also a great time to visit: year-round
- Climate: 68–82°F, 0–1 rainy days
Gran Canaria is the all-rounder of the Canary Islands: culture, nature, beaches — there’s a little of everything here. One absolute highlight is the Maspalomas Dunes in the south, one of the few desert landscapes in Europe.
Las Palmas, the capital, is also well worth a visit. Alongside fascinating museums and great restaurants, you’ll find a wide variety of shops. But make sure to explore some of the smaller, more authentic villages too, like Puerto Mogán, Fataga, or Teror.
Traveling to Gran Canaria with kids? No problem! The island has wonderful beaches with shallow water and plenty of space — like Playa del Inglés or Playa del Confital — making it a great July destination for families.
At this time of year, rainy days are basically a non-issue. Instead, it’s all about: sunshine galore!
Our hotel pick: Riu Palace Oasis – 5-star beachfront hotel in Maspalomas, with a palm garden, kids club, and wellness facilities
Our best tips for Gran Canaria:
Long-Haul Destinations in July
Ready for a bigger adventure? Let our long-haul July picks inspire you.
New York City
- Type of trip: City trip
- Also a great time to visit: March through June, August through October, and December
- Climate: 72–86°F, 8–10 rainy days
New York is the dream city for so many travelers. And we completely understand why: there’s hardly another city that feels so alive and culturally rich.
The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge — many of the world’s most famous landmarks are right here. But you can just as easily wander through hip neighborhoods like SoHo, Little Italy, or Brooklyn, or take a stroll through Central Park.
In July, New York can get pretty hot, but if that doesn’t put you off, you can save quite a bit this month! Hotels in New York are often significantly cheaper in midsummer than at other times of year, and the city is noticeably less crowded.
Bonus: on July 4th — Independence Day — the city puts on a spectacular fireworks display around the Brooklyn Bridge. Totally worth timing your trip around.
Our hotel pick: citizenM – great design, prime location for first-time visitors
Our best tips for New York:
Colombia
- Type of trip: Road trip, beach vacation, nature vacation
- Also a great time to visit: June, August, and December through March
- Climate: 63–90°F, 8–12 rainy days (depending on the region)
Colombia is known as the backpacker’s paradise of South America. But however you travel, your itinerary should definitely include Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Medellín. All three are incredibly energetic and great places to practice your Spanish or learn to salsa.
Also super popular are Colombia’s Caribbean beaches, like those in Tayrona National Park or on San Andrés Island. Incredibly beautiful!
And in the interior, a detour to the Coffee Triangle is absolutely worth your time — not just for the delicious coffee, but for amazing spots like the Cocora Valley and the colonial town of Salento.
We think July is perfect for a trip to Colombia. It still falls within the dry season, rain is minimal across the country, and it’s not peak tourist season — so conditions for exploring are just right.
Our best tips for Colombia:
Java
- Type of trip: Road trip, cultural trip, nature vacation
- Also a great time to visit: May through June and August through October
- Climate: 70–88°F, 0–3 rainy days
When you travel to Indonesia, it doesn’t always have to be Bali. Java is an absolute dream destination for culture and nature lovers!
Java is a melting pot of diverse cultures, especially in the metropolis of Jakarta. But you’ll also encounter traditional Indonesia — for example at the Borobudur temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nature-wise, Java is just as diverse: from vast rice plantations to volcanoes like Mount Bromo, hot springs, and waterfalls like Tumpak Sewu — there’s so much to discover.
Java is beautifully warm year-round, but you’ll want to avoid the monsoon season if heavy downpours aren’t your thing. July falls right in the middle of the dry season and is ideal for a vacation on Java.
Our hotel pick: Ashley Tugu Tani Menteng – ultra-modern hotel in the heart of Jakarta with great value for money
Our best tips for Java:
Frequently Asked Questions About a July Vacation
Where is it warmest in Europe in July?
Which travel destination is especially affordable in July?
Estonia is one of the most budget-friendly July destinations — and the Baltic region in general is great value.
Gran Canaria also tends to be cheaper than many other summer spots in Southern Europe.
For long-haul trips, Colombia and Java are two of the most beautiful and genuinely affordable July destinations out there.
Which July travel destination is a real hidden gem?
In Europe, Estonia and the Azores are both fantastic off-the-beaten-path picks for July. Compared to classic summer destinations like Spain or Greece, they’re far less crowded.
Java in Indonesia is also a lesser-known gem — fewer tourists than other Indonesian islands, but a fascinating culture and stunning nature that more than make up for it.
