Summer’s officially entered the chat, bringing hotter temps, longer days, and a serious serotonin boost. If you’ve got kids the school break’s finally in sight, and you’re counting down the days ‘til you can get away with the family – core memories, pending…
No kids? In that case, summer holidays start at the end of the month, so you’ve still got time to beat the crowds and get a trip in early before the peak prices kick in.
July is the Northern Hemisphere’s time to shine, so Europe gets a big call-out – Croatia, Greece and Montenegro are all looking extra fine around now… Want to get out of Europe but don’t have time for long haul? North Africa is a great shout, especially Tunisia. If you’re not phased by flight time, New York is in full-on summer mode. Even Aruba gets a special mention – the Caribbean in rainy season might sound rogue, but the island sits safely outside the stormy zone.
So, let’s get into it. Here’s your guide to the best places that are hot in July. If you’ve already decided on your pick, skip straight to our deals page.
USA
Hottest pick – New York
The Big Apple goes hard in every season. While winters here are notoriously freezing, the summers are HOT. New York sits at a steamy 30°C in July, and there’s nothing like summer in the city. Spend sunny days soaking up the views from the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, then swap the concrete jungle for leafy scenes at Central Park. Craving air-con? The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s got you covered. And with a city skyline this iconic, the only way to see the sunset is from a rooftop bar.
If you like your city breaks with a side of sand, you’re in luck. NYC’s Atlantic Coast postcode means you’re only an hour’s ride away from the beach. Rockaway’s a solid pick for surfing, and Coney Island brings the retro funfair vibes with its wooden rollercoasters and colourful boardwalk.
Tunisia
Unsurprisingly, North Africa‘s hot at this time of year. Tunisia’s feeling toasty in the mid-30s, and it’s that desert-dry type of heat, too. It’s pure fly-and-flop material, with 1,200 kilometres of sand stretching along its Mediterranean coastline. Hammamet’s south-facing sweeps are a solid pick for sun worshippers, and some of them have secured Blue Flag status. There’s a strong watersports scene as well, if you fancy getting stuck in with some windsurfing, jet-skiing or snorkelling.
Away from the sea, seek out some shade in Sousse’s ancient medinas and mosques. Shop for souvenirs in the bustling souk and get your culture fix in the Mosaic Museum. And once the sun goes down, it’s the perfect temperature to party on the lively Esplanade strip.
Greece
Hottest pick – Ionian Islands
Nothing says summer like having your Mamma Mia! moment on a Greek island. The Ionian Islands are a great shout at this time of year – the thermometer reads around 32°C, but the sea breeze keeps things cool and comfy.
In the north, Corfu’s probably the biggest name of the bunch. It’s a summertime staple for its classic Greek vibes, beaut beaches and lively nightlife. Down in the south, Zante’s a go-to for its balanced combo of family-friendly resorts and party towns. Then in the middle, Paxos, Kefalonia and Lefkas all meet the brief for laidback feels, secluded sands and cute harbour towns.
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Croatia
With temperatures hitting the low 30s in July, Croatia’s become one of Europe’s hottest holiday destinations – and not just for its weather record. The country packs in some serious variety from top to bottom, making it a little tricky to settle on a spot. In the north, Pula’s got pebble beaches, sandy coves and Roman ruins for days – its huge amphitheatre rivals Rome’s Colosseum.
Further down, the coastline’s dotted with pretty islands and buzzy cities like Zadar and Split. In the south, centuries-old Dubrovnik – AKA King’s Landing – steals the show after its screentime on Game of Thrones, and it really is worth the hype. Spend days exploring the narrow streets and winding alleys inside the Old Town’s walls, then when it’s time to cool off, Banje Beach is right next to the centre.
Montenegro
Hop south across the border from Croatia and you’re in Montenegro. This Balkan babe’s getting a lot of airtime as a less spenny and more under-the-radar alternative to Europe’s more popular picks. It’s got the beaches, it’s got the culture, and with temperatures reaching 29°C in July, it’s got the sunshine.
It might only be the size of Northern Ireland, but it goes big on beach resorts. Becici’s the most well-known, with boujie hotels, a seafront prom and three beaches all tucked into one sandy bay. For a dose of history, Budva delivers in the medieval department. Its old town’s full of towers, battlements and churches, and with a backdrop of the Adriatic, it’s about to star all over your Insta story.
Plot twist…
Aruba
Okay, hear us out… We know July’s stormy season for most of the Caribbean, but Aruba sits outside of the hurricane belt, which means clear skies and tropical temps of 32°C – peak conditions for living your best island life. There are 70 kilometres of palm-fringed sands around its coastline, with Palm and Eagle Beach ranking as two of the dreamiest in the Caribbean. The locals call it ‘One Happy Island’, and with storm-free weather all year round, it makes sense.
Got your eye on one of July’s hot picks? Check out our holidays to narrow down your perfect pick.
Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.
Author: Daisy Colley
Last updated: 03/07/2024
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