July might just be every northern hemisphere local’s favorite month. It’s peak summer, the weather is warm, and the vibes are almost always high. But if you live in a city that fills up with summer tourists or gets a bit too hot, consider catching a flight to one of these destinations.
Whether chasing the endless daylight in Scandinavia or heading to drier conditions along the Equator, July offers plenty of opportunity for exciting travel. From tropical Caribbean beaches to hiking adventures in Peru, these are the best countries to visit in July:
Finland
Finland is one of the many dreamy Scandinavian countries on this list. The sun shines for nearly 24 hours a day, depending on how far north you are. Living up to its nickname, the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun,’ ten p.m. is a hue of blues, oranges, and golds. Plus, the near-endless sunlight gives way to plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and swimming.
The capital of Helsinki comes alive for the month. Streetside bars spill onto the streets, and friendly locals make it easy to believe this country sits so high on the ‘Happiness Index’. Finland is famous for Midsummer celebrations, where families light beach bonfires, barbecue, and swim in the lakes and fjord water.
Rwanda
June, July, and August are the best months to visit Rwanda. This wild African gem might have gotten a bad rep for its tumultuous past, but it’s got plenty to offer today. Lush hills roll over valleys, and fresh coffee plants grow like wildflowers here. July is dry season, which means cool mornings and sunny days – perfect for exploring.
The main attraction here are the gorillas, which can be seen going about their daily lives in places like Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla safaris, along with an insight into Rwandan culture, heritage, and genocidal history, are a real bucket list adventure.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is the classic beachy vacation for a midsummer trip. It’s got some of the most beautiful beaches with turquoise water. Most importantly, since July is peak dry season, the beaches are almost always bathed in sunshine. There is little risk of big storms at this time of the year!
The vibe is laid-back, wild, and outdoorsy. There are plenty of gorgeous resorts with pools, spas, and private beach access. The island also has a fascinating history. Being an independent island country located off the coast of West Africa, you can spend your mornings exploring old markets and afternoons lounging on the beach.
Peru
Peru is known for its hiking adventures, particularly the Inca Trail that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu. July, with little to no rain and moderate temperatures, is the perfect time of year to explore the trails around the Andes ranges. While the ruins are worth the hike, be prepared for some crowds since July is peak hiking season.
Cities like Cusco and Lima are colorful and exciting, with plenty of interesting food to try, markets to explore, and friendly locals to meet.
Bahamas
July in the Bahamas means endless summer days of gentle trade winds and warm water. It’s peak dry season, which means no sudden downpours, good water visibility for snorkeling and diving, and beautiful beach days. That said, keep an eye on the weather for hurricanes. July does fall in hurricane season, although authorities often give advance notice.
While it may be tempting to spend all your time at the beach, make sure to explore the little towns and bigger cities like Nassau. Packed with colorful fishing boats, excellent restaurants serving up specialities like conch fritters, and stories of old pirates roaming the streets.
Lithuania
Europe is a hit in July. It’s warm, sunny, and overflowing with historic architecture, good food, and even better wine. But with that come hefty crowds and price surges. Lithuania is one of the few European gems that still sits relatively under the radar. In July, this Baltic country has long warm days.
The capital, Vilnius, has an ancient Baroque Old Town bustling with outdoor cafes, castles, buzzing bars, and deliciously refreshing food. Other historic cities like Kernave and the country’s oldest city, Kedainiai, are home to buildings that date back to the 12th century. While warm, the weather isn’t scorching here like it is in other parts of Europe. So, you can explore the historic centers without sweating through your clothes within the first hour.
England
When most people think of England, their minds jump to London. But there is a lot more to see and do in this island country. July’s weather is surprisingly pleasant and typically unpredictable. There is an overwhelming number of things to do in London itself. Think visiting castles, picnicking in Hyde Park, and shopping the bustling markets of Camden. Each neighborhood in London feels like a different city. There is a festival or event happening somewhere, at every hour of the day – and that is no exaggeration.
Outside the capital, the English countryside is at its best. The rolling hills of the Cotswolds are overflowing with sunshine, and the coastal regions around Cornwall invoke the nostalgia of early 20th-century beach days.
Denmark
Denmark is another Scandinavian delight during July. Its capital, Copenhagen, is bathed in sunshine with warm days and long evenings, perfect for really absorbing everything the city has to offer. Rent bikes and weave your way through the city, stopping at different canal swimming spots, palaces, and museums along the way.
The northern shore of Jutland and Amager Strand, just south of Copenhagen, are two other popular regions during July. They’re Denmark’s prized coastal regions. Plus, there are cultural festivals and events everywhere. One of the most famous is Frederica, a national celebration of a Medieval battle, the Jels Viking Pageant, and Roskilde Festival, the largest music event in Northern Europe.
Mongolia
Mongolia is another country that flies under the tourist radar. While freezing cold for much of the year, the country thaws in July, with moderate temperatures inviting visitors to explore the best of Mongolia’s diverse landscape. The capital of Ulaanbaatar is busy with festivals, including Naadam, the cultural celebration of summer, which includes horse racing and archery.
Outside the capital, Mongolia is home to some of the world’s wildest scenery. Think endless grasslands, red sand dunes in the Gobi Desert, and glacial lakes between snowcapped mountains.
Norway
July is Norway’s peak tourist month, and even at that, it’s barely busy. Most locals leave the city for their summer houses – a popular way to detach from the cold winter that makes up most of the year. With this, Oslo and Bergen are left quiet and peaceful, with plenty to do but no lines to wait in to do them.
That said, visiting the fjords, whether they be south of Oslo or north towards Lofoten, is well worth the adventure. It’s relatively expensive to get around, but Norway is no doubt home to some of the most exquisite coastal landscapes on the planet. Whether you visit a major city, a coastal paradise, or the countryside, you can expect a lot of saunas, wildflowers galore, and a touch of Viking history.
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