Where to go in July for good weather? In July, the three safest destinations for fine weather are Madeira, Bali and Tanzania. Madeira for a dry summer without excessive heat, Bali for the heart of the dry season, Tanzania for a dry-season safari, to combine with Zanzibar. To escape the heat, Iceland, Scotland and Canada are in their best season.
July is the main summer holiday month: demand is strong everywhere and prices rise, especially around the Mediterranean, where the heat can be punishing, with heatwaves and a risk of wildfires. By contrast, the Caribbean and mainland Southeast Asia are in their rainy season. Here are 12 destinations, with the official climate normals for each and what can disappoint.
Where to go in July: key facts
- Sun without excess: Madeira, Réunion, Mauritius, Bali
- Cool weather and open spaces: Iceland, Scotland, Canada
- Mediterranean: Croatia, Greece, Albania, booking early
- Safari and wildlife: Tanzania; whales in Réunion and Mauritius
- Best avoided: the Caribbean, Philippines, Thailand, northern Vietnam, the Nile Valley
Comparison: the climate of 12 destinations in July
| Destination | Average high (July) | Average rain (July) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madeira (Funchal) | 25.4 °C (78 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | Hiking, swimming |
| Bali (Denpasar) | 30.4 °C (87 °F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | Beach, culture |
| Tanzania (north) (Kilimanjaro Airport) | 26.2 °C (79 °F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | Safari, Zanzibar |
| Réunion (Saint-Denis) | 25.4 °C (78 °F) | 51 mm (2.0 in) | Hiking, whale watching |
| Mauritius (Port Louis) | 26.7 °C (80 °F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | Beach, whale watching |
| Iceland (Reykjavik) | 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 50 mm (2.0 in) | Nature, hiking |
| Scotland (Edinburgh) | 19.3 °C (67 °F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | Cool weather, festivals |
| Canada (Montreal) | 26.7 °C (80 °F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | Wide open spaces, cities |
| Croatia (Split) | 31.0 °C (88 °F) | 25 mm (1.0 in) | Beach, festivals |
| Greece (Athens) | 32.2 °C (90 °F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | Islands, swimming |
| Albania (Tirana) | 30.7 °C (87 °F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | Beach, mountains |
| Vietnam (central) (Hue) | 34.7 °C (94 °F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | Beach, culture |
These figures are averages over several decades: any given year can be drier or wetter. Rainfall totals do not tell the whole story: 150 mm (5.9 in) falling in short late-afternoon showers is less of a nuisance than continuous drizzle.
Where to go in July on a budget
This second table ranks the destinations from cheapest to most expensive, with a rough low-budget cost on the ground per person per day, excluding flights. Flight prices are not shown: they vary too much with the booking date and your departure airport.
| Destination | Low-budget cost on the ground (per person per day, excluding flights, roughly) |
|---|---|
| Bali (Denpasar) | $35 to $80 |
| Vietnam (central) | $40 to $55 |
| Albania (Tirana) | $45 to $75 |
| Greece (Athens) | $65 to $100 |
| Mauritius (Port Louis) | $65 to $110 |
| Croatia (Split) | $80 to $110 |
| Madeira (Funchal) | $80 to $110 |
| Réunion (Saint-Denis) | $80 to $125 |
| Scotland (Edinburgh) | $90 to $135 |
| Canada (Montreal) | $90 to $135 |
| Iceland (Reykjavik) | $110 to $170 |
| Tanzania (north) | $170 to $280 |
Madeira (Funchal)
July is dry and sunny in Madeira, without the intense heat of Spain or Greece: 25.4 °C (78 °F) average high in Funchal. High-altitude trails are passable and the sea warms up: the swimming season really begins, especially on the sandy beach of Porto Santo.
Caveat: July is a very popular month, with summer holidays: book accommodation and a rental car early. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026) says there is a high risk of wildfires in Portugal in the summer season from April to October. Check trail conditions before setting out on a hike.
In July in Funchal: 25.4 °C (78 °F) average high and 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Madeira?
Bali (Denpasar)
July is in the heart of the dry season in Bali: 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain on average in Denpasar, 30 °C (86 °F) in the afternoon and slightly cooler nights. Beaches, rice terraces, volcanoes, snorkelling at Nusa Penida or Amed: every activity is possible. Beaches, rice terraces, volcanoes and snorkelling at Nusa Penida: the weather in Bali in July details this heart of the dry season and the crowds that come with it.
Caveat: this is the peak of high season, with expensive flights, full hotels and congested roads in the south. Book several months ahead and plan part of your stay in quieter areas, such as Sidemen or Amed.
In July in Denpasar: 30.4 °C (87 °F) average high and 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Bali?
Tanzania (north)
July is dry in northern Tanzania (4 mm (0.2 in) of rain at Kilimanjaro Airport) and it is the driest month in Zanzibar (31 mm (1.2 in)). Animals gather around waterholes, and the first crossings of the Mara River can take place in the northern Serengeti, generally from July to September.
Caveat: this is the very high season for safaris: the best-placed lodges and camps are often full months ahead. Nights are cool (15 °C (59 °F) average low at Kilimanjaro Airport), colder still at altitude. The timing of the migration varies from year to year.
In July in Kilimanjaro Airport: 26.2 °C (79 °F) average high and 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Tanzania?
Réunion
July is the coolest month in Réunion and one of the driest on the west coast (5 mm (0.2 in) of rain at Le Port). It is peak hiking season, and also the season for humpback whales, which can be seen off Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu, roughly from June to October.
Caveat: it is cold at night in the highlands (below 6 °C (43 °F) average low at Plaine des Cafres): pack a down jacket for mountain huts and the climb of the Piton des Neiges. Summer holidays push flight prices up.
In July in Saint-Denis: 25.4 °C (78 °F) average high and 51 mm (2.0 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Réunion?
Mauritius
July is the coolest month in Mauritius (19 °C (66 °F) at night in Port Louis) but also one of the driest. The humpback whale season begins off the west coast, and steady trade winds attract kitesurfers, particularly at Le Morne. The coast-by-coast detail is on our page Mauritius in July.
Caveat: the wind blows hard on the east coast: for the beach, stay in the west or north. The sea is less warm than in the southern summer. Peak school-holiday periods push prices up.
In July in Port Louis: 26.7 °C (80 °F) average high and 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to île Maurice?
Iceland (Reykjavik)
July is the mildest month in Iceland and the one when the Highlands are generally accessible: Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk and the interior tracks (F-roads) open to 4×4 vehicles and hikers. Days remain very long.
Caveat: it is the busiest and one of the most expensive months: book accommodation and car hire early. The south coast is much wetter than Reykjavik (163 mm (6.4 in) in Vík in July). F-roads require a 4×4 and care at river crossings.
In July in Reykjavik: 14.9 °C (59 °F) average high and 50 mm (2.0 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Iceland?
Scotland (Edinburgh)
July is the mildest month in Scotland, with days still very long. It is Highland Games season in many Highland villages (tossing the caber, bagpipes, dancing), and the Edinburgh jazz and blues festival takes place in July. Highland Games and long days: September is among the options for the best time to go to Edinburgh.
Caveat: midges are very active in the western Highlands and on the islands, and it is one of the busiest months. It rains regularly (83 mm (3.3 in) on average in Glasgow). In August, Edinburgh hosts its big festivals and prices climb sharply. For these very busy summer Highlands, our guide to things to do in the Highlands offers itineraries, stops and tips for avoiding the crowds.
In July in Edinburgh: 19.3 °C (67 °F) average high and 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Scotland?
Canada (Montreal)
July is the hottest month in Canada, with long days and all the national parks accessible. It is a good month to combine Montreal and Quebec City, watch whales in the St Lawrence (Tadoussac, Saguenay fjord) or hike in the cooler Rockies (22.5 °C (72 °F) average high in Banff).
Caveat: this is high season, with high prices: book early, especially in Banff, Jasper and on Vancouver Island. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 2 June 2026), wildfires can start at any time, with particular risk in the summer months in western Canada and in forested areas of Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia: follow local warnings. For entry, the FCDO says most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and an eTA is not needed if arriving by land or sea: check Canada’s entry requirements for your nationality.
In July in Montreal: 26.7 °C (80 °F) average high and 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Canada?
Croatia (Split)
July is the driest and sunniest month on the Dalmatian coast. The sea is warm, ferries serve the islands regularly, and the Dubrovnik Summer Festival offers theatre, music and dance in July and August. Warm sea and summer festival: July, with its crowds, is among the choices for the best time to go to Dubrovnik.
Caveat: this is peak season: crowds in Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar, the highest prices, and sometimes strong heat (31 °C (88 °F) average high in Split). According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), wildfires are common during Croatia’s hot, dry summers. For more calm, aim for lesser-known islands such as Vis, or bring your trip forward to June.
In July in Split: 31.0 °C (88 °F) average high and 25 mm (1.0 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Croatia?
Greece (Athens)
In July, Greece is in full summer: warm sea, almost no rain and the island season in full swing. In the Cyclades, the meltem, a steady north wind, tempers the heat.
Caveat: 32.2 °C (90 °F) average high in Athens, possible heatwaves and, according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. The meltem can be strong and disrupt some ferry crossings. July is also one of the most expensive months: book early, or prefer June or September.
In July in Athens: 32.2 °C (90 °F) average high and 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Greece?
Albania (Tirana)
In July, Albania is dry and hot, with a warm sea on the riviera (about 30 °C (86 °F) average high at Vlorë). It is also an excellent month for the high mountains: hiking between Theth and Valbona, in the Albanian Alps, is in full season.
Caveat: the riviera (Ksamil, Himarë, Dhërmi) is very busy, and the return of the diaspora in summer loads roads and border crossings. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 15 October 2026), wildfires are common in Albania from April to October. Book ahead for the best-known beaches.
In July in Tirana: 30.7 °C (87 °F) average high and 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Albania?
Vietnam (central)
Unlike the north and south of the country, central Vietnam is in its dry season in July: 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain on average in Hue, against 254 mm (10.0 in) in Hanoi. Hue, Hoi An and the beaches of Da Nang combine well, including for a family trip.
Caveat: it is very hot (34.7 °C (94 °F) average high in Hue): sightsee early in the morning. The north and south are rainy. Domestic summer holidays fill the beach hotels.
In July in Hue: 34.7 °C (94 °F) average high and 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go to Vietnam?
Preparing for a July trip
July concentrates holiday departures: flights and accommodation cost more than in June for most destinations, and the best-located places go early. For a safari in Tanzania, Iceland or Bali, book several months ahead.
Around the Mediterranean, heatwaves and wildfires are among the summer risks: follow the instructions of local authorities and adjust your sightseeing hours. The Atlantic hurricane season (Caribbean, Florida) runs from 1 June to 30 November, with a peak on 10 September and most activity between mid-August and mid-October, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. For entry requirements and health, check the official travel advice of your own government (for example travel.state.gov in the US or GOV.UK in the UK) before booking.
Destinations to avoid in July
- The Caribbean (Guadeloupe, Martinique): rainy season (206 mm (8.1 in) in Fort-de-France, 130 mm (5.1 in) in Pointe-à-Pitre) and the start of the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is mid-August to mid-October (U.S. National Hurricane Center).
- The Philippines: July is very wet in Manila (432 mm (17.0 in)).
- Thailand: 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain in Bangkok and 240 mm (9.4 in) in Phuket; the Gulf (117 mm (4.6 in) in Ko Samui) is less wet, without being dry.
- Northern Vietnam: muggy heat and heavy rain in Hanoi (254 mm (10.0 in)).
- The Nile Valley in Egypt: 41.4 °C (107 °F) average high in Luxor, the hottest month of the year.
Toutes nos destinations idéales en juillet (55)
Liste établie automatiquement d’après nos calendriers « quand partir » : destinations notées ✓ idéal pour ce mois. Température max. moyenne indicative ; détail et sources sur chaque guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find sun in July without too much heat?
Madeira (25 °C (77 °F) average high in Funchal), Réunion (25 °C (77 °F) in Saint-Denis) and Mauritius (27 °C (81 °F) in Port Louis) offer dry weather without excessive heat in July. Closer to Europe, the Canary Islands are another option, with an average high of 29.2 °C (85 °F) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Where can I go in July to keep cool?
Iceland and Scotland are the coolest destinations in this selection: 15 °C (59 °F) average high in Reykjavik and 19 °C (66 °F) in Edinburgh in July. In Canada, the Rockies are cooler than Montreal (22.5 °C (72 °F) in Banff).
Where can I go in July in Europe?
Madeira, Albania, Croatia and Greece are dry and sunny in July. Madeira is the most temperate (25 °C (77 °F) in Funchal), Greece the hottest (32 °C (90 °F) in Athens). For cool weather, Iceland and Scotland are in their best season.
Where can I go in July for a safari?
Northern Tanzania is in the middle of its dry season in July, with the first possible crossings of the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. It is the very high season: book several months ahead.
Can I go to the Caribbean in July?
Yes, it is hot and the sea is warm, but it is the rainy season and part of the Atlantic hurricane season, whose activity peaks from mid-August to mid-October according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Choose insurance that covers weather events and follow the local weather bulletins.
Where can I go in July on a budget?
Albania has some of the lowest costs on the ground in our comparison, at roughly $45 to $75 per person per day (excluding flights), with dry, hot weather in July.
Our sources
- Official climate normals: Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), 1991-2020 normals (Funchal); BMKG via the WMO World Weather Information Service, 1961-1990 normals (Denpasar); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Kilimanjaro Airport); Météo-France, 1991-2020 normals (Saint-Denis Gillot); WMO World Weather Information Service (Port Louis); Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands), 1991-2020 averages (Reykjavik); Met Office, 1991-2020 normals (Edinburgh, Royal Botanic Garden); Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1991-2020 normals (Montreal-Trudeau); Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ), WMO 1991-2020 normals (Split-Marjan); Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), 1955-2010 normals (Athens-Elliniko); Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), temperatures 1961-1990 and precipitation 1951-1980 (Tirana); IBST (Vietnam), standard QCVN 02:2022/BXD (Hue)
- For destinations that already have a guide on our site, figures taken from our « when to go » pages, which cover all 12 months
- Indicative budgets: practical fact sheets in our country guides, linked from each destination, converted at the European Central Bank reference rate of 23 October 2026
- Wildfire and entry information: UK FCDO foreign travel advice (GOV.UK) for Portugal/Madeira, Croatia and Greece (updated 11 August 2026), Albania (15 October 2026) and Canada (2 June 2026)
- Atlantic hurricane season: U.S. National Hurricane Center (NOAA), checked 12 November 2026
- How we select and verify destinations: see our page Our methodology
Updated November 2026.