Where Is Hot in July? Best Summer Holiday Destinations (and Where to Avoid the Crowds)
Where is hot in July for UK, US and Australian travellers: the Mediterranean, Canaries, Portugal, Bali, Fiji and quieter alternatives, with temperatures and peak-season hotel tips.
Key takeaways
- July is peak season across the Mediterranean, with temperatures often above 30°C.
- For a slightly cooler summer, choose the Canaries, the Algarve, northern Spain or the Atlantic coast.
- Bali, Fiji and northern Australia are in their dry season, perfect for Australians escaping winter.
- Book early: family rooms and coastal hotels sell out, and prices are at their highest.
In this guide
July is the heart of summer for the UK and US, and the coldest month for most of Australia. Almost everywhere in the Mediterranean is hot and dry, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time to travel. Here is where to go, and how to handle the heat and the crowds.
Temperatures are approximate average daytime highs. Heatwaves can push them much higher.
July sun at a glance
| Destination | Avg high (°C / °F) | Notes | Good from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece (islands) | 30–32 / 86–90 | Meltemi winds in the Aegean | UK, US, AU |
| Southern Turkey | 34 / 93 | Very hot | UK |
| Cyprus | 33–34 / 91–93 | Very hot | UK |
| Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca | 30–31 / 86–88 | Peak season | UK |
| Costa del Sol | 30 / 86 | Busy | UK |
| Algarve | 28–29 / 82–84 | Atlantic breezes | UK |
| Canary Islands | 26–28 / 79–82 | Comfortable | UK |
| Croatia | 30 / 86 | Busy old towns | UK, US |
| Italy (coast) | 30–31 / 86–88 | Crowded | UK, US |
| Bali | 30 / 86 | Dry season | AU |
| Fiji | 27 / 81 | Dry season | AU |
| Darwin | 31 / 88 | Dry season | AU |
| Hawaii | 30 / 86 | Popular | US, AU |
| Maine / New England | 26–27 / 79–81 | Mild summer | US |
Hot and lively: classic Mediterranean
Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Turkey and Cyprus all deliver near-guaranteed sunshine in July. Expect crowds at famous sights and higher hotel prices. Book early and choose hotels with good air conditioning and shade.
Warm but comfortable
If you prefer to avoid extreme heat:
- Canary Islands: steady mid-to-high 20s with trade winds.
- Algarve and Portugal's Atlantic coast: sunny with cooling breezes. See where to stay in Lisbon.
- Northern Spain (San Sebastián, Galicia): warm, green and great for food.
- Madeira and the Azores: mild and scenic.
- Brittany and the French Atlantic coast: pleasant beach weather.
For Australian travellers
July is winter at home and a school holiday month, making it peak season for:
- Bali: dry and sunny, but busy. See where to stay in Bali.
- Fiji and the Pacific: dry season.
- Queensland and the Northern Territory: dry season; Cairns, Port Douglas, the Whitsundays and Darwin are ideal.
- Europe: summer, but long flights and peak prices.
For US travellers
Summer vacation is in full swing. Hawaii, Florida's beaches, New England, the Pacific Northwest and national parks are popular. Avoid desert destinations at midday; Las Vegas and Phoenix are extremely hot.
Coping with heat on holiday
- Choose hotels with reliable air conditioning; check reviews.
- Plan sightseeing for early morning and evening.
- Drink plenty of water and use high-factor sunscreen.
- Pick hotels with shaded pool areas.
- Check official advice during heatwaves and wildfire risk periods.
Peak-season booking tips
- Book family rooms 6–9 months ahead. See family hotel tips.
- Use refundable rates and watch for drops.
- Travel midweek to save on flights and hotels.
- Consider quieter islands such as Naxos instead of Mykonos, or Menorca instead of Ibiza.
- Read the cancellation policy carefully; peak-season policies are often stricter.
Which July destination is right for you?
| If you want... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Hottest beach weather | Cyprus, southern Turkey, Greek islands |
| Comfortable warmth | Canary Islands, Algarve, northern Spain, Madeira |
| Family resorts | Mallorca, Costa del Sol, Crete |
| City + beach | Barcelona or Lisbon. See where to stay in Barcelona |
| Winter escape for Australians | Bali, Fiji, Queensland |
| US summer | Hawaii, New England, the Pacific Northwest |
Sample July trips
| Trip | Plan |
|---|---|
| Family Mediterranean | 10 nights Mallorca or Crete |
| Cooler summer | 7 nights Algarve or Madeira |
| City and islands | 3 nights Athens + 4 nights Naxos |
| Australian winter escape | 7 nights Port Douglas or Bali |
| US beach | 7 nights Maui or Oahu. See where to stay in Honolulu |
Wildfire and heatwave awareness
Southern Europe has seen more frequent heatwaves and wildfires in recent summers. Check official travel advice before you go, know your hotel's evacuation procedures, and consider travel insurance that covers disruption.
The bottom line
July is hot almost everywhere in the Mediterranean. For comfort, look to the Canaries, Portugal and northern Spain. Australians should head north to Bali, Fiji and the Top End. Book early, choose air-conditioned hotels and plan around the midday heat. Next: where is hot in August.
Frequently asked questions
Where is too hot to visit in July?
Inland southern Spain, much of the Middle East including Dubai, Egypt's Nile Valley and parts of the US Southwest such as Phoenix and Las Vegas can be extremely hot. Heatwaves are becoming more common in southern Europe.
Where is hot but not too hot in July?
The Canary Islands, Portugal's Algarve and Atlantic coast, northern Spain, Brittany, Madeira and the Azores offer warm but more comfortable summer temperatures.
Is July a good time to visit Bali?
Weather-wise, yes: it is the dry season. It is also peak season, especially with Australian school holidays, so book early.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
