Heading off to that destination at the top of your must-visit list is not much fun if you go at the wrong time of year. Here, we look at the best times to head to certain destinations in the first part of our series of recommended month-by-month locations.
Many people now have a ‘bucket list’ – the modern-day description for the otherwise traditional top-ten list for their ideal aspirational holiday. And the sheer delight of being able to afford both the finance and time to take a holiday to that number one destination on the list can be indescribable.
However, if top of your list is the magnificence of the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey, or a ‘swim’ in the Dead Sea, you may be disappointed if you visit during the blistering heat of August where frying eggs on the pavement is the bigger tourist spectacle. If you want to swim with dolphins off Key West, try to avoid the hurricane season, and certainly don’t consider sun-seeking on Phi-Phi Island (Phuket!) during the 20 days of intense rain a month at the height of the rainy season!
In this series of articles, we attempt to recommend month-by-month locations based on the best time to visit. The world is a large place, and there are many locations suitable for each month of the year, many proving very popular and busy. So, understandably, you will appreciate we have had to cherry-pick, although we’ve tried to list some additional choices for your reference at the end.
As is the case with any holiday, it very much depends on your interests and preferences and what you want to get out of your stay. The weather will also have an impact on your stay, irrespective of your month of visitation. One person’s perception of ideal weather will not necessarily match that of the next person.
We’ll start with some suggestions for July.
Many countries have good weather in July and offer interesting activities and attractions for tourists. Mention must be made that for some destinations during July and August, families will be up against the often unreasonably high seasonal rates that apply during school holidays where, despite higher prices, excessive crowds are the norm and service seems to suffer, compared with those out of season.
However, to be fair, some destinations have an altogether wonderful and unbeatable “buzz” when they are busy.
Canada: July is the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring Canada's national parks.
Costa Rica: although it's the start of the rainy season, it's also low season with lower prices and fewer crowds enabling you the perfect opportunity to experience this fascinating country.
Suffolk in England: good weather and plenty of top-class activities aimed at those seeking artistic (painting) activities.
Greece, in particular the six Ionian Islands: with warm weather, beautiful beaches, clear seas and historical sites, this is a popular destination in July for beach holiday seekers.
Italy, especially the Dolomites: the weather is sunny and warm, and many outdoor festivals and events take place (throughout the country) during this month. The 18 peaks of the Dolomites are at their most accessible during July.
Japan: July marks the beginning of Japan’s summer festival season, making it an exciting time to visit for culture, tradition, adventure and even personal growth through education.
Denmark: Copenhagen is very busy during July but it is the best time to visit, and you have the added option of a trip to Malmo in Sweden, just 25 miles away by train or coach/car. The Danish capital is known for its wonderful food and the Tivoli Gardens, and in July the city’s outdoor scene comes to life with a fantastic buzz.
Ireland: the Wild Atlantic Way combines exceptional wildlife, nature, culture, food and drink, with quite spectacular travel in the Emerald Isle.
Austrian Alps: during July, the hills are alive with the sound of everything apart from skiers. Tyrol is magnificent and you can even catch the first two weeks of the festival season in historic Salzburg that starts in mid-July.
Norway: July is the warmest month in Norway, and it’s a great time to visit for hiking, camping, and experiencing the natural beauty of the country. Svalbard, although with somewhat balmy weather, is ice-free for the month and offers the unique experience that is 24 hours of daylight.
Peru: July is a popular time for trekking to Machu Picchu (do check accessibility and book in advance; do not turn up speculatively) and other areas in the Andes, as it’s the dry season.
Mongolia: busy, but overflowing with cultural attractions and learning opportunities during July/August in this most fascinating of Asian countries.
Kangaroo Island and Hunter Valley in Australia; a Baltic cruise; Michigan, Philadelphia and Alaska in the USA; the Dordogne in France; Alberta in Canada; the Black Forest in Germany; South Island in New Zealand; Antigua; the Azores; Okavango Delta in Botswana; the Netherlands.
