Where to go in July
July is the hottest month in the Mediterranean and the best month in northern Europe and southern Africa. If the goal is avoiding rain the measurement is clear: zero rainy days in Zambia and Zimbabwe, two in Portugal.
Countries in high season in July
Zambia
The middle of the dry season: 27C and zero rainy days.
What to expect: Walking safaris are open in the Luangwa valley. It is the most in-demand stretch of the year and camps fill months ahead.
Open the Zambia page
Zimbabwe
The same dry window: 27C and rain-free days.
What to expect: Evening temperatures drop quickly along the Zambezi. The falls run lower, which makes it the clearest month for photographs.
Open the Zimbabwe page
Georgia
The month the Caucasus mountain routes open: 29C in the valleys and cool up high.
What to expect: The roads to Kazbegi and Svaneti are clear of snow. Tbilisi is heavy at midday, so itineraries move up into the mountains.
Open the Georgia page
Norway
The only real summer month: 20C, the midnight sun and open roads through the fjords.
What to expect: More than ten rainy days are measured, so a rain shell belongs in every itinerary. The north never goes dark, and an eye mask helps.
Open the Norway page
Portugal
28C but only two rainy days: the driest form of Mediterranean summer.
What to expect: The Atlantic breeze keeps Lisbon cooler than inland Spain. Algarve beaches and accommodation are at their yearly peak.
Open the Portugal page
Greece
31C and one rainy day a month: the most reliable month for a sea holiday.
What to expect: Ancient sites need an early start because afternoons have no shade. The meltemi blows hard and some ferry crossings get cancelled.
Open the Greece page
Temperature and rainfall figures are multi-year averages for the cities in our catalogue. This is an editorial suggestion, not a weather or availability guarantee.
Cruises this month
Peak month: every route is open, but port crowds and cabin prices are at their highest of the year.
All cruises