The Best Places to Visit in July That Are Not Too Hot

Lake Louise is a glacial lake in Banff National Park, Alberta. It sits at an elevation of 1600 meters, which keeps the summer air fresh. In July, you can expect average daytime temperatures of 22°C. Nighttime temperatures drop quickly to around 7°C, so you will need a jacket. The water is too cold for swimming, but you can rent a canoe. The main drawback is the intense crowd. Parking lots often fill up by 6:00 AM.

This is the largest national park in Alberta. It lies north of Banff and features glaciers, lakes, and mountains. July highs average 22°C, while nights cool down to 7°C. The weather is dry and pleasant for hiking. You can explore the Columbia Icefield or walk around Maligne Lake. It is less crowded than Lake Louise, but still busy. Accommodations are expensive and book out months in advance.

These three waterfalls span the border between Canada and the United States. The Canadian side offers the famous Horseshoe Falls view. July is the warmest month here, with average highs of 27°C. It can feel humid and occasionally too hot if you stay in the paved concrete viewing areas all day. The mist from the falls helps cool you down during boat tours. The surrounding town is highly commercialized, which disappoints travelers looking for a quiet nature experience.

Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania and the highest peak in Africa. July is one of the driest months, making it a popular time to climb. Temperatures vary wildly depending on your altitude. At the base, July temperatures average 21°C. Near the summit, temperatures drop to minus seven degrees Celsius or lower. This is a strenuous trek lasting several days. You will experience extreme cold and low oxygen levels as you ascend, which causes altitude sickness for many climbers.

This mountain range in northeastern Italy offers an alternative to the hot Italian cities. While Rome climbs past 32°C, the mountain valleys stay much cooler. July daytime temperatures in the valleys average 22°C. High alpine trails are fully open and clear of snow, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. You can use cable cars to access high walking trails without strenuous climbing. The region is popular, so mountain huts require booking months ahead.

Located on Whitsunday Island in Queensland, this beach is famous for its fine silica sand. July is winter in Australia, which is the best time to visit. The weather is warm but not hot, with average July highs of 22°C. The water temperature is about 23°C, which is comfortable for swimming. This timing avoids the wet season and the dangerous marine stinger season. However, you can only reach the beach by boat, seaplane, or helicopter.

This pyramid shaped mountain straddles the border of Switzerland and Italy. Zermatt, the town at its base, is closed to cars and sits at high altitude. July temperatures in Zermatt average a comfortable 21°C during the day. Higher up on the viewing platforms, temperatures stay close to freezing. The summer snow allows for glacier skiing even in July. Switzerland is highly expensive, and a simple lunch can easily cost twice what it does in neighboring countries.

This large sandstone monolith sits in the red desert of central Australia. Summer here is dangerously hot, but July is the middle of winter. July daytime highs average 20°C, making it ideal for walking around the base. However, desert nights are cold and can drop to 4°C. You will need to pack thermal layers for the early mornings. The resort area has limited dining options, and prices for food and fuel are high due to the remote location.

This Portuguese archipelago sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Its marine climate prevents the extreme heatwaves found on mainland Europe. July daytime temperatures average a very pleasant 24°C. Humidity can be high, but sea breezes keep the air moving. The islands are great for whale watching and hiking volcanic craters. Weather changes quickly here, so you must prepare for sudden rain showers even in summer.

This Norwegian archipelago lies north of the Arctic Circle. Thanks to ocean currents, it is much warmer than other arctic locations. July is the warmest month, but it is still cool with average highs of 15°C. You will experience 24 hours of daylight, which gives you unlimited time to explore. The scenery includes sharp peaks and deep bays. The narrow roads get congested with motorhomes in July, making driving slow and stressful.