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Where to go in July that is not too hot

Find travel destinations for July with comfortable temperatures. Avoid extreme heat with this list of 10 locations and their actual weather conditions.

10 places3 min readUpdated 19 September 2026
Where to go in July that is not too hot: 10 Cool Destinations
The short answer

July is the middle of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, making it the best time to visit places like Peru, Namibia, and Tanzania for mild, dry weather. You should avoid the Middle East and parts of the Mediterranean, where temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius during this month.

This list focuses on locations where the temperature remains manageable during July. We excluded regions currently experiencing peak summer heat waves to ensure your travel remains comfortable.

1

Dry Season Wildlife Watching

A fairly typical example of the scenery in Serengeti National Park in western Tanzania. The plains are wide and full of grass, with trees, mainly acacias, dotted around the landscape.
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0

July falls in the dry season in Tanzania. Animals gather around water holes, making them easier to spot. Daytime temperatures usually reach 25 degrees Celsius. Nights can drop to 14 degrees Celsius, so bring layers. This is the time to see the annual wildebeest migration as herds move through the northern plains.

Suits
Wildlife enthusiasts who prefer mild days.
Worth knowing
Park entry fees are per person per day and must be paid in advance.
Planning Serengeti National Park?

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2

Cool Crater Highlands

ngorongoro crater
Photo: Grahampurse, CC BY-SA 4.0

The crater floor sits at a high altitude. This keeps temperatures cooler than the surrounding savanna. Expect daytime highs of 19 degrees Celsius. The rim of the crater can be as cold as 5 degrees Celsius at night. Because of the altitude, the air remains crisp throughout the month.

Suits
Travelers who dislike high humidity and heat.
Worth knowing
Vehicle transit fees apply, and you must use a registered guide.
Planning Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

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3

Winter Diving and Snorkeling

"The Great Barrier Reef outlines the coast of Australia in turquoise and blue. The #StoryOfWater." - Kjell Lindgren

July is the Australian winter. The water temperature sits at a pleasant 23 degrees Celsius. Air temperatures average 25 degrees Celsius during the day. It is rarely uncomfortably hot. This period also avoids the heavy rainfall typical of the summer months.

Suits
Divers and swimmers who avoid mid-summer heat.
Worth knowing
Stinger season is largely over, but some operators still require lycra suits.
Planning Great Barrier Reef?

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4

Cooler Equator Travel

Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) in Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

Despite the equator location, the Humboldt Current keeps these islands cool in July. Air temperatures hover around 24 degrees Celsius. Expect morning mist known as garúa. This keeps the islands from getting too sunny or hot. The water can be chilly for swimming, often around 21 degrees Celsius.

Suits
Those who want to see wildlife without heat exhaustion.
Worth knowing
You must pay a national park entrance fee in cash upon arrival.
Planning Galápagos Islands?

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5

Waterfalls in the Rainforest

Angel Falls·Venezuela
Panoramic view opposite Churun river. Composed of 21 individual pictures. Captured with Canon PowerShot SD600, assembled with Autopano Pro.
Photo: Jlazovskis (talk)), CC BY-SA 3.0

July marks the wet season. This ensures the waterfall has a heavy flow of water. Temperatures in the region average 27 degrees Celsius. Humidity is high, but the constant rainfall keeps extreme heat away. Access is difficult as the river levels dictate boat travel.

Suits
Adventurers who do not mind rain.
Worth knowing
Expect travel delays as flights to Canaima rely on local weather conditions.
Planning Angel Falls?

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6

Mild Desert Exploration

Namib Desert·Namibia
Morning fog coming from the Atlantic Ocean, near Sossusvlei, Namib desert, Namibia

Desert temperatures are moderate in July. Daytime highs reach 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Nights are cold and can drop to 7 degrees Celsius. Pack a heavy jacket for sunrise tours. This is the dry season, so rain is extremely unlikely.

Suits
Photographers who want clear, cool days.
Worth knowing
Self-driving requires a 4x4 vehicle due to sandy road conditions.
Planning Namib Desert?

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7

Coastal Northern Ireland

Giant's Causeway·United Kingdom
Giant's Causeway, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Photo: code poet on flickr., CC BY-SA 2.0

Northern Ireland in July is mild. Temperatures average 18 degrees Celsius. Rain is common but usually passes quickly. The wind off the Atlantic keeps the area cool. It rarely gets hot enough to require light summer clothing.

Suits
Hikers who prefer moderate temperatures.
Worth knowing
The site is busy in July, so arrive before 10am to find parking.
Planning Giant's Causeway?

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8

High Altitude Andean City

Cusco·Peru
Skyline of Cusco in October 2025

Cusco is at 3,400 meters. July is the dry season, providing clear blue skies. Daytime temperatures reach 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures drop to freezing at night. Prepare for rapid weather changes due to the altitude.

Suits
Cultural travelers who prefer cool, crisp mountain air.
Worth knowing
Give yourself two days to adjust to the altitude before heavy activity.
Planning Cusco?

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9

Inca Citadel in Winter

Machu Picchu
Photo: Draceane, CC BY-SA 4.0

July offers the most stable weather for visiting the ruins. It is the dry season. Expect highs of 20 degrees Celsius. The sun is strong at this altitude, even if the air feels cool. Early morning fog often clears by mid-morning.

Suits
History enthusiasts who want dry hiking conditions.
Worth knowing
Tickets for entry are limited and sell out months in advance.
Planning Machu Picchu?

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10

London Views

The Shard·United Kingdom
The Shard at sunset.
Photo: Colin, CC BY-SA 4.0

London in July usually stays below 23 degrees Celsius. The viewing deck of The Shard remains climate controlled. You get clear views across the city during the long daylight hours. Summer in London can be unpredictable, so expect rain even in July.

Suits
City sightseers wanting an indoor activity.
Worth knowing
Book tickets online to avoid long queues at the ticket office.
Planning The Shard?

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What people wish they had broughtFor the places on this page

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Research your specific destination's altitude and proximity to the ocean, as these factors determine temperature more than the calendar date. Always check local forecasts two days before you leave.

Questions people ask


Is Europe too hot in July?

Southern Europe, including Spain, Italy, and Greece, frequently reaches 35 degrees Celsius or higher in July. If you dislike heat, choose Northern Europe or high-altitude mountain regions instead.

Where is the coldest place to visit in July?

The Southern Hemisphere, specifically high-altitude regions like the Andes or desert regions like the Namib, experience their winter in July. Temperatures in these places regularly drop near freezing at night.

Should I travel to the Caribbean in July?

The Caribbean is very hot and humid in July, often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. It is also the start of the hurricane season, which can lead to flight cancellations.

What is the best way to avoid crowds in July?

Most of the Northern Hemisphere is on summer vacation in July. To avoid crowds, visit major cities mid-week or choose wilderness areas that require permits for entry.

Do I need a jacket for a summer trip to the Andes?

Yes. Even if the daytime temperature reaches 20 degrees Celsius, the lack of cloud cover and high altitude means temperatures drop rapidly once the sun sets.

Somewhere to stay on this trip

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