Where to travel in July 2025?

July, the middle of the summer, where temperatures are warm and the atmosphere is festive in plenty of destinations ranging from Europe to the Americas. In fact, the options for travelling are so vast that you may be having trouble deciding where to travel in July.

As part of our series of monthly guides, NH Hotels has prepared this list of some of the best cities to travel in July to help you make your decision.

There’s no reason not to enjoy your summer vacation: you can’t go wrong with any of these proposals:

Catania

July brings about hot summer weather in Catania: the city gets an average of 12 hours of sunshine a day with average high and low temperatures of 32°C and 19°C. This makes Catania a great place where to travel in July to enjoy its beaches, including La Playa, an 18 km long stretch of golden sandy beach that also features a vibrant nightlife.

The second largest city in Sicily is also rich in sightseeing options thanks to its stunning baroque architecture: the Palazzo Biscari and the Historical Monastery San Benedetto, dating back to the early 1700s, are two of the most emblematic examples of Catania’s baroque architecture. You can also take advantage of the July weather with a relaxing meal at a restaurant with outdoor seating: Catania has some excellent culinary offers, including the traditional Pasta alla Norma dish.

Cancún

Cancún is one of the major touristic destinations in Mexico and for good reason: its beautiful white sand beaches combined with its Mayan archaeological sites and many bars and nightclubs makes it an ideal spot for a tropical vacation. Swimming in Cancún is particularly delightful in July. During this month, Cancún has an average daily high temperature of 32ºC and an average sea water temperature of 29ºC, making it very enjoyable to swim in its beaches. 

The Whale Shark Festival is typically celebrated for one week in July at Isla Mujeres, an island right off the coast of Cancún. The festival features many water activities, including fishing and snorkelling, but most memorable of all is the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks that swarm the waters during this time of the year.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The island of Las Palmas is one of the most interesting destinations where to travel in July among Spain’s Canary Islands. Its beaches, most famous of which is Las Canteras Beach, as well as its vast selection of museums (including the Museo Canario with its collection of archaeological offers and the Atlantic Center of Modern Art with its modern art exhibitions) are all major attractions.

In July, Las Palmas enjoys an average daily high temperature of 26ºC and a low of 20ºC, making it very pleasant to swim in its gorgeous beaches. Other beaches to visit besides Las Canteras include San Cristóbal, El Confital Beach, and Las Alcaravaneras Beach.

Valencia

July is one of the most exciting moments to visit Valencia, as its Feria de Julio, a yearly fair that has taken place for over 150 years, is held through the entire month. The fair features many celebrations combining music, fireworks, cuisine, cinema, and different kinds of performances. Some of the traditions include the Folk Nights aimed at highlighting Valencia’s traditional music and the Nit a la Mar bringing live performances to an unimprovable location by the Mediterranean Sea.

The weather in July is pleasantly warm (with an average high of 31°C), allowing you to enjoy these performances and all the rest the city has to offer. Valencia is also known for its beaches, including Malvarrosa, and architectural sights like the Valencia Cathedral and the Plaza de la Virgen. Take a look at our hotels in Valencia for accommodations with modern facilities at privileged locations from which to explore the city.

Cartagena, Colombia

Few months feel as celebratory in Cartagena as July: Colombia’s Independence Day is celebrated on the 20th and the city is swarmed with parades and celebrations that include traditional music (like vallenato and cumbia), food and dancing. If what you want is to experience the traditional culture of Colombia, you cannot go wrong by visiting Cartagena in July.

Of course, Cartagena has plenty of other attractions including the historic centre preserving the city’s colonial past, its sandy beaches, and a lively nightlife. Cartagena is also a particularly good place where to go in July because of the very warm and enjoyable weather (average high of 31ºC), ideal for exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Amalfi Coast

With temperatures reaching an average high of 29ºC, July is a warm summer month in the Amalfi Coast and a great choice for enjoying its crystal-clear waters. You may also stroll into town to enjoy the many bars and restaurants the city has to offer. Spiaggia Grande in Positano is the centre of the nightlife on the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast also features interesting towns like Conca dei Marini, home of one of the coast’s most famous sights in the Grotta dello Smeraldo cave and Ravello, an old town overlooking the sea that features lush gardens and picturesque Baroque architecture.

Málaga

July in Málaga, one of the city’s hottest months with an average daily high temperature of 30ºC, is a great time to visit one of its many gorgeous beaches. La Malagueta, located in the centre, is Málaga’s most famous beach but other can’t-miss options include La Misericordia and El Dedo.

Málaga is also home to a few interesting events in July. The yearly Bienal de Arte Flamenco de Málaga kicks off in July and features flamenco artists with traditional and modern takes on the genre. Also taking place in July is the Weekend Beach Festival, a music festival with an interesting international line-up.

Rome

There are few vacation spots as fascinating as Rome: from its rich architectural history to its world-class cuisine and vast selection of museums, you’ll enjoy every moment of your stay. Our hotels in Rome have privileged central locations that will let you explore many cultural landmarks including popular squares like the Piazza Navona and the Piazza Barberini.

The capital of Italy is a particularly rewarding place this time of the year thanks to a consistently warm weather (average high and low daily temperatures of 31ºC and 19ºC) and interesting events and festivals including Rome Summer Fest, one of Rome’s biggest music festivals.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is a city with a deep cultural identity, beautiful architecture, plenty of beaches and an amazing nightlife. Our many hotels in Barcelona provide you with plenty of convenient options for visiting iconic parts of Barcelona, like the Las Ramblas central street and its many restaurants and sights, or Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona. 

Barcelona is one of the best cities where to go in July since it brings the heart of the summer (average daily high of 29ºC) and plenty of unique events including the Música als Parcs, for outdoor music performances, and the Festa Major de Raval, a festival in one of Barcelona’s most multicultural quarters that features music, gastronomy, parades, and a diverse array of performances.

Algarve

Visiting Algarve will take you to a world of breath-taking natural sights, like the tranquil waters of Praia de Dona Ana, and architectural landmarks that reflect the rich history of the city (the Old Town and its cobblestone streets, for example). But visiting in July, with an average daily temperature around the 24ºC, is particularly rewarding thanks to all the events taking place.

Rolling Loud, one of Portugal’s most important and biggest music festivals, takes place in Algarve during July. Also in July: the Afro Nation Portugal another big music festival, by the beach, featuring well-known acts. So, if you are a music fan Algarve is one of the best places where to travel in July.

Three reasons to travel in July

1) It’s the heart of the summer! During July the warm summer weather is in full swing in many places, including major European destinations like those in Spain, Italy, and France.

2) Festivities and festivals abound. From major international music festivals like Rolling Loud in Portugal to traditional celebrations like Feria de Julio in Valencia, July is usually filled with interesting events.

3) Don’t let your vacation time pass you by: July and August are the last months of summer vacation for many. Be sure to take advantage of these two months if you haven’t already planned a trip.

Where to travel in July as a couple?

Many of the European destinations we have mentioned, like those in Italy or Spain, will not only offer pleasant summer weather but also historical architecture sure to set a romantic mood. Go for drinks and an intimate dinner in one of Rome’s charming streets or get lost among the Baroque architecture of Catania.

Alternatively, you and your partner can hide away at a beach in a Caribbean destination, like Cancún in Mexico, away from all worries and obligations.

What are the best places to go in July with kids?

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the best cities where to travel in July for a family vacation. Palmitos Park in Maspalomas is great for kids: it houses a range of animals (from orangutans to cockatoos), an orchid house, and an aquarium. Combine this with trips to the Aqualand Water Park and the peaceful Botanic Gardens and your kids will have the time of their lives.

You may also be interested in the following destinations:

• Best places to visit in August
• Best places to visit in September
• Best places to visit in October
• Best places to visit in November