Best Places to Visit in July: 20+ Summer Spots (& Tips for Cheap Flights)

With higher-than-average airfare and tons more people traveling, planning a summer getaway in July feels impossible. But July is one of the best months to go on vacation for good reason: long, sunny days, major festivals, school holidays, and destinations that come alive this time of year.

You don’t need to be an expert on how to find mistake fares or when is the cheapest time to buy flights. Getting the best deal for your July holidays is as simple as setting up flight alerts with Going. We’ll monitor fares for you and send the best deals straight to your inbox so you can forget about the guesswork and the endless searching.

Where to travel in July: Discover your top option

For beach lovers

If your ideal summer getaway includes sun, sand, and plenty of time in the water, July offers some of the best coastal escapes. San Diego, California, is a classic pick, with its surf-ready shores, ideal 70s temperatures, and laid-back SoCal vibe. For a different kind of summer charm, Lake Tahoe offers something special: mountain-ringed beaches where you can swim in turquoise water by day and cozy up under the stars by night.

On the other side of the globe, Bali, Indonesia, shines during July (its dry season) and becomes a perfect destination for snorkeling, diving, and beach hopping without the crowds or rain.

For cultural immersion

If you like for your travels to come with deep cultural experiences, consider places where July opens the door to unique traditions. In Japan, July means festival season—especially the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, one of the country's most famous and spectacular events. Peru is also ideal in July, with dry, clear conditions that make trekking to Machu Picchu both more accessible and more stunning.

For romantic getaways

July offers plenty of romantic backdrops for those in love. For starters, the French Alps are in full bloom, perfect for hikes, chalet stays, and serene alpine villages. Stateside, Aspen, Colorado, swaps ski slopes for trails filled with wildflowers and cozy summer evenings—ideal for a mountain retreat with your favorite person.

For a low-cost trip

Glacier National Park, Montana, is one of the best destinations in July, with striking views and affordable campsites. If you’re looking for a taste of Europe without the price tag, head to Montreal, Canada. Here, French charm meets street festivals, and those delicious meals of poutine and wine won’t break the bank. And if you’re ready to go further, Vietnam is an unbeatable bargain with world-class street food, cheap lodging, and vibrant culture at every turn.

For escaping the heat

If you’d rather skip the sweat and humidity, there are many destinations that are best visited in July when cold temperatures subside. Iceland, for example, offers dramatic scenery, 24-hour daylight, and average temperatures in the 50s and 60s—perfect for active travelers. Alaska also tops the list for mild weather and unmatched landscapes, from glacier cruises to wildlife spotting.

For an epic roadtrip

Few months are better for a road trip than July, when the skies are clear and the daylight stretches long. The drive from Asheville to the Blue Ridge Parkway is a good place to start: a winding route with waterfalls, mountain overlooks, and scenic hikes. If national parks are your thing, the route from Yellowstone to Grand Teton packs two iconic stops into one epic itinerary.

Best places to travel in the US in July

1. Alaska

Alaska earns the top spot because July is when the state is at its most accessible, vibrant, and photogenic. Long days (we're talking 19+ hours of daylight in Fairbanks) let you pack in hikes, glacier treks, wildlife tours, and fishing trips—sometimes all in the same day. While July is peak tourist season, the sheer size of Alaska means it rarely feels crowded.

• Season: Peak summer
• Average temperature: Highs between 60–70°F (15–21°C), lows in the 40s–50s°F (4–10°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords, whale watching
• Best for: Nature views, wildlife viewing, photography
• Recommended stay duration: 7–10 days
• Good to know: With up to 19 hours of daylight, July is perfect for extended adventures. Book tours early, as this is peak season.
• Average roundtrip cost: $300–$550

2. Glacier National Park, Montana

The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park (often closed due to snow well into June) is fully open in July, giving you access to the park’s most stunning views. With warm days, crisp nights, and peak wildlife activity, this is when Glacier shines. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing bighorn sheep in their natural habitat or kayaking on a glacier-fed lake, July is when you make it happen.

• Season: Peak summer
• Average temperature: Highs in the low 80s°F (27°C), lows in the 40s°F (4–9°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, Grinnell Glacier
• Best for: Hiking, wildlife spotting, photography
• Recommended stay duration: 4–7 days
• Good to know: Road access is fully open in July, but it's also the park’s busiest season, so arrive early.
• Average roundtrip cost: $250–$450

3. San Diego, California

San Diego makes the cut because it’s one of the few big US cities that doesn’t overheat in July. While much of the country is melting, San Diego is full of sunny beach days and cool evenings. July is also packed with family-friendly events like Comic-Con and summer concerts in Balboa Park.

• Season: Peak summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 76°F (24°C), lows in the 60s°F (16–20°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, USS Midway Museum
• Best for: Beach escapes, family vacations, cultural activities
• Recommended stay duration: 3–5 days
• Good to know: Comic-Con brings crowds mid-July, so book accommodations early.
• Average roundtrip cost: $150–$300

4. Mackinac Island, Michigan

We chose Mackinac because it's a charming step back in time, only accessible by ferry and free of cars. July is when this island truly comes alive—with gardens in bloom, ideal cycling weather, and ferry rides that feel more Mediterranean than Midwestern.

• Season: Peak summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 76°F (24°C), lows around 57°F (14°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, Grand Hotel
• Best for: Romantic getaways, family holidays, historic trips
• Recommended stay duration: 2–4 days
• Good to know: Car-free charm and cooler lake breezes make it ideal for a relaxed retreat.
• Average roundtrip cost: $200–$400

5. Asheville, North Carolina

July in Asheville is all about that mountain-meets-arts-culture magic. This town is one of the few parts of the Southeast that stays manageable—and gorgeous. We picked it for its Blue Ridge Parkway hikes, cool river tubing, and eclectic downtown that's buzzing with live music, craft beer, and Appalachian charm. It’s not just a city, it’s a summer experience. Bonus: The Biltmore gardens are at their peak.

• Season: Summer
• Average temperature: Highs in the 80s°F (27–29°C), lows in the 60s°F (16–18°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, river tubing
• Best for: Hiking, arts & culture, local food
• Recommended stay duration: 3–5 days
• Good to know: Book lodging early for summer weekends; the Biltmore gardens are in full bloom.
• Average roundtrip cost: $120–$280

6. Portland, Oregon

In July, Portland is at its absolute best: warm, dry, and buzzing with street fairs, food truck rallies, and blooming rose gardens. It’s a prime time to explore everything from urban parks to the Columbia River Gorge without worrying about rain. Sure, it can be more crowded than shoulder seasons, but the trade-off is better weather and a fuller events calendar—well worth it for first-time visitors.

Learn more on how to find cheap domestic flights so you can experience Portland without overspending on airfare.

• Season: Peak summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 81°F (27°C), lows in the mid-50s°F (13°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: International Rose Test Garden, Powell’s City of Books, Columbia River Gorge
• Best for: Gastronomy, urban exploring, nature escape
• Recommended stay duration: 3–5 days
• Good to know: July is Portland’s driest month—ideal for hiking and outdoor dining.
• Average roundtrip cost: $130–$280

7. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

With daytime highs rarely exceeding the 70s and water temperatures that are just right for paddling, it’s no wonder Lake Tahoe makes our list of best places to travel in the US in July. Yes, the beaches get busy, but there’s so much shoreline and trail access that you can still find solitude if you seek it out. It’s one of the few destinations where you can sunbathe, hike, and kayak in one day—and sleep with the windows open at night.

• Season: Peak summer
• Average temperature: Highs between 69–77°F (21–25°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Emerald Bay State Park, Sand Harbor Beach, Heavenly Gondola
• Best for: Water sports, hiking, scenic beauty
• Recommended stay duration: 3–6 days
• Good to know: Arrive early to popular beaches and trailheads to avoid parking congestion.
• Average roundtrip cost: $160–$300

8. Aspen, Colorado

Most people associate Aspen with skiing, but it’s also one of best places to visit in July thanks to its surprisingly lush, wildflower-filled landscapes and high-elevation tranquility. Hikes to Maroon Bells are snow-free, mountain towns are in full swing with festivals and farmers markets, and the views are unbeatable. It's less crowded (and way less expensive) than its winter peak, giving summer travelers an elite destination without the soaring price tag.

• Season: Summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 75°F (24°C), lows around 50°F (10°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Maroon Bells, Aspen Mountain, John Denver Sanctuary
• Best for: Mountain retreats, festivals, outdoor activities
• Recommended stay duration: 3–5 days
• Good to know: Cool weather and wildflower blooms make July a prime time for hiking and exploring.
• Average roundtrip cost: $150–$280

9. Boston, Massachusetts

Yes, Boston can be quite busy in July, but we truly believe that makes for part of the charm. Plus, few US cities blend history, baseball, and Fourth of July fireworks like Boston does. Freedom Trail walks are best when it’s warm, Fenway is in full swing, and harbor breezes keep the city comfortable.

• Season: Summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 84°F (29°C), lows around 68°F (20°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Freedom Trail, Boston Harbor, Fenway Park
• Best for: Historic sites, sport events, city breaks
• Recommended stay duration: 3–5 days
• Good to know: Fourth of July celebrations feature one of the country’s most impressive fireworks displays.
• Average roundtrip cost: $120–$260

10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

July is the safest bet for seeing all of Yellowstone. All roads are open, trails are more accessible, and animals like bison and bears are more active. While it is the most popular month, that also means access to ranger programs, longer days for sightseeing, and fewer weather-related hiccups. If you're a first-timer, there’s no better time to take in all its beauty.

• Season: Peak summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 72°F (22°C), lows around 40°F (4°C)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Lake, Lamar Valley 
• Best for: Family vacations, road trips, wildlife spotting
• Recommended stay duration: 4–7 days
• Good to know: July offers full park access with open roads and active wildlife. It’s the busiest time of year, so arrive early to popular sites and consider entering through less-used park entrances.
• Average roundtrip cost: $200–$400

Best places to travel in July internationally

1. Iceland

July is the perfect time to chase waterfalls and volcanoes, soak in geothermal pools, and go on a road trip under the midnight sun in Iceland. Sure, it’s a fairly popular destination, but Iceland's vast landscapes host crowds better than most places. 

• Season: Peak summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 68°F (20°C), lows around 50°F (10°C)
• Travel time from US: About 5–6 hours from East Coast (e.g., New York to Reykjavík)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, midnight sun road trips
• Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, outdoor adventurers
• Recommended stay duration: 5–7 days
• Good to know: July is perfect for road trips and hiking. Book rental cars and accommodations early.
• Average roundtrip cost: $450–$700

2. Japan

While the weather might not be the best, we picked Japan for July because of its iconic festival season: Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri is one of the country's biggest events. Fireworks, lanterns, and yukatas light up the streets in a way you won’t experience any other time of year. Plus, higher-elevation areas like Hakone and Nikko offer a breezy escape from the city heat.

• Season: Summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 86°F (30°C), lows around 75°F (24°C)
• Travel time from US: About 12–14 hours nonstop from West Coast; 16–18 hours from East Coast with layovers
• Attractions you can’t miss: Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Mount Fuji hikes, Tokyo summer fireworks
• Best for: Cultural experiences, festivals, city and nature balance
• Recommended stay duration:  7–10 days
• Good to know: July is hot and humid but offers a unique chance to experience Japan’s colorful festival season.
• Average roundtrip cost: $600–$950

3. French Alps

The French Alps offer a breath of fresh air in the middle of the European summer. July is the sweet spot for high-altitude hiking, lake swimming, and alpine wildflowers. Yes, it's high season, but the crowds here feel more dispersed. If you want scenery like Switzerland but at a slightly more approachable price point, this is your spot.

• Season: Summer
• Average temperature: Highs in the high 70s°F (25°C), lows in the 50s°F (10–15°C)
• Travel time from US: About 8–9 hours to Paris, plus 1–3 hours via train or regional flight to the Alps
• Attractions you can’t miss: Chamonix, Mont Blanc, alpine hiking trails
• Best for: Romantic escapes, hikes, nature sightseeing
• Recommended stay duration: 5–7 days
• Good to know: July is wildflower season in the Alps; lifts and gondolas reopen for summer treks.
• Average roundtrip cost: $600–$850

4. Tanzania

Tanzania is known for its safaris, and July is prime time for wildlife viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Animals cluster near watering holes, and skies stay clear. It’s the best time to go, so don’t expect to have Tanzania to yourself at this time. Pair it with a few beach days in Zanzibar, and you’ve got the ultimate July escape.

• Season: Dry season
• Average temperature: Highs around 86°F (30°C), lows around 59°F (15°C)
• Travel time from US: About 18–24 hours with at least one stop, typically via Europe or the Middle East
• Attractions you can’t miss: Serengeti safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar beaches
• Best for: Wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, nature photography
• Recommended stay duration: 7–10 days
• Good to know: July marks the start of the Great Migration, so safaris are in high demand. Book early to avoid missing out.
• Average roundtrip cost: $700–$1,200

5. Canada

Canada has a wide range of experiences in July: You can hike in Banff, soak in Montreal’s scene, or kayak along the coast of Nova Scotia. Temperatures are comfortable across the board, and the country’s national parks are at their peak. And while Canadians also travel in July, the crowds are more spread out, and the natural beauty is unbeatable.

• Season: Summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 77°F (25°C), lows around 61°F (16°C)
• Travel time from US: About 1.5–3 hours by air from many US cities
• Attractions you can’t miss: Montreal Jazz Festival, Calgary Stampede, Banff hiking
• Best for: Festivals, city tours, nature
• Recommended stay duration: 3–7 days
• Good to know: Ideal for US travelers wanting a European-style experience with lower costs and shorter flights.
• Average roundtrip cost: $175–$350

6. Indonesia

July is perfect for island hopping, surfing, and diving in Indonesia. Bali in particular offers rich culture, lush greenery, and clear skies. It’s no secret, so yes, you’ll be sharing space with other travelers from all over the world, but the value for money and sheer diversity of experiences make it worth it.

• Season: Dry season
• Average temperature: Highs around 86°F (30°C), lows around 75°F (24°C)
• Travel time from US: About 20–24 hours with one or two layovers (most common via Tokyo, Doha, or Singapore)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Rice terraces, Uluwatu Temple, diving and beach resorts
• Best for: island hopping, yoga retreats, cultural immersion
• Recommended stay duration: 7–10 days
• Good to know: You can find budget-friendly accommodation in Bali if you book early.
• Average roundtrip cost: $700–$900

7. Peru

Peru in July means sunny days, chilly nights, and clear mountain skies. Both ideal conditions for Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley hikes. It’s high season but also the most photogenic and comfortable time to visit these iconic sites. 

• Season: Dry season
• Average temperature: Highs around 68°F (20°C), lows around 50°F (10°C)
• Travel time from US: ABout 6–8 hours from major US hubs to Lima
• Attractions you can’t miss: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco
• Best for: Historic sites, trekking, gastronomic experiences
• Recommended stay duration: 7–14 days
• Good to know: July is the most photogenic time to visit, but remember to plan permits and tickets in advance for treks.
• Average roundtrip cost: $300–$500

8. Switzerland

Switzerland offers cool, fresh air and breathtaking alpine scenery in July, perfect for an active vacation that doesn't feel sweltering. Whether you're riding trains through Lauterbrunnen or hiking above Lake Lucerne, July’s weather and long days make outdoor adventures extra rewarding. It might not be cheap, but the quality is top-tier.

• Season: Summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 77°F (25°C), lows around 59°F (15°C)
• Travel time from US: About 8–9 hours nonstop from East Coast (e.g., New York to Zurich or Geneva)
• Attractions you can’t miss: Zermatt, Lucerne, scenic hiking and rail journeys
• Best for: Scenic getaways, outdoor recreation, scenic mountains
• Recommended stay duration: 5–7 days
• Good to know: While Switzerland is pricier, July offers the best weather and longest daylight. Consider rail passes to save on transit.
• Average roundtrip cost: $700–$950

9. South Africa

We chose South Africa because July is winter, making it ideal for safaris, thanks to thinner vegetation and better animal visibility. It’s also a great time to explore Cape Town without the summer heat, and you'll often find off-season prices on hotels. It’s a sweet spot that balances adventure and value.

• Season: Winter (dry season)
• Average temperature: Highs around 68°F (20°C), lows around 50°F (10°C)
• Travel time from US: About 15–20 hours with at least one stop, typically in Europe or the Middle East
• Attractions you can’t miss: Kruger National Park, Stellenbosch wine region
• Best for: Wildlife safaris, wine tasting, outdoor adventures
• Recommended stay duration: 7–10 days
• Good to know: July is ideal for safaris thanks to dry conditions (fewer mosquitoes, better animal visibility).
• Average roundtrip cost: $750–$1,100

10. Paris, France

Paris in July is…busy. But this also means that the city hums with energy and cultural events. You have Bastille Day, the Quartier d'Été Festival, and the finish of the Tour de France. If you don’t mind sharing the view, there’s nothing quite like a Seine sunset in summer. Remember to plan strategically, book tickets online to skip lines, and visit museums early. Learn more about the cheapest airports to fly out of to get the best deal on your trip to Paris and discover why this city keeps pulling people in July. 

• Season: Peak summer
• Average temperature: Highs around 77°F (25°C), lows around 59°F (15°C)
• Travel time from US: About 7–8 hours nonstop from East Coast; 10–11 hours from the West Coast
• Attractions you can’t miss: Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruises, Bastille Day fireworks
• Best for: City strolls, cultural sights and events, romantic trips
• Recommended stay duration: 4–7 days
• Good to know: Crowds are inevitable in July, but so is Paris’s electric summer energy. Book popular attractions in advance, and enjoy late-night strolls.
• Average roundtrip cost:  $500–$800

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Where is the cheapest place to travel in July?

US

International

How to find cheap flights for a vacation in July

Discovering how to find cheap flights for July can be a challenge. Saving on your tickets is all about using the right strategies. Here are our favorite ones.

First, remember to be flexible. Shifting your dates by even a day or two can reveal big price drops. And don’t overlook alternate airports either; the cheapest ticket might be a short drive or connecting flight away. If you're not sure which airports typically have the lowest prices, check out the cheapest airport to fly out of internationally.

And, most importantly, timing matters. It can be tough to know exactly when is the best time to book cheap flights. One tip to ensure better deals is to book during the “Goldilocks Window”: about 1–3 months before travel for domestic trips and 3–6 months out for international trips.

Luckily, with Going you don’t need to stress out to find offers for the best destinations in July. With our travel memberships, you can set alerts for your home airport and let our team track down the best deals—all delivered straight to your inbox or mobile app. 

Download Going’s app and start receiving flight deal alerts!