Best Places to Travel in July
Where Should I Travel in July?
East Africa safari destinations like Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are best visited during the July to October window. During these months, the weather is dry and warm, and wildlife sightings are abundant. If you want to see the wildebeest migration, head to the northern plains of the Serengeti National Park, or the southern plains of the Masai Mara National Park. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible year round, but July is a peak season so be sure to book gorilla permits well in advance. The Canadian Rockies are also a good option for July – warm weather, turquoise emerald lakes and picturesque forests await.
Netherlands
Where to stay – Amsterdam
July is the peak of the summer in the Netherlands (northwestern Europe), so temperatures are warm and the days are filled with plenty of sunshine. The capital, Amsterdam, is often very busy during July and August, because of both the weather and the school holiday period. Although Amsterdam is certainly worth visiting and spending a few days to explore (you will more than likely fly into Amsterdam’s international airport too), we’d recommend traveling to areas in the Netherlands which are not as busy. The country is relatively flat and there is so much beautiful countryside to be explored. Why not cycle amid windmills and valleys, or hike the low-lying islands off the northern coast. For avid cyclers, explore the trails around Kinderdijk on a Saturday afternoon and you’ll see all 19 of the area’s windmills in motion.
Botswana
Where to stay – Camp Okavango, Little Tubu Camp, Kanana Camp
July is in the middle of the peak season for a Botswana travel, and often has the best conditions for a successful safari. The weather is warm and offers dry, bright days averaging around 78°F. Because the dry season has a lack of rain, the animals tend to congregate around the permanent water sources which makes the game viewing more reliable. Head to a waterhole and you’ll be sure to find giraffes, elephants and cape buffalo sipping away. In the shadows, you’ll see prides of lion and leopard in the shady trees. The best game viewing in July is in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Moremi Game Reserve. It’s certainly possible to come all three parks into one trip, but we’d argue that the Okavango Delta really is the jewel in Botswana’s safari crown. With a huge choice of tented camps and luxury safari lodges, get in touch with our safari experts today to start planning your Botswana safari.
Kenya
Where to stay – Governors Camp, Rekero Camp, Mara Expedition Camp
The Masai Mara National Reserve is arguably one of the best safari destinations in all of Africa. With such vast savannahs and a fifth of the size of the neighboring Serengeti National Park, it’s no wonder why the Masai Mara has such a dense population of wildlife. On a safari here, you’ll see elephants, buffalo herds, giraffe, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and a exceptional amount of birdlife. The best time to visit the Masai Mara, as well as other national parks like Samburu, Amboseli and the Laikipia Plateau, is the period between July and October when the plains are dry and the wildlife is congregated around the permanent water sources. In July, the migration herds begin to cross the Mara River, from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into the Masai Mara in Kenya. Consequently, you may see the herds of 1.5 million wildebeest arriving, as well as the abundance of resident wildlife that the Mara is home to.
Brazil
Where to stay – The Pantanal
Even though the Pantanal in Brazil is a wet wildlife wonderland, home to a vibrant jungle and a tropical topography, July is within the dry season and is often regarded as the best time to visit. When it comes to wildlife in Brazil, the Amazon comes to mind. However, the Pantanal is the world’s largest flooded grasslands, and is certainly a contender for a thriving wildlife scene in Brazil. Animals are abundant here – such as giant otters, giant anteaters, a variety of primate species, tapirs, toucans, and the capybara which is South America’s native rodent. The Pantanal is also home to the elusive jaguar – a big cat that lives amongst the dense vegetation. Although it’s very tricky, the months of June, July and August are the most reliable for spotting the jaguar.
Japan
Where to stay – Tokyo, Kyoto
The weather across Japan is warm and pleasant in July – one of the summer months. Although temperatures vary across the country, it’s typically warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 64 to 84°F in Tokyo. As the humidity increases in the summer, there are more chances for short, sporadic showers, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket or an umbrella with you. Down in Kyoto, there is a festival named Matsuri which will bring the streets to life. Additionally, July is the best time to climb Mount Fuji if that’s something you’re looking to do. The official climbing season begins early July to mid-September, when the trails and snow is cleared. If this is something you are interested in, please get in touch with our Asia specialists to find out more about the logistics and details for climbing this 3,776-meter volcano.
Germany
Where to stay – the Black Forest
Although you can visit Germany year-round, the winter months do get extremely cold which makes it almost unbearable to enjoy exploring the cities and countryside of Germany at leisure. That said, the Christmas markets in December are truly special. The summer months however, including July, is a very pleasant time to visit Germany and all that it has to offer. Daytime temperatures can get up to around 76-78°F, with inland areas experiencing more humidity than coastal areas (because of the breeze). July is the perfect time to explore Germany’s Black Forest – a picturesque scene of vibrant green valleys and hilltop castles and medieval villages. Although it can get quite busy (as it is the summer holidays across Europe and the UK), the Black Forest has so much space that it doesn’t feel too crowded. There are plenty of other destinations to combine in Germany, such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, as well as other European destinations you can combine.
Sweden
Where to stay – Stockholm
If you are an active or outdoorsy traveler, Sweden in the summer is the place for you. With so many outdoor activities to enjoy, it is a haven for both visitors and local Swedes alike. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities to do and, with over 400 well-kept trails, it’s clear to see why. One of the most famous is the King’s Trail (440km) which takes hikers through the Swedish Lapland between Abisko and Hemavan. Kayaking is also an extremely popular sport to do during the summer months, with hundreds of lakes, rivers, and islands to explore by boat. For those keen on fishing, Sweden offers an abundance of lakes filled with salom, pike and perch fish to name a few. Trout and the Arctic char can be fished further north. Combining nicely with the countryside of Sweden are the cities, including the capital Stoockholm.
Iceland
Where to stay – Reykjavik
While some say that the winter is the most dramatic time to experience Iceland, there is no denying that the summer months bring long days of sunshine and comfortable weather conditions – perfect for exploring the capital, the waterfalls, hikes, and glaciers around the island. Of course, popular attractions like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle are likely to be jam-packed with tourists, with often crowds or queues to get in. That said, these destinations are highly worth visiting so just make sure you book in advance – both the excursions and the accommodation (which our travel experts can do for you). Summer is also the best time for whale watching around Iceland. Whale watching excursions are available from Reykjavik, Akureyri, Dalvik and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
USA
Where to stay – Philadelphia
If you’re looking for a lively place to visit in America during July, Philadelphia is for you. The 4th July is independence day and Philadelphia (on the east coast of America) goes to town to celebrate it. Starting from late June, museums, landmarks parks stay open later. On the 4th July itself, parades, music and fireworks are lit and celebrated throughout the city. Of course, this brings large crowds so be sure to book in advance if this is a period you want to experience.
Uganda
The best time to visit Uganda, located in East Africa, is the period from July to October when the forests and plains are at their driest. Compared to other safari destinations, Uganda is green year-round, with bright shades of green on show throughout the country. There are so many wonderful national parks to visit in Uganda but the most popular itinerary combines Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and of course, Bwindi Forest. Combining these parks gives you a variety of experiences, from hiking and birding in Murchison Falls, to primate interactions further south (chimpanzees in Kibale and mountain gorillas in Bwindi). Queen Elizbeth National Park is a safari experience where you will get the chance to see tree-climbing lions, amongst other plains game like elephants, giraffe and buffalo.
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