Sun-kissed coastlines of Europe, world-famous festivals in Asia and wildlife migrations in Africa, where will you be in July? <\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re a thrillseeker, sunbather, or a little bit of both, we\u2019ll match your vibe for your next vacation. July means summer in Europe <\/a>is in full swing, the once-sweltering African <\/a>heat is simmering down and the Americas <\/a>\u2013 even the rainy parts \u2013 are drenched in sunshine. Sure, there may be crowds this time of year, but your local leader may know just the right spots to take you into some untapped locales\u2026<\/p>\n Why go?<\/strong> Experience Japan\u2019s most famous festival You can\u2019t go wrong visiting Kyoto, Japan<\/a>, any month of the year, but we recommend planning a trip in July to experience the cultural richness of Gion Matsuri. Branch out from your typical summer routine and check out Japan\u2019s most famous festival for an epic change of pace.<\/p>\n The entire month of July honours the festival but the grand procession of floats, Yamahoko Junko, takes over the city on July 17. Massive, colourful floats, traditional music, dance performances, street food and craft vendors stimulate all your senses as you explore a new culture.<\/p>\n The weather may get a little toasty in July but that\u2019s what \u201ckawadoko\u201d is for: a dining experience that will cool you down as you enjoy Nishin soba on a wooden platform beside, and sometimes over<\/em>, a flowing river. Explore the traditional fishing village of Ine, hike the scenic trails of Miyama City and Zen out at a Buddhist temple for some peace away from the crowds.<\/p>\n Why go?<\/strong> Sunny days ideal for sailing, swimming and sipping local wine When you think about summer, you probably dream of clear waters, long sunny days and squeezing in as much time outdoors as possible. If this sounds familiar, Croatia <\/a>in July will grant you your ideal summer getaway. Bask in the sun on the turquoise waters of Zlatni Rat, dip into the emerald-green lakes of Mljet and cool down with a regional wine. <\/p>\n Combine seaside exploration with relaxation by setting sail along Croatia\u2019s sparkling coastline and island hopping across Hvar, Korcula and Vis. You may wonder why you would ever want to step foot off the boat, but getting your land legs back is worth it to indulge in the thriving food scene on the Dalmatian coast. Savour the lively restaurant scene that comes alive in the warm evenings of July and paint the perfect summer night with a feast of fresh seafood straight from the coast you were just swimming in. <\/p>\n Why go?<\/strong> Minimal rain in the rainest part of the country Calling all outdoor enthusiasts: July is the optimal time to enjoy the adventures of the Pacific Northwest in the United States<\/a>. If you\u2019re keen to explore this part of the states, July is your (and the sun\u2019s) time to shine, as it\u2019s one of the few months when you\u2019re not sheltering in place from the region\u2019s regular rainfall. Well, pack an umbrella just<\/em> in case.<\/p>\n Collect a lifetime\u2019s worth of sea glass at Glass Beach in California<\/a>, ogle at the towering giants in the Redwood National Park and cool off in the blue waters of Crater Lake in Oregon.<\/p>\n Take advantage of the good weather and get lost (not literally, you\u2019ll be with a local leader!) in the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, where you will seriously feel like you\u2019re in a fairytale movie. Along the way, visit a local winery and cheers to the sunniest month in Seattle.<\/p>\n Why go?<\/strong> Mild climate, better chance to see wildlife While it\u2019s never guaranteed, July tends to mark the start of the great migration when thousands of wildebeest and zebras make the journey from Tanzania<\/a> to Kenya<\/a>. It\u2019s a tense watch as these animals leap across the treacherous, crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River in search of greener pastures. Witnessing this phenomenon can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.<\/p>\n Temperatures in Kenya also begin to dip around this time of year and the milder climate encourages wildlife to congregate by watering holes and rivers, making them far easier to spot. Enjoy taking game drives through the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five. Travellers are also able to visit a traditional Maasai homestead and meet the local Maasai tribespeople.<\/p>\n Why go?<\/strong> Mild weather, fewer crowds Ecuador\u2019s<\/a> landscapes are as diverse as its weather in July. While the temps are fairly consistent throughout the year, they differ dramatically based on where in the country you\u2019re visiting.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no wrong choice in July and we may even nudge you to explore it all. Relax on the coast for a lowkey vacation or take on cultural adventures in the cool highlands. Head home with bragging rights that you explored the iconic Amazon rainforest with an Indigenous leader and canoed to a riverside eco-lodge.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re hiking in Cotopaxi National Park, braving unique wildlife encounters in the Galapagos<\/a>, or slowing down like the sloths, we\u2019ll make sure you get the most out of this South American paradise. \u00a0<\/p>\n Why go?<\/strong> Cold wine, clear waters and Calabria A July spent in southern Italy <\/a>is a sun-seeking adventurer\u2019s dream come true. Imagine island-hopping through the heart of the Mediterranean surrounded by crystal clear waters, taking a cooking class in Palermo, wandering the Sicilian countryside and sharing a hearty \u201cBuongiorno!\u201d with the local farmers.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re hesitant about the summer crowds<\/a>, we\u2019ll take you to Calabria, a lesser-known paradise with pristine swimming spots, a mix of mountains and seaside, and Italian cuisine galore.<\/p>\n Why go?<\/strong> Ample time for outdoor adventures under the midnight sun Do you ever wish there was more time in the day? If so, add the Scandinavian countries to your must-visit list for July. This northern European subregion most commonly refers to Norway<\/a>, Sweden<\/a>, and Denmark<\/a> and during the summer months, parts of these countries see 19 hours of sun per day, with some areas having a whopping 24 hours of daylight. (Don\u2019t worry, this is why blackout curtains exist.) Not only do you have more time to frolic outside but you get to enjoy this stunning part of the world when it\u2019s at its warmest, which means the clear lakes won\u2019t be a tease and you can actually take a refreshing dip.<\/p>\n Make your way through Viking cities, explore the rugged and picturesque Lofoten islands, kayak around the Gothenburg Archipelago, bike through Copenhagen and discover Norway\u2019s quirky capital of Oslo. We\u2019ve got it all and you\u2019ve got the time to do it under the midnight sun.<\/p>\n Check out our recommendations on where to travel in August <\/a>and September<\/a>. <\/p>\n1. Kyoto, Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Temperature:<\/strong> 28\u00baC (82\u00baF) high, 23\u00baC (73\u00baF) low
Season:<\/strong> summer<\/p>\n2. Croatia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Temperature:<\/strong> 30\u00baC (86\u00baF) high, 23\u00baC (73\u00baF) low
Season:<\/strong> summer<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Intrepid-Travel-Croatia-Hvar-travellers-walking-by-water-2-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n3<\/strong>. West Coast, United States<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Temperature:<\/strong> 27\u00baC (80\u00baF) high, 15\u00baC (59\u00baF) low
Season:<\/strong> summer<\/p>\n4. Kenya<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Temperature:<\/strong> 24\u00baC (76\u00baF) high, 11\u00baC (52\u00baF) low
Season:<\/strong> dry<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Intrepid-Travel-kenya_lake-nakuru_flamingos-landscape-water.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n5<\/strong>. Ecuador<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Temperature:<\/strong> 30\u00baC (86\u00baF) high, 15\u00baC (59\u00baF) low
Season:<\/strong> dry<\/p>\n6<\/strong>. Southern Italy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Temperature:<\/strong> 32\u00baC (88\u00baF) high, 24\u00baC (75\u00baF) low
Season:<\/strong> summer<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Intrepid-Travel-italy_sicily_town-mountain-view.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n7<\/strong>. Scandinavia <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Temperature:<\/strong> 22\u00baC (73\u00baF) high, 12\u00baC (55\u00baF) low
Season:<\/strong> summer<\/p>\nNot sure about July? <\/h2>\n