Where's hot in July (2026)

July is the height of summer and the perfect time of year to enjoy sunshine, culture and great food. If you’re wondering where’s hot in July, our experts have you covered. Kenya offers dry days, ideal for safari adventures and beach escapes on the Indian Ocean. Croatia is at its best, with crystal-clear seas, historic coastal towns and lively summer nights. Italy promises long, sunny days made for sightseeing, vineyards and lazy lunches. Malta delivers reliable heat, warm waters and a relaxed island vibe, while New England comes alive with pleasant temperatures, scenic coastlines and charming towns.

For Kenya

Kenya is a country where wildlife, landscapes, and culture come alive. If you’re planning a July trip, the Maasai Mara is a must-visit, as it’s peak safari season with abundant wildlife and the chance to witness the Great Migration. Nairobi and nearby national parks offer city-side adventures, while coastal towns like Mombasa provide sun, sand, and Swahili charm. July’s dry, sunny weather makes it perfect for game drives, hot-air balloon rides, and exploring Kenya’s stunning scenery. Stay in safari lodges, luxury tented camps, or beachfront resorts to make the most of this unforgettable African country.

• Giraffe Manor is a 1930s manor house set within a private sanctuary, where Rothschild giraffes wander freely and poke their heads into the dining room for breakfast. Interiors are classic and characterful, filled with antiques and large windows with garden views. 
• Kinondo Kwetu offers an intimate hideaway on a private stretch of white sand on Diani Beach, with Swahili antiques, carved wood beds and stone floors. Dining offers set menus championing local flavours, while pools and endless water sports make this an easy escape.
• Ol Donyo Lodge is a remote lodge overlooking vast Maasai land,, with spacious rooms, private pools and open terraces facing Mount Kilimanjaro. Dine outdoors, sip sundowners, or sleep under the stars. Elevated plains and constant breezes keep days comfortable, even in midsummer.
• Perched on a rocky bluff, Tassia Lodge is a small eco-lodge that uses natural materials and panoramic decks to immerse you in the landscape. Rooms are simple yet inviting, there's a rock-hewn pool, and activities range from bush walks to paragliding — perfect for an adventurous stay.

For Croatia

Croatia is a country where historic towns sit beside glistening Adriatic waters. For a holiday in July, the Dalmatian Coast is a must, with hotspots like Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar offering endless beaches, lively nightlife, and centuries-old architecture. Island hopping is a highlight, while Plitvice Lakes National Park showcases stunning waterfalls and verdant landscapes. July’s long, warm days are ideal for sailing, swimming, and exploring local markets. Stay in seaside resorts, boutique hotels in walled cities, or charming villas to soak up Croatia’s mix of history, culture, and coastal beauty.

• Hotel Adriatic Orebic is a six-room, adults-only retreat right on Orebić’s waterfront, with a private pebble beach. Individually styled rooms feature stone walls, polished wooden floors and antique-style beds. The Stari Kapetan restaurant serves top-tier Adriatic seafood on a shaded terrace.
• High above the Mirna Valley, Roxanich Wine and Heritage Hotel offers a cool escape among vineyards of Istria. Interiors mix exposed beams with industrial details, an infinity pool shows off Motovun views, while the fine-dining restaurant and large cellar make wine tasting the main event.
• Carved directly into the rock overlooking the Adriatic, Villa Dubrovnik is a retreat that delivers shade and privacy. Rooms open onto balconies, many with outdoor hot tubs. A private rocky beach, relaxing spa and fabulous dining keep guests more than happy.
• Set on a cobbled lane in historic Split, Heritage Hotel 19 is a seven-room townhouse. Original stonework sits alongside modern finishes, with powerful air conditioning throughout. Breakfast is served in the shaded courtyard that later becomes an honesty bar.
• Hidden in a calm bay, Little Green Bay is an intimate coastal hotel on Hvar. You'll find whitewashed rooms, contemporary art and endless sea views. Days are centred around swimming straight from the beach, French fine dining on the terrace, and boat trips along the coast.

For Italy

For a July getaway in Italy, our experts suggest focusing on the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany. The Amalfi Coast offers cliffside villages, turquoise waters, and seafood markets, while Tuscany charms with rolling vineyards, historic towns, and traditional piazzas. You can expect long, sunny days in July, made for beach lounging, wine tastings, and exploring open-air festivals. Stay in Positano for luxury by the sea, Florence for art and culture, or a countryside villa for true Italian serenity.

• Principe di Salina (on Salina, in the Aeolian Islands) is a 12-room hillside hideaway done in white, terracotta and blush, with family antiques and balconies for admiring the sunsets. An infinity pool, hot tub and large terraces keep July heat at bay, while the restaurant serves Sicilian classics. 
• Casa Rowe is an early-1900s mansion turned four-room B&B in Pistoia, made for hot city days. Expect high ceilings, vast windows and powerful air-con. Breakfast is taken at a local patisserie, sights are nearby, and Florence is an easy train ride away.
• Hotel Porto Roca is situated above Monterosso, with vine-covered terraces, big balconies and uninterrupted Mediterranean views. Traditional rooms stay cool, the terrace restaurant looks straight out to sea, and the pool is perfect for those hot July days. Enjoy old-school Italian charm, friendly staff, and boats drifting past below.
• The only red palazzo in Ostuni, Paragon 700 is a 17th-century gem that delivers cool interiors with frescoed ceilings, parquet floors, huge beds and sculptural lighting. Add a private spa, garden pool, citrus orchard and a gourmet restaurant — this is luxury done right.

For Malta

Malta is a Mediterranean gem, steeped in history. For a July trip, our Gurus recommend exploring Valletta and Gozo. Valletta impresses with Baroque architecture, busy harbours, and vibrant street cafes, while Gozo offers quiet beaches, dramatic cliffs, world-class diving and ancient temples. Enjoy days filled with swimming, sailing, and open-air festivals. Stay in Sliema for chic seaside vibes, St. Julian’s for nightlife, or a countryside farmhouse on Gozo for a slower pace.

• Palazzo Bifora is a six-room hideaway in Mdina, with dramatic headboards, rich fabrics and marble-clad bathrooms. Relax by the rooftop pool and Lumière restaurant, with cocktails at sunset. Perfect for a romantic escape.
• Palazzo Consiglia features thirteen rooms in the centre of Valletta. Start your day with breakfast on the terrace, relax by the plunge pool or spa, then step straight out to nearby forts, theatres and harbour views as evening sets in.
• Located in a 16th-century Birgu townhouse, Locanda La Gelsomina offers four adults-only suites which feature exposed stone, antique wood and bold colours inside. There's a tea-house on site and yoga retreats and be arranged. Perfect for slow mornings, with historic sights and restaurants moments away.
• Set within a bird sanctuary above Gozo’s cliffs, Ta' Cenc is a nature-led retreat. Rooms are all at ground floor level, the best with private terraces overlooking the gardens. Two pools, a full spa and a private beach make summers here easy, whether floating in the shaded pool or dining outdoors under stars.

For New England

New England is a summer haven, bursting with natural beauty, history, and coastal charm. Planning a July getaway? Head to Maine for rugged coastlines and lobster shacks, Vermont for forested mountains and quaint villages, and Boston for a mix of historic landmarks and vibrant city life. July’s warm, sunny days are perfect for sailing, hiking, farmers’ markets, and summer festivals. Stay in Bar Harbor for a seaside retreat, Stowe for a peaceful mountain escape, or Boston’s Back Bay to be in the heart of the action.

• Wequassett Resort and Golf Club is an 18th-century coastal estate facing the Atlantic on Cape Cod. Interiors offer airy rooms, marble bathrooms and private terraces. Days here revolve around playing the championship golf course, sailing from Pleasant Bay, enjoying a game of tennis and pool time. Plus there's exquisite dining at Twenty-Eight Atlantic and oysters and chowder at Thoreau’s.
• Lambert's Cove Inn, Farm & Restaurant is an owner-run retreat set in immaculate gardens on Martha's Vineyard, perfect for humid July weekends. Inside, it feels calm with four-poster beds, crisp linens and cool air-conditioned spaces. The standout restaurant uses local produce, while bikes, a heated pool and nearby Lambert’s Cove Beach keep days fresh.
• The Featherbed Inn in Waitsfield, Vermont, features nine rooms, each individually styled with heirloom furniture and whitewashed walls, perfect for staying cool in the summer. Set amid 20 acres with trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking and a natural pond for swimming. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, candlelit dinners and rural quiet.
• Right on Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Tides Beach Club is an adults-focused hideaway, ideal for hot summer days by the sea. Rooms feature marble bathrooms and ocean views. Spend afternoons kayaking or paddle boarding and evenings by the bonfire or the buzzy bar.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search to see our recommendations for the best lodges in Kenya, the top beach resorts in Croatia, the ultimate guide to the best wine hotels in Italy, the best small hotels in Malta or the best hotels in New England,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.