Where's Hot in July? Best Summer Holiday Destinations for UK Travellers
July is one of the busiest months of the year for holidays, with long sunny days, warm seas and excellent beach weather across much of Europe. School holidays begin towards the end of the month, making it a popular time for families, while couples and groups can still find great value by travelling earlier in July.
If you’re looking for the best all round destination in July, Rhodes is our top choice. It combines reliable sunshine, temperatures of around 32°C, beautiful beaches and a fantastic mix of history, nightlife and family friendly resorts. Across the Mediterranean, destinations such as Crete, Majorca, Turkey’s Dalaman Coast, Malta and Croatia all enjoy near perfect summer conditions.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach holiday, an all inclusive escape or an island hopping adventure, July offers some of the best weather of the year within a relatively short flight from the UK.
We compared destinations using average daytime temperatures, sunshine hours, average rain days, sea temperatures, flight times from the UK and how suitable each destination is for a July holiday.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best places to visit in July based on weather, value for money and the type of holiday each destination offers.
If you’re still deciding when to travel rather than just where, see our Where’s Hot by Month guide to compare the best sunshine destinations throughout the year.
Quick Answer: Where's Hot in July?
If you’re looking for the best destination in July, Rhodes is our top recommendation. With temperatures around 32°C, warm Mediterranean waters and almost guaranteed sunshine, it’s ideal for a classic summer beach holiday.
Other excellent July destinations include Crete, Majorca, Turkey’s Dalaman Coast, Malta and Croatia’s Dubrovnik Riviera, while those seeking the hottest weather should consider Egypt, although temperatures can become extremely high.
July Weather Comparison
| Destination | Avg Temp | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Avg. Rain Days | Sea Temp | Flight Time | Beach Weather? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes | 32°C | 13 | 0 | 25°C | 4h 15m | ✓ |
| Crete | 31°C | 12 | 0 | 25°C | 4h 15m | ✓ |
| Kos | 31°C | 13 | 0 | 24°C | 4h | ✓ |
| Majorca | 31°C | 11 | 1 | 25°C | 2h 30m | ✓ |
| Dalaman (Turkey) | 34°C | 13 | 1 | 27°C | 4h | ✓ |
| Malta | 31°C | 12 | 0 | 26°C | 3h 30m | ✓ |
| Dubrovnik Riviera | 30°C | 11 | 2 | 25°C | 2h 45m | ✓ |
| Costa Blanca | 31°C | 11 | 1 | 25°C | 2h 45m | ✓ |
| Costa del Sol | 30°C | 11 | 1 | 23°C | 3h | ✓ |
| Costa Dorada | 30°C | 11 | 2 | 24°C | 2h | ✓ |
| Ibiza | 30°C | 11 | 1 | 26°C | 2h 30m | ✓ |
| Egypt | 38°C | 13 | 0 | 28°C | 5h | ✓ |
Best Places That Are Hot in July
Rhodes – Best Overall
For most UK travellers, Rhodes is the standout destination in July.
Average daytime temperatures reach around 32°C, while the island enjoys almost uninterrupted sunshine throughout the month. Resorts including Faliraki, Lindos and Ixia offer everything from lively nightlife to peaceful beaches and luxury hotels.
Rhodes also combines excellent beach weather with one of the Mediterranean’s most impressive historic old towns, making it ideal if you want more than just time by the pool.
Best for: Couples, families and all round summer holidays.
Crete – Best for Variety
Crete offers everything you could want from a July holiday.
With temperatures around 31°C, warm seas and beautiful beaches, it’s perfect for relaxing, while attractions such as Samaria Gorge, Chania Old Town and Elafonissi Beach provide plenty to explore.
Compared with many smaller Greek islands, Crete offers greater variety in both scenery and resorts.
Best for: Families, couples and longer holidays.
Dalaman, Turkey – Best Value
Turkey’s Dalaman region enjoys some of the hottest weather in Europe during July.
Average temperatures regularly exceed 34°C, while resorts such as Marmaris, Icmeler and Fethiye offer excellent value all inclusive holidays.
Compared with many Greek islands, you’ll often find larger hotels and better value for money without compromising on sunshine.
Best for: All inclusive holidays, families and couples.
Majorca – Best Family Holiday
Majorca is one of the UK’s favourite summer destinations for good reason.
Average temperatures reach around 31°C while resorts such as Alcudia, Cala Millor and Palma Nova offer some of the best family friendly beaches in the Mediterranean.
The island combines beautiful coastline with plenty of activities, including water parks, boat trips, cycling routes and historic towns. Although July is one of the busiest months to visit, Majorca offers enough variety to suit families, couples and groups.
Compared with Ibiza, Majorca feels more relaxed and offers a wider choice of traditional beach resorts.
Best for: Families, couples and first time Mediterranean holidays.
Malta – Best for Culture and Beaches
Malta combines hot sunshine with fascinating history and excellent swimming conditions.
Temperatures average around 31°C during July, while the island enjoys almost guaranteed sunshine and warm sea temperatures. St Paul’s Bay is one of Malta’s most popular holiday areas, offering easy access to beaches, boat trips and attractions.
Unlike many traditional beach destinations, Malta offers a unique combination of historic cities, crystal clear waters and excellent diving opportunities.
Compared with the Costa del Sol, Malta often provides warmer seas and a more compact island experience.
Best for: Couples, culture lovers and city and beach holidays.
Dubrovnik Riviera – Best Scenic Destination
Croatia is at its best during July, with warm weather, clear seas and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Europe.
The Dubrovnik Riviera, including the beautiful resort of Cavtat, enjoys temperatures around 30°C, long sunny days and warm Adriatic waters.
June and July are excellent times to visit Croatia before the busiest August crowds arrive. Visitors can combine relaxing beach days with historic towns, island excursions and stunning coastal views.
Compared with Spain’s larger resorts, Croatia offers a more scenic and relaxed Mediterranean experience.
Best for: Couples, scenic holidays and island hopping.
Costa Blanca – Best for Lively Resorts
The Costa Blanca enjoys classic summer sunshine throughout July.
Temperatures average around 31°C, while resorts such as Benidorm offer wide sandy beaches, a huge choice of hotels and plenty of entertainment.
Benidorm remains particularly popular with families and groups thanks to its easy beach access, restaurants, nightlife and attractions. The region also offers quieter alternatives including Moraira, Calpe and Javea.
Compared with the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca often offers slightly warmer sea temperatures during July.
Best for: Families, groups and lively beach holidays.
Ibiza – Best for Beaches and Nightlife
Ibiza is one of the most popular destinations in Europe during July, but it offers much more than nightlife.
The island has some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches, with quieter resorts such as Santa Eulalia and Cala Llonga providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
July brings guaranteed sunshine, warm seas and a lively holiday atmosphere, making it particularly popular with couples, groups and younger travellers.
Compared with Majorca, Ibiza has a stronger nightlife scene but a smaller selection of traditional family resorts.
Best for: Couples, groups, beaches and nightlife.
Other Great July Destinations
Kos
Kos enjoys hot, reliable weather throughout July, with temperatures around 31°C and warm seas perfect for swimming.
The island combines beautiful beaches with traditional villages, cycling routes and a relaxed atmosphere. It is particularly popular with families and couples looking for an easy going Greek island holiday.
Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol remains one of Spain’s most dependable summer destinations.
Resorts including Benalmadena, Marbella and Torremolinos offer around 30°C temperatures, excellent beaches and plenty of restaurants and attractions.
Although the sea is slightly cooler than destinations further east in the Mediterranean, the region benefits from excellent infrastructure and a wide choice of accommodation.
Costa Dorada
The Costa Dorada is a strong choice for families during July.
Salou offers wide sandy beaches, a lively promenade and easy access to PortAventura World, making it one of Spain’s most popular family holiday destinations.
The region is slightly cooler than southern Spain but still enjoys excellent summer weather.
Tenerife
Although the Mediterranean becomes the main focus during July, Tenerife remains a reliable sunshine destination.
The island averages around 26°C, with very little rainfall and comfortable conditions for beaches, sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Its slightly cooler temperatures can actually be an advantage for travellers who prefer warm weather without extreme heat.
Egypt
Egypt offers some of the hottest holiday weather available within a relatively short flight from the UK.
Red Sea resorts including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh regularly reach around 38°C during July, with almost guaranteed sunshine and warm seas.
However, the intense daytime heat means many visitors prefer to spend more time around the pool, in the sea or enjoying hotel facilities rather than sightseeing during the afternoon.
Is July a Good Time to Travel?
July is one of the best months of the year for a beach holiday, offering reliable sunshine across almost the entire Mediterranean.
The combination of hot weather, warm seas and long daylight hours makes it ideal for travellers looking for a traditional summer escape.
Reasons to travel in July
- Peak summer weather across Europe.
- Warm Mediterranean Sea temperatures.
- Long sunny days.
- Huge choice of destinations and resorts.
- Excellent conditions for swimming, watersports and beach holidays.
- Perfect weather for outdoor dining and evening entertainment.
Things to consider
- Prices increase during the school summer holidays.
- Popular resorts can become very busy.
- Flights and hotels often sell out earlier than other months.
- Southern destinations such as Egypt and parts of Turkey can become extremely hot.
Our Top July Picks
| Holiday Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Rhodes |
| Best value | Dalaman (Turkey) |
| Best beaches | Crete |
| Hottest destination | Egypt |
| Best family holiday | Majorca |
| Best luxury holiday | Malta |
| Best scenic destination | Dubrovnik Riviera |
| Best nightlife | Ibiza |
For most UK travellers, Rhodes offers the best balance of weather, beaches and things to do during July.
Families looking for easy beach holidays should consider Majorca, while travellers wanting excellent value should look towards Turkey’s Dalaman Coast.
For something different, Croatia and Malta offer beautiful scenery, historic towns and a more distinctive Mediterranean experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Egypt is among the hottest destinations within a relatively short flight from the UK, with temperatures regularly approaching 40°C. Turkey and the Greek islands are among the warmest European options.
Rhodes and Crete are usually among the hottest Greek islands in July, with average daytime temperatures around 31–32°C.
Yes. Majorca averages around 31°C during July, with long sunny days, low rainfall and warm sea temperatures.
Some parts of Turkey can become very hot during July, especially inland areas. Coastal resorts such as Dalaman benefit from sea breezes and remain popular for summer holidays.
Yes. Sea temperatures across Greece, Spain, Croatia and Malta are typically between 24°C and 27°C, making July one of the best months for swimming.
Absolutely. July offers some of the most reliable beach weather of the year, with sunshine, warm seas and excellent conditions across the Mediterranean.
Conclusion
July is one of the very best months of the year for a Mediterranean beach holiday. Long sunny days, hot temperatures and warm seas make it ideal for families, couples and groups looking for guaranteed summer sunshine.
For most UK travellers, Rhodes is the strongest all round choice thanks to its reliable weather, beautiful beaches and excellent choice of resorts. Crete, Majorca and Turkey’s Dalaman Coast are also outstanding options, while Malta and Croatia’s Dubrovnik Riviera offer something a little different.
In simple terms:
- Choose Rhodes for the best all round July holiday.
- Choose Majorca for family friendly beaches and a short flight.
- Choose Dalaman for excellent value and hot weather.
- Choose Croatia or Malta for scenic Mediterranean escapes.
- Choose Egypt if maximum heat is your priority.
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Dawn - Travel Expert
Dawn Morwood, who is based in Belfast, is our top deal finder! She has a passion for helping people see the world without overspending. At Cheap Deals Away UK, she shares great value holiday deals, travel tips and articles about affordable destinations.
She has been widely featured in the UK press. You can find articles published in The Sun, Express, Daily Mail, Mirror UK, Belfast Live, Liverpool Echo, Wales Online, Daily Record and many more publications.
Dawn's current favourite holiday destinations are Cascais, near Lisbon and Prague. Cascais for its charming old town streets with great quality Portuguese restaurants and Prague for its medieval castles and churches and of course the beer!
