The Best Places to Visit in July for Couples: Weather & Travel Guide

From Croatia to Copenhagen, these are the dreamiest spots to jet off to in summer.

Lavender field at sunset, Valensole, Provence, France

Photo: Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Getty Images

Updated Nov 23, 2023

When narrowing down the best places to visit in July, a few factors come into play: flights, weather and cost. Sure, Saint-Tropez is at the height of season in July, but this is when the French Riviera resort town is also at its priciest. Same goes for the most in-demand Greek islands (Mykonos and Santorini, we're looking at you) and jetset favorites like Capri and Sicily. Don't worry, there is still an entire globe of options for a July vacation.

We've scoured travel trends to narrow down the best countries to visit in July that will ensure perfect honeymoon weather and are also bucket list-worthy enough for a milestone anniversary trip. From safaris in Kenya to road trips through lavender fields in Provence, here's where to spend your July vacation.

Bali, Indonesia

Temple-filled cities, oceanfront villas, untouched islands—Bali hasn't lost its reputation as the ultimate place to Eat, Pray, Love. Any post-wedding stress will slip away after that first yoga session by the beach or Balinese massage in your private cliffside bungalow. July is the dry season, making it one of the best months for outdoor adventures like rafting or hiking the many mountains.

Things to Do: Tour the best of Ubud's sites (like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Tegenungan Waterfall) or take part in a crystal bowl meditation or vinyasa flow at The Yoga Barn. Resorts like Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offer full wellness programs that include complimentary yoga, vibrational sound healing and Balinese cooking classes. Pro surfers flock to Uluwatu for infamous breaks, but beginners have plenty of options for smaller waves—especially near spots like Uluwatu Surf Villas. Lunch at Ulu Artisan, sip cocktails at Ulu Cliffhouse and watch the sunset from cliffside Uluwatu Temple.

Places to Stay: Go for a sprawling villa in Ubud at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve or an eco-savvy tree house at Bambu Indah. For luxurious stays, Raffles Bali, COMO Shambhala Estate, Bulgari Resort Bali and Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali are some of the top, while Uluwatu Surf Villas hovers above one of the area's best surf breaks.

Tourists watching wildebeest and zebra migration

While Kenya is great for safaris any time of the year, July guarantees some of the best weather—dry days with temperatures that aren't too hot. A bucket list trip for honeymoons, anniversaries or milestone birthdays, Africa's show-stopping Great Migration kicks off in July. From Big 5 game viewing to some of the most swoon-worthy islands scattered off the coast, Kenya is the perfect spot for couples looking for a vacation that blends the best of beach and bush.

Things to Do: Stroll off jet lag in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, at galleries and antique shops, or head to the well-heeled neighborhood of Karen to visit the museum devoted to Out of Africa author Karen Blixen. Spend the morning on a tour crossing off two major wildlife conservation efforts—Nairobi's Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage—before heading to the Maasai Mara National Reserve on safari.

Places to Stay: You'll have a guaranteed photo opp at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi (the name gives it away), but make reservations in advance. Luxury lodges and tented camps are scattered across the country, but the Masai Mara is, by far, the most well-recognized region for spotting wildlife. Highlights include andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Basecamp Masai Mara, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Cottar's 1920s Camp, Mahali Mzuri and Finch Hattons.

Marble temple (Wat Benchamabophit) in reflection, Bangkok

Catch the tail end of Thailand's hot season in July, as prices in more popular spots around the country start to drop. Embrace the bustle of Bangkok by temple-hopping across the cosmopolitan city and admiring architectural wonders like the gilded and mosaic-covered Grand Palace. The capital offers couples plenty of options for places to stay, from sleek newcomers like The Standard, Bangkok (head up to Mexican eatery Ojo, Thailand's highest restaurant, for 360-degree views of the city) to landmark spots like riverside Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. From Bangkok, it's easy to fly to Thailand's many islands or cities, like Chiang Mai.

Things to Do: Eat your way around Bangkok's infamous street food stands (Chinatown is a great place to start) or step things up a few notches and indulge in a romantic Michelin meal at Le Du, POTONG or Gaggan Anand, where the restaurant's namesake chef conducts his "food opera." Tour the best of Bangkok in a day before flying to the popular island of Koh Samui, where you can spend your time basking on the beach, upping your cooking skills, or relaxing with your other half during Thai massages.

Places to Stay: In Bangkok, call it a night at The Standard, Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River—one of the most talked-about luxury openings in the capital. Island hop to Koh Samui and call Six Senses Samui your home-away-from-home, or head out to wine country and stay at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort.

The weather in Tahiti is pure perfection in July, meaning it's a great spot to head to for a summer honeymoon. The annual Heiva I Tahiti—a celebration of Polynesian culture through festivities like music and dance—runs through the first half of the month, so entertainment in forms other than swimming with sharks and stingrays is already on the itinerary. And for those worried about scorching temps, July is when the heat relaxes a bit, so it's much more pleasant for activities like hiking.

Things to Do: French Polynesia is the kind of place where doing absolutely nothing is not only allowed, but encouraged. When you're ready to leave your overwater bungalow, jet ski around Bora Bora or cruise to picture-perfect snorkel sites via catamaran. One of the best ways to soak it all in? From the sky on a private plane soaring over Moorea.

Places to Stay: For overwater bungalows, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and Conrad Bora Bora Nui are top picks for honeymooners.

Crowds swell in the Mediterranean in summer, but couples looking to soak up the sun just need to choose the right island to avoid the masses. Predicted to be the new Mykonos in the next few years, now is the time to visit the Cycladic island of Paros and its sister island, Antiparos. Fall into the rhythm of Greek life dining at tavernas along the beach, sipping coffee in the whitewashed medieval village of Lefkes, or cruising the coast by catamaran.

Things to Do: Sample local wine at Domaine Myrsini, which overlooks Parikia Bay, before settling into lunch on the harbor at Markakis. Spend the day lounging at a beach club like Cabana Paros or Faragas, or take the quick ferry over to Antiparos for shopping and dining at spots like Sapou and Casa Fistiki. Watch the sunset from the aptly named restaurant and bar Sunset Antiparos, or head back to Paros and take a seat by the water at Mario Restaurant.

Places to Stay: Paros is dotted with boutique stays like the newly opened Minois, Cosme, Parilio and Avant Mar. For an intimate villa, book minimalist-chic Moonhouse or one of the 16 private homes at The Rooster on Antiparos.

Endless lavender field in Provence, France

When it comes to a scenic road trip, Provence is pretty tough to beat—especially when lavender is blooming in July. Take the train from Paris down to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, or rent a car in Nice and make your way through the lavender- and sunflower-lined fields in Valensole en route to the Gorges du Verdon, France's version of the Grand Canyon. Couples don't have to work hard to compromise on nature, culture and cuisine—you'll find a mix everywhere you turn, from perched medieval villages to Michelin-starred countryside eateries.

Things to Do: Provence is a real-life made-for-Instagram locale with its Beauty and the Beast villages, vineyard-covered hillside, farmhouses-turned-boutique hotels and mermaid lagoon-colored lakes. Cycle through olive groves and lavender fields, stroll morning markets, pause for wine tastings and savor farm-to-table fare on al fresco terraces. Some of France's most famous artists called this region home (or drew plenty of inspiration from it), and you can view their work at galleries and museums, as well as spots like Aix-en-Provence's Hôtel de Caumont - Centre d'Art. For a splurge-worthy meal, book a table at fine-dining Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste.

Places to Stay: Countryside stunners include La Bastide de Marie, Coquillade Provence, Domaine de Fontenille and Ultimate Provence. Sleep like royalty in medieval villages at boutique options like Crillon le Brave or Airelles Gordes, or sprawl out somewhere lavish like Villa La Coste.

Personal perspective of tourist holding an ice cream in front of Nyhavn canal, Copenhagen

Summer doesn't have to be solely about seaside escapes. Scandinavia and its midnight sun (days that drag on nearly 19 hours) ensure plenty of time for sightseeing around capital cities. And for foodies who want to dine around the region's best restaurants, there's no better spot than Copenhagen, the birthplace of the New Nordic movement. If you can score a reservation at Noma before it closes, that's sure to top your trip (and year). But don't stress too much—even food markets and urban farms offer top-notch dining options that you'll continue dreaming about when you get back home.

Things to Do: Cross off landmarks while cruising the city's canals or join the locals cycling (the city is one of the best in the world for bikes) on a guided tour to highlights like the Little Mermaid statue. Art and architecture lovers will find plenty to admire at Ordrupgaard, a museum north of the city that houses an impressive collection of Danish art in new wings designed by Zaha Hadid and Norway's Snøhetta (also behind the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet in Oslo). Sure, there's the golden triangle of Michelin dining—Noma, Geranium and Alchemist—but two-starred Jordnær isn't to be missed (especially for caviar fans). For something more casual, sample the street food stands on Refshaleøen or pick up a pastry at the city's hippest bakery, Hart.

Places to Stay: Architectural beauty Villa Copenhagen is a stylish option within walking distance of many of the city's attractions, while cozy Kanalhuset—which feels like you're staying in a family member's home—on Christianshavn sits in an 18th century building right in the center with views over the canal.

UK, Northern Ireland, County Antrim, Ballintoy, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Aerial Drone view

July in Ireland is when festival season is fully underway (mega music festival Camp Dalfest on the grounds of Glenarm Castle is one to add to your annual lineup), but the country is home to plenty of other fantastic summer activities. Island hop (yes, Ireland has islands) to shores with sandy white beaches, deserted villages and carvings created by the Celts that date back 2,000 years. If you only have time for one big landmark, Cliffs of Moher is it. Or, spend some time road tripping the world's longest defined coastal touring route on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Things to Do: Strolling through Dublin is romantic enough—the cozy pubs, cobbled streets and red-brick buildings are to die for. Couples shouldn't miss sights like Dublin Castle, but the countryside is what makes Ireland really shine. Hit some of the highlights like Blarney Castle on a full-day tour from Dublin. If you'd rather adventure on your own, stargaze from a spot you won't forget anytime soon—a bubble dome in a private forest in County Fermanagh.

Places to Stay: The Westbury is one of the most elegant spots to stay in Dublin (wait until you try the afternoon tea!), while boutique hotel The Dean is in the heart of the city's dining and nightlife scene—its industrial-chic penthouse suite gives couples plenty of space to spread out. Combine a city stay with a dreamy escape in the Irish countryside at the stunning Ashford Castle, once home to the Guinness family.

Incredibly beautiful cove next to Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda

A quick direct flight from East Coast cities like New York, Atlanta and Miami, Bermuda is at its best in summer. The 21-square-mile island may be famous as part of a triangle known for shipwrecks, but there is so, so much more to this stunner, whose pink-sand beaches and otherworldly rock formations look almost unreal. Pair affordable all-inclusive resorts and charming hilltop cottages with hundreds of years of culture and tons of outdoor activities, and you'll see why this island in the North Atlantic is one of the most underrated summer travel destinations.

Things to Do: Tour the island's natural attractions stopping to cliff jump or go cave swimming before ending at one of Bermuda's best snorkeling reefs at Cooper's Island. Taste local culture on a food tour of capital city Hamilton, or discover a different side of the island's history snorkeling offshore around shipwrecks of the Constellation and Montana, among the hundreds that sank here over the years.

Places to Stay: Couples will find plenty of luxe lodgings in Bermuda, from "Pink Palace" Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club to sophisticated Rosewood Bermuda, which opens up to the island's largest private beach.

Diocletian's Palace, Split, Split-Dalmatia, Croatia

You've stayed in Sicily, island hopped through Greece and summered on Capri—now it's time for Croatia. Coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik are great jumping off points for couples who want a short history lesson in the form of walking old town walls or sipping coffee on ancient palace steps. If you're looking for scenic coastal roads winding over turquoise water, Croatia has you covered. Set the GPS for Mali Ston and make your way along the Pelješac peninsula toward the village famous for both its fortress and oysters, which you can slurp seaside before continuing to the islands.

Things to Do: The most popular way to see the Dalmatian islands is by boat, sailing the coast or hiring a skipper to guide you to tucked-away beach bars, wineries hidden in caves along the coast, and parties on par with Ibiza (Hvar's Carpe Diem has long been the place). Some of the islands' best cuisine is on Korčula, where you can dine Michelin at LD Restaurant in the old town at tables spilling out along cobbled streets, or cozy up at the romantic Konoba Maha, a hillside stone-house-turned-restaurant with some of the island's top craft cocktails.

Places to Stay: Start your honeymoon by checking into one of the six suites (each with its own private entrance) in the 18th century palace-turned-boutique-hotel Lešić Dimitri Palace, whose design nods to Marco Polo's Silk Road adventures. You'll be in a convenient locale to stroll to restaurants or toast with cocktails along the water. Ferry over to Hvar for an experience just as regal, checking in to Palace Elisabeth, a landmark hotel and former duke's palace (ask for a sea view balcony room for one of the best vantage points over the bustling harbor). On the opposite side of the island, Maslina Resort is the perfect place to reset after all that wedding planning hubbub. The design-savvy spot has private villa feels with beds looking out at the Adriatic Sea and a rugged coastline with macrame umbrellas dotting the intimate coves. Plan to spend a full day in the spa—you'll want to make the most of the aromatherapy steam room and experiential showers.

Throughout the summer, you'll spot humpback whales migrating off the northeast coast of Madagascar, making July one of the best months to visit the world's fourth-largest island. Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is like the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Since it's been separated from mainland Africa for millions of years, the island is home to species you won't find anywhere else in the world (40 species of lemurs alone are native here).

Things to Do: Crisscross from the northeast to the east coast via 4x4 sampling seafood on the beaches of Nosy Be or tour plantations of vanilla and tropical fruits. Diving here is some of the best on the globe, where you'll see tons of coral, shipwrecks, tropical fish and sharks. Practice your photography skills capturing shots of lemurs, orchids and baobabs.

Places to Stay: Options range from eco lodges only accessible by boat to tree houses, tiny guesthouses and luxurious beach resorts. Couples can even live on the water chartering a private yacht. If you want to really get off the grid, stay in a thatched-roof bungalow at Constance Tsarabanjina on the uninhabited island of Nosy Tsarabanjina off the northwest coast.