July has no shortage of baking temperatures for holidaymakers to enjoy (Picture: Getty Images)
With travel opening up once again around the world, summer holidays are back on the cards for the first time since 2019.
Considering the 2020 and 2021 everybody had – with staycations becoming the norm it makes perfect sense to seek out some warm weather and some sunny beaches now we have the opportunity again.
Or you might be looking for something a bit more high-energy, be it a bustling capital city or a far-flung country – with temperatures soaring into the 30S and even 40s in some parts of the world, you’ll be spoiled for choice for places to top up that tan.
And if you’re also looking to shake those post-Christmas blues, the start of the New Year is a great time to get away.
So, where in the world should you jet off to in July 2022?
Of course nothing in the travel world is certain – things remain unpredictable and could change at any time – but right now, any of these places are a good bet for some July sunshine
Where is hot in July?
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is sizzling in July (Picture: Getty Images)
Temperature: 41°C
Sunshine hours: 14 hours
Flight time: 10 hours 40 minutes
If you’re looking for some genuinely scorching temperatures, you’ll find them in Las Vegas in July – which is the hottest month of the year in this glitzy enclave of the Mojave Desert.
Las Vegas is of course the casino capital of the world, the city dominated by its world-famous Strip – filled with enormous elaborate hotels which are tourist attractions in themselves.
The casinos are a big draw of course, but there is plenty to do there even if gambling isn’t your thing – highlights include the gondola ride through the Bellagio Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel’s Neon Museum which trawls through the history of the city – and of course the nearby Grand Canyon, best visited by helicopter or plane for spectacular views.
New York
New York’s July weather is perfect for seeing all the city has to offer (Picture: Getty Images)
Temperature: 29°C
Sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time: 7 hrs 55 minutes
If Las Vegas proves too hot for you, a trip to the East Coast of America will also give you the sunshine you’re looking for in July, with New York’s weather proving perfect for exploring all the city has to offer.
The Big Apple is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, from the bright lights of Times Square and Broadway through to the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.
Other highlights include the Metropolitan Art Museum – a must-see – as well as taking a trip to Greenwich Village and shopping till you drop in the designer stores on Fifth Avenue.
And if you do want a break to top up your tan, the city even has beaches you can chill out at – including the famous Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn, complete with boardwalk and fairground rides.
Tenerife
Don’t forget to experience the black sand beaches in Tenerife (Picture: Getty Images)
Temperature: 28°C
Sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time: Four hours, 25 minutes
Europe’s holiday destinations come into their own in the summer months, making it a great time to head off Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, and a hugely popular summer sun spot.
There’s no shortage of beaches to choose from in Tenerife, including the popular Playa de la Tejita and Costa Adeje – from where you can go dolphin and whale-watching, as well as paragliding, if you’re after something more energetic than chilling on the sand.
Tenerife is also known for its black sand beaches – make sure to visit Playa de los Gigantes, or Playa Jardin in Puerta de la Cruz, to experience the unusual phenomenon.
Crete
No trip to Crete would be complete without visiting Chania (Picture: Getty Images)
Temperature: 29°C
Sunshine hours: 12 hours
Flight time: Four hours
The largest and most populous of the Greek Islands, Crete is steeped in history and mythology, meaning you can expect absorbing tourist attractions alongside the beaches.
If it’s sunseeking you’re after there’s more than enough beaches to choose from, with Elafonisi and Falassarna beaches among the best rated.
When you’re done topping up your tan be sure to check out the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Minoan Palace of Knossos – or head on over to the city of Chania, known for its 14th Century Venetian harbour.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik makes for a stunning holiday destination (Picture: Getty Images)
Temperature: 30°C
Sunshine hours: 12 hours
Flight time: Two hours 40 minutes
Croatia has become an increasingly popular holiday destination in recent years, and Dubrovnik, which sits on the Adriatic Sea in the south of the country, has plenty to recommend it.
Although there’s some lovely beaches here – the stunning Copacabana Beach and the tourist-friendly Banje Beach among them – you’ll want to make the most of everything else the city has to offer. Make sure you take time to explore the Old Town, with history dating back to the 9th Century, as well as taking the cablecar over the city up to Mount Srd for some breathtaking views.
And if you’re a Game Of Thrones fan, you can take a walking tour of locations and landmarks which feature in the series – as Dubrovnik served as the backdrop for King’s Landing from season two onwards.
Majorca
Majorca – the largest of the Balearics – remains as popular as ever (Picture: Getty Images)
Temperature: 24°C
Sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time: Two hours 25 minutes
The Spanish Islands are always a popular bet during holiday season and Majorca – the largest of the Balearics – remains a favourite with British sunseekers.
Visitors have no shortage of beaches to choose from – over 300 in fact – ranging from Es Trenc on the south Coast through to Playa de Alcudia – close to the largest holiday resort on the island.
If you’re looking to things to do away from sunbathing though, Majorca has plenty more to recommend it – hikers can take a trek through the Tramunata mountain range, while those looking for something less energetic can explore the town of Arta, with its Bronze Age ruins, or visit the market in Santa Catalina.
Madeira
Madeira is picturesque and has warm temperatures in July (Picture: Getty Images)
Temperature: 22°C
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Three hours 50 minutes
The Portuguese island of Madeira is becoming increasingly popular – and with its lush scenery and warm temperatures it’s a great bet for a summer break.
The capital Funchal is great for al fresco dining, as well as its picturesque harbour, its Madeira wine cellars – and while you’re there check out the imposing Funchal Cathedral, with its carved wooden ceiling.
Those who enjoy their hiking will also be in for a treat here – take a walk along one of the levadas – irrigation systems – on the island, taking in the awesome scenery along the way.
Or for a more relaxing outing, take the cable car over Funchal for fantastic views of the town, or check out the Tropical Gardens at Monte Palace.
Porto
Porto has
Temperature: 25°C
Sunshine hours: 10 hours
Flight time: Two hours, 25 minutes
If you’re looking for a good alternative to Lisbon, Porto has become increasingly popular in recent years – and July is a perfect time to visit.
There’s no shortage of picturesque scenery in Porto, with its cobbled streets and colourful buildings – but there’s plenty to see too. Check out the Clerigos Tower – all 225 steps of it – for breathtaking views of the city – or pay a visit to Se Cathedral for a dose of local history.
Expect to eat very well there also – don’t leave without trying a francesinha, a sandwich layered with meat, before being covered with melted cheese and served with a spicy tomato sauce. You may not have room left for the accompanying fries.
And of course if you like port you’ll be spoiled for choice here – as it’s famous for producing the fortified wine.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde has gorgeous architecture and plenty of beaches (Picture: Getty Images)
Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine hours: 7 hours
Flight time: Six hours
If you want somewhere a little more off the beaten track consider Cape Verde – the largest island in an archipelago of 10, and replete with balmy temperatures and beautiful beaches.
If it’s sunseeking you’re after, check out Santa Monica Beach or head for Boa Vista, which has 55km worth of golden sands, as well as some great resorts where you can kick back and relax.
If you go early in the month, you might also catch the Municipality Day in Santa Isabel – which is celebrated with processions and a public ball, among the main events.
Seychelles
Mahe is among the Seychelles’ many gorgeous islands (Picture: Getty Images)
Temperature: 26°C
Sunshine hours: 7 hours
Flight time: 12 hours 20 minutes
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa – and it offers gorgeous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as must-see scenery and unusual wildlife.
If it’s beaches you’re after, head to the islands of Mahe or La Digue for white sands and turquoise seas, or try Anse Georgette on Praslin, or Anse Lazio – one of the best places to catch a spectacular sunset.
If walking is your thing, the Copolia Trail and Morne Blanc through Mahe are not to be missed – and be sure to check out the Seychelles’ compact capital, Victoria – a tiny town with a population of just 25,000.
And don’t forget a visit to North Island and the Aldabra atoll – home to a species of giant tortoise, one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Keep in mind
While the world may once again have opened up to international travel, we are still in the Covid pandemic – meaning that the rules could still, theoretically, change at any time.
You can visit all of the destinations on this list at the time of writing, but you should keep in mind that if a country’s travel rules change while you’re already there, you could be subject to quarantine.
It’s wise to keep a close eye on the country’s individual entry requirements – which will be subject to change. Some countries may only require a negative test while others may require travellers to be fully vaccinated, with unvaccinated passengers having to quarantine on arrival.
Before you book, it’s advisable to check the Foreign Office Travel Advice to ensure the place you plan to visit is open to UK tourists, and what the conditions of entry might be.
You should also note you will be subject to the rules of your destination country while you are there – if face masks are still mandatory in certain places for example, you will be required to wear them – and you may also have to quarantine or self-isolate if you test positive for Covid while you are there.
You should ensure you have travel insurance that includes Covid cover, in the event this happens and you need to extend your stay – or if you need medical treatment as a result.
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