Where to go in July

Fiji

With July comes the start of the school holidays, and the opportunity to venture out to faraway destinations. Try the secluded islands of Fiji for an idyllic summer escape.

Weather

Temperature: min. 20°C, max. 26°C
Sunniest and driest month of the year.

Season

Peak season.

Good for

Older kids and teenagers who won’t mind the long flight.

What’s there

Lazy tropical beaches, swaying palm trees, vibrant coral reefs and lush gardens.

What’s on

Fijian fire-walking performances, and the Bula Festival – an annual celebration of Fijian food, music, and culture.

Flight time from UK: 23h 55m to Nadi, mainly via Hong Kong or LA

Jamaica

July is the hottest month of the year in Jamaica, so sunny days are almost guaranteed. Swim, snorkel, and soak up the laidback energy of this Caribbean gem.

Weather

Temperature: min. 24°C, max. 33°C
Sea temperatures at a mild 29°C
Sunny, hot and humid.

Season

Off-peak. Peak season is December to April.

Good for

All ages, those who won’t mind the intense mid-summer heat.

What’s there

All-inclusive resorts set around mountains, lush rainforests, and relaxing beaches, as well as a rich cultural scene.

What’s on

Little Ochi Seafood Carnival, International Reggae Day, Reggae Sumfest (for older kids), and the beginning of the Jamaican Independence Festival.

Flight time from UK: 9h 45m from London to Montego Bay

Lake Como, Italy

The third largest lake in Italy, Como is a hit with the rich and famous. Discover why in July, when the temperatures are warm and the watersport season is in full swing.

Weather

Temperature: min. 18°C, max. 26°C
The height of summer, so usually sunny, staying warm in the evenings.

Season

Peak season.

Good for

Slightly older kids who will have more opportunity to take part in activities.

What’s there

Hiking trails, rowing, canyoning, water skiing and kitesurfing – all in the company of breathtaking mountain landscapes and pastel-coloured lakeside towns.

What’s on

The Lake Como International Music Festival, as well as independent cultural events.

Flight time from UK: 1h 55m to Malpensa Milan Airport

Austin, Texas

The hip state capital of Texas is famous for food trucks and live music. However, with natural springs and lazy rivers, it’s also a hotspot for tubing – a local’s favourite way to cool off.

Weather

Temperature: min. 24°C, max. 35°C
The sunniest and driest month of the year.

Season

Slightly off-peak, as most people tend avoid the summer heat.

Good for

All ages

What’s there

Barton Creek, the San Marcos River, and the Guadalupe river all provide family-friendly waters to tube and swim along. There’s also Zilker Park and a trendy city, with the Austin Toy Museum, although with hot temperatures, you’ll want to spend most of your time in the water.

What’s on

4th July Independence day celebrations, music and cultural events, and bat watching under Congress Avenue Bridge.

Flight time from UK: 10h 5m

Great Barrier Reef & Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Tragically, time is running out for Australia’s Iconic Great Barrier Reef so the beautiful coral reef should be top of your bucket list as a must go destination.

Weather

Temperature: min. 18°C, max. 24°C
Chilly sea temperatures so you’ll need a wetsuit but there’s less chance of rain, cyclones and jellyfish

Season

July is off-peak season in season for Australia’s East Coast. Peak season begins in September.

Good for

Best for teens with diving experience, let them experience the reef up close and discover why it’s one of the wonders of the world. For younger kids, snorkelling is a great option. The perfect long-haul summer holiday break.

What’s there

Choose from one of several island resorts (complete with kids clubs!), anchor yourself firmly on the mainland or try your hand(s) sailing the Coral Sea.

What’s on

There are so many activities on offer for families, it’s hard to know where to begin. Visit the turtles at Townsville Reef HQ – a sanctuary for turtles, getting close to stingrays at Dreamland Island or taking an extended cruise around the whole reef.

Flight time from UK: 19.5 hours

British Columbia, Canada

Nowhere on earth has more wilderness to explore and wonders to witness than Canada.

Weather

Temperature: min. 14°C, max 22°C

Season

Mid-August to October is high season for grizzlies.

Good for

Kids will love the wildlife and the chance for adventure, make sure you pick a family friendly hotel and activities that are relevant to their age.

What’s there

Sighting grizzlies in their natural habitat is one of the great Canadian wilderness experiences. It’s the top place in the world to see them, but you may have to be patient as they tend to keep themselves hidden.

What’s on

Bald eagle sightings, the occasional orca (at the right time of year), soaring mountains, dense forests, magnificent rivers, salmon snorkelling and absolute tranquility are all part of the adventure too.

Flight time from UK: 9h 40m

Costa Rica

Known as one of the world’s happiest countries, Costa Rica is wonderfully welcoming to families and, despite immense conservation areas and dozens of protected national parks. Plus, it’s also very accessible.

Weather

Temperature: min. 24°C, max. 31°C
It’s the wet season, so expect at least an hour or two of rain every evening.

Season

November to May are the busiest seasons. Travelling in the wet season means guaranteed storms, but weather should still be nice for a large portion of the day.

Good for

There are unusual, innovative and sustainable places to stay all over Costa Rica and almost all welcome children.
Adrenaline junky teens will love all the activities that are on offer.

What’s there

Choose from exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest through 13 km of marked trails, skywalks and rope bridges, rainforest and incredible wildlife at the Manuel Antonio National Park or miles of untouched beaches at Santa Teresa.

What’s on

For animal lovers, spend a couple of nights helping with the turtle conservation at Tortuguero National Park Attraction. It’s hard to reach but seeing the turtles in the flesh will be an unforgettable experience.

Flight time from UK: Direct flights from the UK to San Jose take just over 11 hours

Mauritius

Mauritius makes for a knockout family beach holiday: south of the equator in the balmy Indian Ocean, protected by coral reefs and ringed with over 150 km of pure white sands.

Weather

Temperature: min. 18°C, max. 23°C

Season

High season begins in November and runs until April.

Good for

Covered in mountains and forests, Creole culture and resort-style fun, Mauritius is perfect for a family holiday in the sun.

What’s there

Take your pick from one of the many beautiful beaches on the island, they’re all idyllic – some get busier than others though, especially at weekends so make your choice wisely.
Incredible clear-water swimming at Cascade de Chamarel

What’s on

Visit the Seven Colours of the Earth, hire a boat yourself or take a day trip out on the water with a group, and experience the bustling city of Port Louis alongside the phenomenal beaches around the whole coast of the island.

Flight time from UK: 12 hours

Where to go in July

Where to go in July

Sunshine