If your goal is 60–75°F (16–24°C), low humidity, beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds than the Mediterranean, there are a lot of great options. July is peak travel season almost everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, but many places are far less crowded—and often better value—than famous European beach destinations.
Here are some of the best choices:
1. Faroe Islands
If you don't mind cool weather, this is one of the best July escapes.
- Highs: 52–57°F (11–14°C)
- Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, puffins, hiking
- Long daylight hours
- Tourism is growing but still modest compared with places like Santorini or Dubrovnik
Good if you enjoy:
- Photography
- Hiking
- Quiet villages
- Seafood
2. Iceland (outside the Golden Circle)
Instead of staying around Reykjavík, head to:
- Westfjords
- Eastfjords
- North Iceland
Expect:
- 50–60°F
- Almost endless daylight
- Spectacular waterfalls
- Much lighter crowds than southern Iceland
3. New Zealand (winter)
July is winter there.
Pros:
- Ski towns
- Crisp mountain weather
- Fewer international tourists than in peak summer
Places like:
- Queenstown
- Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
The downside is the long flight.
4. Canada
One of the best values for Americans.
Consider:
- Vancouver Island
- Haida Gwaii
- Kootenay Rockies
- Cape Breton Island
Typical highs:
- 65–75°F
- Comfortable evenings
- Great hiking and kayaking
5. Norway (not the fjord cruise circuit)
Instead of crowded cruises, explore:
- Trondheim
- Lofoten (busy but manageable if you stay outside the biggest villages)
- Senja
Cool temperatures, midnight sun, incredible scenery.
6. Scotland
July highs:
Consider:
- Outer Hebrides
- Orkney
- Cairngorms National Park
Beautiful beaches without Mediterranean crowds.
7. Ireland (west coast)
Especially:
- County Donegal
- Achill Island
- Beara Peninsula
Cool temperatures and fewer visitors than hotspots like Dublin or Cliffs of Moher.
8. Chile (Lake District)
Southern Hemisphere winter.
Visit:
- Puerto Varas
- Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Think volcanoes, lakes, forests, and snow-covered mountains.
9. Alaska
If you haven't been, July is one of the best months.
Instead of only visiting Anchorage:
- Kenai Peninsula
- Kodiak Island
- Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
Typical highs:
10. Argentina (Patagonia)
July is winter, so it's not hiking season everywhere, but towns such as:
offer mountain scenery, skiing, and cool temperatures.
Best overall picks by travel style
| If you want... | Go to... |
|---|
| The coolest weather | Faroe Islands |
| Mountains and wildlife | Alaska |
| Best value | Canada |
| Spectacular scenery | Norway |
| Remote adventure | Haida Gwaii |
| Charming villages | Scotland |
| Long international trip | New Zealand |
Given you're trying to escape the southern U.S. heat and avoid crowded, overpriced beach destinations, I'd especially recommend the Faroe Islands, western or northern Iceland, coastal British Columbia, Alaska, or Scotland's islands. They combine mild summer temperatures, dramatic landscapes, and a pace that's generally much quieter than Europe's most famous coastal resorts.
