Where is hot in July?

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Weather

As one of the warmest months of the year, highs can reach 28°C and temperatures never dip below 18°C. The average rainfall is 6mm per month, which will be spread across roughly five days. But don’t worry these showers don’t last long, in fact you may experience small thunderstorms in the middle of the night and bask in glorious heat during its 15 daylight hours. 

And did you know that 86% of its daylight hours are sunny and unobstructed from any pesky clouds? It’s a win-win with a holiday to Lisbon. Sea temperatures aren’t too shabby either at a comfortable 19°C, perfect for those checking out the European Wave Freestyle Funboard Championship.  

Why go?

This coastal capital combines its seven hills with endless golden beaches making it a natural marvel, as well as a cultural hub comprised of galleries and medieval landmarks. Admire astonishing views from Vasco da Gama, Europe’s longest bridge before making a short trip across the River Tagus to see the Christ the King Monument which overlooks Lisbon. 

Meanwhile, families can pack a bucket and spade ahead of Praia de Carcavelos adventures, which is Lisbon’s most popular stretch. There’s also an aquarium which habitats over 15,000 species.

Best beaches

Praia de Adraga 

Poca Beach 

Tamariz Beach 

Azarujinha Beach

Best things to do?

Tower of Belem 

Jeronimos Monastery

Castelo de S. Jorge 

Praca do Comercio Public Square 

Bairro Alto 

Sun fact: Lisbon has never dipped below 21°C in July for over 30 years!

Flight time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Best for? Short haul, city and culture.

Best hotels

Hotel Marques De Pombal: This 4 star hotel in central Lisbon is beautifully decorated with floor-to-ceiling paintings and themed black and white rooms. Speaking of rooms, they offer premium facilities from the flat screen TV to the iPod docking stations and views over the boulevard, comfort is guaranteed. There’s also a handy restaurant onsite serving up delicious international fare and an after-dinner bar. 

Jupiter Lisboa Hotel: Designed by the legendary architect Miguel Ventura Terra, expect a combination of traditional and trendy interiors with symbols and monuments of Lisbon dotted throughout its floors. Rooms enjoy all the mod-cons including high-speed internet and an LCD 32-inch TV. There’s a spa and gym to look after your wellbeing and an a la carte restaurant filling your stomach. 

2. Majorca

Weather

Almost as hot as the Caribbean, Majorca basks in 30°C temperatures throughout the month. You may even see highs of 35°C, so we recommend keeping hydrated and layering your sunscreen on. The warmest days tend to be between 29th and 31st of July, so if you’d prefer it a little cooler at 26°C we suggest travelling early in the season. If rainfall does occur, it’s only because of the humidity levels rising, there’s only three days worth of showers to be expected but these will be in short bursts and the temperature won’t be affected. 

With 13 hours of sunshine per day to enjoy, hit the nearest sand spot and take advantage of its 24°C Mediterranean Sea. Your certainly won’t get a fright dipping your toes into these ripples, instead you won’t want to get out!

Why go?

Although Majorca’s 260 beaches have quite the reputation with their fancy Blue Flag awards and turquoise-tinted waters, there’s so much more to the largest Balearic Island. From its stunning Serra de Tramuntana Mountains who recently adopted a UNESCO World Heritage Status to its capital city of Palma whose 13th century cathedral draws in admires from all over the world – it’s quite the destination.  

You can’t forget about its party spots either such as Magaluf, where chic beach clubs hosting international DJs meet late-night clubbing venues with two for one cocktails. Alcudia and Cala Bona are popular among families thanks to their nearby aqua parks, mini golf spots and tapas eateries

Best beaches

Cala Agulla 

Formentor Beach

Cala Santanyi 

Canyamel 

Camp de Mar

Best things to do?

Alcudia Old Town 

Palma City 

Coves dels Ham 

Castell de Bellver 

Western Waterpark

Sun fact: In 2013 July broke the records with the hottest day of the year rising to 38°C on the 26th of the month..

Flight time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Best for: Short haul, families, All Inclusive hotels and nightlife.

Best hotels

Intertur Hotel Hawaii Mallorca & Suites: Based in the family-friendly resort of Palma Nova right by the sea, this 4 star resort is a premium All Inclusive. You can also opt for Full Board or Self Catering, leaving you with ample options. Guests can revel in chill out areas, buffet dining, kids’ clubs, a trio of swimming pools and so much more. 

Bellevue Club: For a fun-filled escape, the Bellevue Club is bursting with excitement. Whether you take on its go-kart track, its eight impressive swimming pools or adrenaline-pumping sports courts, an action-packed escape is on the cards. At the foot of your complex there’s Alcudia Beach and an artificial lake setting the scene. As for the rooms, they’re just as sensational as the rest of the hotel.

3. Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura

Weather

The first half of the month will see averages of 26°C, but as the middle of July creeps in highs can reach 29°C. However, Fuerteventura is renowned for its breezy conditions, so the warm winds won’t make it feel as hot. But this doesn’t mean you won’t burn, so please be cautious and apply a high factor when sunbathing amidst its colossal dunes. Leave your jackets at home, with lows of 23°C expected shorts and t-shirts are all you’ll require.

Chances of rainfall are 8mm, which is less likely to occur at the beginning of the month when the humidity is lower. The Atlantic Ocean manages to warm up to 21°C which is the second highest average sea temperature throughout the year.

Why go?

As one of Fuerteventura’s premium resorts, Caleta de Fuste combines Europe’s best beaches with dolphin swimming, world-famous golf courses and 18th century relics. This family purpose-built spot is jam-packed with shopping centres, delectable restaurants and a wealth of bars. It’s only 15 minutes from the airport too, which is convenient for those travelling with fidgety kids. 

Its surrounding highlights include an adventure park featuring camels rides, crocodile spotting and botanical gardens. In fact, it’s one of the largest zoos in the Canary Islands. Get away from the tourist drag with boat expeditions to Isla de Lobos, where snorkeling is encouraged and private beaches come as standard. Or, wonder around Fuerteventura’s only remaining salt flats.

Best beaches

Castillo Beach 

Elba Beach

Cofete Beach

Corralejo Beach

Sotavento Beach

Best things to do?

Montecastillo Market 

Oasis Park Fuerteventura 

Salt Museum 

Oceanarium Explorer 

Barcelo Thalasso Spa

Sun fact: There’s a total of 282 hours of sun throughout July, which is roughly over nine hours a day of guaranteed heat. .

Flight time: 4 hours

Best for: Short haul, beaches, All Inclusive hotels and watersports.

Best hotels

Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach Golf & Spa: Sophisticated architecture and excellent facilities are showcased in abundance at this fancy hotel, an elite 18-hole golf course and a world-class spa are just some of the highlights. There are four elegant restaurants providing a wide range of mouth-watering cuisines from around the world. All 266 glamorous rooms and suites ensure that guests have a wonderful base to relax in. Each suite comes with top-of-the-range amenities including a marble bathroom, a flat screen TV, a mini bar stocked with tantalising treats and a balcony with a stunning view of the surrounding area.

Eurostar Las Salinas: Set in Costa Caleta, Eurostars Las Salinas flaunts a stylish décor and extensive range of facilities to complement the sandy beach sat on its doorstep. Head to the lavish spa for a well-deserved dose of R&R, sample mouth-watering delights at the dynamic buffet restaurant or just simply unwind by one of its three outdoor pools.

4. Prague

Weather

heating up to 22°C in the peak of July. This kind of weather is ideal for exploring famous landmarks or placing yourself in one of its beer gardens. The 1st July is the longest day with almost 16 hours of daylight, while the shortest day drops to 15 hours. Either way, that’s plenty of time to visit its biggest draws. Rainfall is expected across 18 days, which seems like a lot but this is usually light and brief.

Why go?

Undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its rich culture, architectural marvels and a unique astronomical clock (the oldest in the world) – the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ has it all. Take in the skyline from the Vltava River, discover Jewish history in the oldest synagogues in Europe or revel in famous Czech artwork from the inside of an old glass factory. Prague is among the top 25 destinations in the world according to TripAdvisor, what other reason do you need to visit? 

Not to mention Czech beer is world-renowned for its smooth and velvety taste, it’s got such a big reputation that there’s even such a thing as a beer spa where you submerge yourself into pure pilsner.

Best beaches

Zlute Lazne 

Hostivarska Prehrada

Smichiv Beach 

Koupaliste Seberak

Best things to do?

Charles Bridge 

Old Town Square

Prague Castle 

Prague Zoo

Beer Museum

Sun fact: The hottest temperature recorded in the city was 36°C.

Flight time: 2 hours

Best for: Short haul, city breaks and sightseeing.

Best hotels

Jalta Boutique Hotel: Overlooking the jaw-dropping Wenceslas Square and the National Museum, the sight alone proves you’re in a winning location. Oozing a luxurious appeal with superior suites on every floor and a gourmet restaurant which is one of the most visited eateries in Prague, you know this is a sought-after spot. 

Pure White:  As the name suggests, this contemporary hotel is clean and minimal but comes with all the essentials. It boasts 4 stars for its chic cocktail bar, gastronomic restaurant and modern rooms. With easy access to Prague’s metro station, you’ll be hopping from one landmark to another in no time.

5. Kardamena, Kos

Weather

Easily one of the hottest destinations we’ve listed, with jaw-dropping 31°C averages throughout the month. While the climate sees its yearly highest, the rainfall is at its lowest with just a 2mm chance of a downpour. Conditions are excellent for scuba divers too with coastal highs of 23°C luring you in to explore beneath the ocean surface. Up on dry land, the lowest temperature expected is 22°C, which is usually at night or early morning before sunrise.

Why go?

Perfectly positioned on the southeast coast of Kos, where the island’s best weather is waiting, Kardamena has a stand-out reputation for its nightlife. And there’s three kilometres of coastline providing the ultimate hangover cure. Once a traditional fishing village, now an all-singing, all-dancing resort – party animals rejoice. 

Nearby you’ve got Kos Town for a change of pace with its Tree of Hippocrates and Archaeological Museum providing a history fix. Back at your lively resort, immerse yourself in traditional Greek fare from its tavernas before checking out the biggest headliner on Bar Street. 

Best Beaches

Kardamena Beach 

Thermes 

Paradise Beach

Lambi Beach

Marmari Beach

Best things to do?

Temple of Apollo 

Alasarna Museum 

Zeus boat trips 

Bar Street

Watersports

Sun fact: Cloud coverage is only 30% throughout July, which means sunglasses are essential in Kardamena.

Flight time: 4 hours and 15 minutes

Best for: Beaches, nightlife and culture.

Best hotels

Mitsis Family Village: Right at the foot of the Dikeos Mountains and a five-minute walk from a dramatic pebbled stretch, its surroundings are one-of-a-kind. Bask in a 24-hour All Inclusive programme allowing you to indulge non-stop on around the world cuisine and take your pick from seven different rooms types offering unlimited options for you and the family. 

Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa: You haven’t quite experienced luxury until you’ve stayed at the All Inclusive Mitsis Blue Domes Resort. Combining the best of both worlds with a relaxing atmosphere and first-class activities to keep you entertained from the get-go. There are 10 restaurants, allowing you to eat somewhere different every night. Four of them are a la carte  – we can almost smell the gyros. Not to mention your in-room mini bar will be stocked daily alongside six other bars where you can take full advantage of those free drinks.

6. Playa de las Américas, Tenerife

Weather

For guaranteed sunshine that’s never strayed below 16°C, Playa de las Americas is your go-to. Temperatures usually sit at a comfortable 24°C but tend to rise to 28°C on extremely hot days. As an additional bonus, there’s 0mm chance of rain – say goodbye to those umbrellas. Work on your tan for over 12 hours or dive the depths of the Atlantic Ocean thanks to its warm 22°C waters. 

Please be cautious that Sirocco winds blowing from Africa can cause very high temperatures and you may experience some sand in the air. However, this is very brief only lasting three hours.

Why go?

With six sandy beaches to call its own, Europe’s best waterpark on its doorstep and duty-free shopping at your fingertips, you’ll fall head over heels for the largest Canary Island. It comes with amazing clubbing credentials too thanks to its celebrated Veronica Strip and the upmarket Los Cristianos is its neighbour when you fancy a change of scenery or VIP beach clubs. 

Did we mention you’re only 30 minutes from Spain’s tallest summit, Mount Teide? It’s also home to one of the world’s largest volcanoes and is a national park. Best reached by cable car, soak up the awe-inspiring island views or take a stargazing tour for a unique experience like no other.

Best beaches

Playa de Troya 

Playa del Camison 

Fanabe Beach

Del Del Duque Beach

Playa Honda

Best things to do?

Siam Park 

Veronica’s Strip

Piramide de Arona 

Loro Park

Teide National Park

Sun fact:  In July, the highest temperature which has ever been recorded at the Reina Sofía South Airport – the closest weather station to Playa de las Americas – is 42.9°C, which was registered on July 29th 2007.

Flight time: 4 hours and 30 minutes

Best for: Beaches, scenery, short haul, families, city breaks, hiking and sightseeing.

Best hotels

Mediterranean Palace Hotel: This larger-than-life hotel enjoys a privileged location in Playa de las Americas on the beach. Not only do some rooms feature swim-up numbers and epic ocean views, but this property has an impressive 1,200 -square-metre pool and huge sun terrace. In fact, it even hosts its own parties where guest DJs from all over the world perform.  

Best Tenerife Hotel: You won’t be able to resist this 4 star beauty, just  five minutes from Las Vistas Beach. Offering light and airy rooms which provide deluxe comfort and first-rate facilities, that good night’s rest is guaranteed here. Pools are decorated with showstopping bridges and accessorised with bars, while the mini club is on hand to keep little ones entertained. Not to mention the Games Room for addicted teens.