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Best destinations to visit in July
Wondering where to travel in July? This is a great month to visit the scenic western provinces of Canada. Whales and bears can be spotted in British Columbia, and Alberta’s iconic national parks are at their best. More natural wonders await in Zambia, where leopards and hippos can be admired in the country’s uncongested parks and reserves; and in Uganda, famed for its mountain gorillas and diverse birdlife. Closer to home, Slovenia – nicknamed ‘Europe in miniature’ for its varied and beautiful scenery – experiences its hottest, sunniest month.
Uganda
Dubbed the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by Churchill for its wild beauty, Uganda experiences two dry seasons, and July arrives squarely in the first. You can expect good conditions for trekking into the forests to see the rare mountain gorilla – Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s population – as well chimpanzees and more than 1,000 recorded bird species.
Canada
Summer in western Canada is warm and dry, making July an ideal time to enjoy the country’s lakes and mountains. Recommended activities include kayaking on the calm waters of picturesque Lake Louise, walking the national park trails of Banff, Yoho and Jasper, and journeying on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. Vancouver has many events in summer, and Vancouver Island is particularly popular for bear and whale watchers between April and September. Nature lovers will also enjoy nearby Whistler, with the Peak 2 Peak gondola offering remarkable views. The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper offers one of the most scenic drives on Earth, with the option to tour the Athabasca glacier via the Skywalk or in an Ice Explorer vehicle. On 1 July, Canada Day is celebrated with parades, picnics and fireworks.
Zambia
The dry season in July is the best time to visit Zambia, as wildlife often emerges looking for water. Daytime temperatures are warm, but not uncomfortably so, while the nights are cool and fresh. It is also the time of year that Livingstone Island opens for visitors; this is where David Livingstone first caught sight of ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, the powerful Victoria Falls. It’s a spectacular place to view the waterfall, where the rising mists do not block your view, and at a time when the water levels are still high enough to create a dramatic impact.
Slovenia
July is typically Slovenia’s warmest, driest month, and a popular time for heading to the slender stretch of Adriatic coast via the country’s scenic hiking and cycling trails. The cooler climes of Slovenia’s alpine region offer a refreshing contrast, and equally spectacular scenery. While this is the busiest period to visit, Slovenia remains somewhat off the tourist radar, allowing for relatively easy exploration of its varied attractions. These range from the leafy, handsome capital of Ljubljana and the Venetian city of Piran, to Lake Bled and its iconic island church and the magical Postojna cave complex.