Where to Go in July for Sun: 16 Destinations Ranked by Heat
In July the sun is a given around the Mediterranean. The real question is heat: afternoon highs, nights, sea temperature and rain, based on official climate normals.
- 16 destinations compared
- 76 to 94°F afternoon highs, depending on where you go
- 82°F sea in Antalya
- July 4 falls on a Sunday in 2027
Where is it sunny in July? Almost everywhere in the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic: from the Canary Islands to Cyprus, it barely rains at all. So the choice comes down to heat. Under 83°F in the afternoon in the Canaries, Madeira, Corsica or Dubrovnik; 84 to 88°F in the Greek islands, Malta and Mallorca; 92 to 94°F in Cyprus and Antalya, where the sea tops 81°F. Farther away, July is the heart of the dry season in Bali, Tahiti and Zanzibar.
The figures below are climate normals published by each country’s national weather service and collected by the World Meteorological Organization, except Antalya, which comes directly from the Turkish State Meteorological Service. They describe a typical July, not the forecast for your trip, and heat waves can add several degrees. Each station is listed in the sources.
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- Which destination for which trip
- 83°F or less: where July stays mild
- 84 to 88°F: the Mediterranean islands
- 92°F and up: Cyprus and Antalya
- Southern Hemisphere dry season
- Comparison table
- Where not to go in July
- Dates, insurance and data
- FAQ
Which sunny destination in July for which trip
- Escape the heat: the Canary Islands (80°F), Madeira or the Azores (76°F), with cool nights.
- Family beach trip: Crete, Mallorca, Malta or Corsica, with a sea of 73 to 79°F and heat that stays manageable.
- Warmest water in Europe: Antalya (82°F), Cyprus and Rhodes (81°F).
- Bucket-list trip: Tahiti, with nonstop flights from the West Coast, or Bali, both in the middle of the dry season.
July rainfall at a glance:
- Las Palmas 0 in
- Málaga 0 in
- Rhodes 0 in
- Malta 0 in
- Larnaca 0 in
- Heraklion 0 in
- Faro 0.1 in
- Funchal 0.1 in
- Antalya 0.2 in
- Palma 0.2 in
- Corfu 0.4 in
- Ajaccio 0.4 in
- Dubrovnik 0.9 in
- Ponta Delgada 1.2 in
- Bali 2.2 in
- Tahiti 2.4 in
Average July rainfall. Yellow: under 2.4 in. Light blue: 2.4 to 6 in. Dark blue: over 6 in.
83°F or less: where July stays mild
For travelers who struggle with heat, families with young kids, or hikers. The trade-off is cooler water, 72 to 73°F, except in Dubrovnik.
1. Spain: the Canary Islands
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 80°F in the afternoon, 69°F at night, no rain, sea around 72°F.
The steadiest weather on this page: no coastal heat waves, no rain and mild nights. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have the widest choice of hotels, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura wilder beaches.
Good to know: the trade winds blow hard in summer, especially on the east and north coasts. The south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria is the most sheltered.
2. Portugal: Madeira and the Azores
Funchal: 76°F in the afternoon, 64°F at night, 0.1 in of rain, sea around 72°F. Ponta Delgada: 76°F, 63°F at night, 1.2 in over 13 days, sea around 72°F.
The coolest destinations on this page. Madeira is made for hiking along the levadas, the Azores for crater lakes and whale and dolphin watching. The Azores are also among the closest European destinations to the East Coast.
Good to know: in the Azores it still rains on about one day in two in July, often as brief showers. It is not a pure beach destination.
3. France: Corsica
Ajaccio: 82°F in the afternoon, 62°F at night, 0.4 in of rain on 1 day, sea around 73°F.
Corsica combines southern beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia with mountains an hour’s drive inland. Cool nights are a real comfort in midsummer.
Good to know: July and August are French vacation months. Ferries and places to stay around Porto-Vecchio book up early.
4. Croatia: Dubrovnik and Split
Dubrovnik: 83°F in the afternoon, 71°F at night, 0.9 in over 4 days, sea around 79°F. Split: 86°F, 71°F at night, 1.1 in over 6 days, sea around 75°F.
The best balance in this section: moderate heat and water already near 79°F in Dubrovnik. Ferries from Split reach the islands of Hvar, Korčula and Brač.
Good to know: a few thunderstorms are still possible. In Dubrovnik’s old town, cruise passengers crowd the streets in the middle of the day: go early or in the evening.
84 to 88°F: the Mediterranean islands
Classic beach weather: hot but bearable afternoons by the water, a sea of 70 to 81°F and almost no rain.
5. Greece: Crete
Heraklion: 84°F in the afternoon, 71°F at night, almost no rain, sea around 77°F.
Greece’s largest island stays among the less hot spots of the eastern Mediterranean, thanks to the north wind. Chania and the lagoons of Balos and Elafonissi in the west, Heraklion and Knossos in the center.
Good to know: the meltemi, a north wind, blows over the Aegean from mid-May to mid-September. It cools the air but can make the sea choppy on the north coast.
6. Portugal: the Algarve
Faro: 84°F in the afternoon, 64°F at night, 0.1 in of rain on 1 day, sea around 70°F.
Guaranteed sun, cool nights and the cliffs of Lagos and the Benagil sea cave. The Atlantic water is the coolest in this section.
Good to know: the sea is usually warmer in the east, toward Tavira, than in the west, toward Sagres, which faces the open ocean.
7. Spain: the Costa del Sol
Málaga: 87°F in the afternoon, 69°F at night, no rain, sea around 73°F.
Far more bearable than inland Andalusia, where Seville averages 97°F. Málaga, Nerja and Marbella combine beaches, white villages and good flight connections.
Good to know: save Seville, Córdoba and Granada for spring or fall, or visit them early in the morning.
8. Greece: Rhodes
87°F in the afternoon, 72°F at night, no rain, sea around 81°F.
The warmest water of the Greek islands on this page, with heat that stays moderate. The medieval old town and the acropolis of Lindos are best visited in the morning.
Good to know: the west coast around Ixia is windy and popular with windsurfers. For calm water, choose the east coast, from Faliraki to Lindos.
9. Malta
Luqa: 87°F in the afternoon, 70°F at night, no rain, sea around 79°F.
English-speaking, compact and with a warm sea. Valletta, the Three Cities, Comino’s Blue Lagoon and the island of Gozo easily fill a week.
Good to know: the Blue Lagoon on Comino is very busy in summer. Take the first boat of the morning.
10. Spain: Mallorca
Palma: 88°F in the afternoon, 65°F at night, 0.2 in of rain over 2 days, sea around 77°F.
Coves such as Cala Mondragó in the southeast, the Serra de Tramuntana in the northwest and Palma for city life. Nights stay fairly cool.
Good to know: the best-known coves fill up in the afternoon. Arrive before 10 a.m. or late in the day.
Cala d’Or hotels on the southeast coast: recent prices and reviews
11. Greece: Corfu
Kerkyra: 88°F in the afternoon, 65°F at night, 0.4 in of rain over 2 days, sea around 77°F.
The greenest Greek island, with a Venetian old town and coves on the west coast. The Ionian Sea is less exposed to the meltemi than the Aegean.
Good to know: the gap between day and night is large, from 88 to 65°F. Pack a light layer for the evenings.
92°F and up: Cyprus and Antalya
For travelers who don’t mind the heat and want the warmest sea in Europe. Days revolve around the pool and the beach: sightseeing early, rest during the hottest hours.
12. Cyprus
Larnaca: 92°F in the afternoon, 73°F at night, almost no rain, sea around 81°F.
Very warm water and constant sunshine. The villages of the Troodos Mountains, about an hour from the coast, offer some relief at altitude.
Good to know: nights stay warm, around 73°F. Air conditioning is not a luxury. They drive on the left in Cyprus.
13. Turkey: Antalya
94°F in the afternoon, 73°F at night, 0.2 in of rain, less than one rainy day on average, sea around 82°F.
The warmest Mediterranean water on this page. The all-inclusive resorts of Lara, Belek and Side are built for the heat, with pools and private beaches.
Good to know: ancient sites such as Aspendos and Perge have little shade. Go at opening time.
The map below shows available places to stay and their rates for the dates you choose.
Farther away: the Southern Hemisphere dry season
South of the equator, July is the heart of the dry season. These places are in high demand in summer: book early.
14. French Polynesia: Tahiti
Tahiti-Faa’a: 83°F in the afternoon, 69°F at night, 2.4 in of rain, sea around 81°F.
The Polynesian dry season, the most pleasant time for Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, with nonstop flights from the US West Coast. July is also the month of the Heiva, Tahiti’s big festival of Polynesian dance and song in Papeete.
Good to know: humpback whales start arriving in July, with the best viewing from August to October.
15. Indonesia: Bali
Denpasar: 87°F in the afternoon, 73°F at night, 2.2 in of rain over 4 days, sea around 81°F.
July is one of Bali’s driest and least hot months. Ubud for the rice terraces, Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula for beaches, and the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida as side trips.
Good to know: this is peak season. The best-rated places to stay sell out months ahead.
16. Tanzania: Zanzibar
83°F in the afternoon, 70°F at night, 5 rainy days on average, sea around 79°F.
Zanzibar is dry in July and a little less hot than early in the year. It pairs easily with a safari on the Tanzanian mainland, also in its dry season.
Good to know: the east coast around Paje is windy in July. The north, at Nungwi and Kendwa, is more sheltered for swimming.
Tours and activities to book ahead
A boat to Balos or Comino’s Blue Lagoon, kayaking to the Benagil cave, a day trip to Hvar from Split or a lagoon tour in Moorea: in July, spots go fast. Our partner GetYourGuide lets you book these ahead. Check the meeting point, guide language and cancellation terms before paying.
See all activities on GetYourGuide
Comparison table: July by the numbers
July averages for one reference station per destination, from coolest to hottest afternoon.
| Station | High / low | Rain (days) | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funchal (Madeira) | 76 / 64°F | 0.1 in (1) | 72°F |
| Ponta Delgada (Azores) | 76 / 63°F | 1.2 in (13) | 72°F |
| Las Palmas (Canary Islands) | 80 / 69°F | 0 in | 72°F |
| Ajaccio (Corsica) | 82 / 62°F | 0.4 in (1) | 73°F |
| Dubrovnik (Croatia) | 83 / 71°F | 0.9 in (4) | 79°F |
| Tahiti-Faa’a | 83 / 69°F | 2.4 in | 81°F |
| Zanzibar (Tanzania) | 83 / 70°F | (5) | 79°F |
| Heraklion (Crete) | 84 / 71°F | 0 in | 77°F |
| Faro (Algarve) | 84 / 64°F | 0.1 in (1) | 70°F |
| Split (Croatia) | 86 / 71°F | 1.1 in (6) | 75°F |
| Denpasar (Bali) | 87 / 73°F | 2.2 in (4) | 81°F |
| Málaga (Costa del Sol) | 87 / 69°F | 0 in | 73°F |
| Rhodes (Greece) | 87 / 72°F | 0 in | 81°F |
| Luqa (Malta) | 87 / 70°F | 0 in | 79°F |
| Palma (Mallorca) | 88 / 65°F | 0.2 in (2) | 77°F |
| Kerkyra (Corfu) | 88 / 65°F | 0.4 in (2) | 77°F |
| Larnaca (Cyprus) | 92 / 73°F | 0 in | 81°F |
| Antalya (Turkey) | 94 / 73°F | 0.2 in (0.5) | 82°F |
Temperatures rounded to the nearest degree. Rainy days are days with at least 0.04 in (1 mm) of rain, where the station publishes them. For Zanzibar, only the number of rainy days is shown because the published monthly total is not consistent.
Where not to go in July
- Seville, Marrakech and Athens: average highs of 97°F, 100°F and 92°F, more during heat waves. Better in spring or fall.
- Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf: 107°F in Luxor, 105°F in Dubai, 103°F in Aqaba.
- Thailand and the Maldives: monsoon season, with 11.2 in over 20 days in Phuket and 5.9 in in Malé.
- The Caribbean: hurricane season has been open since June 1, and Martinique gets 8.0 in over 20 days. If you go, book refundable rates.
- Cape Town: it is southern winter, with 64°F afternoons and 3.2 in of rain.
Dates, insurance and staying connected
- Independence Day: July 4, 2027 falls on a Sunday and is observed as a federal holiday on Monday, July 5, a natural long weekend.
- European summer holidays: July and August are peak months across the Mediterranean. Book flights, ferries and hotels early.
- Meltemi: this north wind blows over the Aegean, Crete, Rhodes and the Cyclades from mid-May to mid-September.
- Atlantic hurricane season: June 1 to November 30.
Many US health plans offer limited or no coverage abroad, and a hospital stay or medical evacuation from an island can be very expensive. Check your health plan and credit card benefits first. For medical expenses and medical evacuation, our partner Chapka offers Cap Assistance 24/7: coverage and limits are listed on the policy page.
To have mobile data as soon as you land without hunting for a local SIM card, a Yesim e-SIM, our partner, installs before you leave. Check on its page that your destination is covered and at what rate.
FAQ
Where is it sunny but not too hot in July?
The Canary Islands (80°F in the afternoon), Madeira and the Azores (76°F), Corsica and Dubrovnik (82 to 83°F). Nights there stay between 62 and 71°F.
Where is the sea warmest in July?
In the Mediterranean, Antalya (82°F), Cyprus and Rhodes (81°F), then Malta and Dubrovnik (79°F). Farther away, Bali and Tahiti (81°F).
Where should I go in July with kids?
Places with afternoon highs of 80 to 88°F are the most comfortable: Crete, Mallorca, Malta, Corsica or the Canary Islands, with a sea of 72 to 79°F.
Is July a good time for the Caribbean?
It is possible, but July is wet in Martinique (8.0 in over 20 days) and hurricane season is open. Choose refundable bookings and good travel insurance.
Where to go for sun in other months
January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December.
Sources
Pages accessed October 21, 2026. Unless noted, climate normals come from the World Meteorological Organization’s World Weather Information Service, which publishes data supplied by each national weather service.
- Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM): Antalya climate statistics (1930-2025). Cyprus Department of Meteorology, via WMO: Larnaca (2002-2011).
- Hellenic National Meteorological Service, via WMO: Rhodes, Heraklion, Corfu (period not stated) and Athens (1955-1997).
- Malta Meteorological Office, via WMO: Luqa (1961-1990). AEMET (Spain), via WMO: Palma, Las Palmas, Málaga and Seville (1981-2010).
- Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service, via WMO: Dubrovnik and Split. Météo-France, via WMO: Ajaccio (1971-2000) and Tahiti-Faa’a (1961-1990).
- IPMA (Portugal), via WMO: Faro, Funchal and Ponta Delgada (1961-1990). BMKG (Indonesia), via WMO: Denpasar (1961-1990). Tanzania Meteorological Authority, via WMO: Zanzibar (1971-2000).
- For the caveats, via WMO: Marrakech, Luxor, Dubai, Aqaba, Phuket, Malé, Le Lamentin and Cape Town.
- World Sea Temperatures: average July sea temperatures. Encyclopædia Britannica: the meltemi (etesian winds). NOAA, National Hurricane Center: hurricane season dates. US Office of Personnel Management: federal holidays.
Maintained by the Advised Traveler team. Climate averages do not predict the weather during your trip: check the forecast before you go. Spotted an error? Let us know.