Not sure where to holiday in July? July is the driest and warmest month in mainland Ecuador, and a great time to visit Quito and the humid Ecuadorian Amazon. It’s also nesting time for blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants on the Galapagos Islands, where whales and dolphins can also be spotted. The east coast of Sri Lanka is enjoying dry and bright weather, making it a great time to visit the beaches of the area. Over in South Africa, the family-friendly Knysna Oyster Festival runs over two weekends at the beginning of July, encompassing sporting events, live music, and – of course – a lot of oyster tastings. In Spain, Pamplona hosts the exhilarating Running of the Bulls, which we do not recommend you join, but you can hire a balcony where you can watch the action from a safe distance. In Italy, Siena hosts Il Palio – the world-famous horserace – similarly best viewed from a balcony above.
Tanzania’s dry season runs from late June until October, during these months the southern and western circuits are best. The Great Migration in the Serengeti is a dramatic spectacle that is best seen in June and July as the wildebeest move north towards Kenya. Hundreds of wildebeest try to cross rivers where crocodiles await them. As the land becomes drier, it’s easier to spot wildlife as they cluster at watering holes and rivers. The temperature at night can drop, so morning drives can be cold and it’s advisable to take warm clothes. Zanzibar is a perfect add-on to any safari, with temperatures in the mid-20s. The Indian Ocean is also in the mid-20s, making for great water-based activities, such as snorkelling around the coral reefs.
The dry season in July is the best time to visit as wildlife often emerges looking for water. The temperature is warm, but not baking and drops at night. 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.
Summer in Alberta is warm and dry, making it one of the best times to explore the beautiful lakes and mountains, as well as spot endemic wildlife in national parks like Banff and Jasper. However, it’s the ‘greatest outdoor show on Earth’ that is the main attraction: the Calgary Stampede. This annual rodeo and exhibition runs for more than a week, including the parade, competitions, derbies and exhilarating rodeos. The celebrations extend into the local community, where markets are set up, barbecues and pancakes are served, shop fronts are decorated for the week and locals dress like cowboys.