Where to Go July to September: Summer Destinations We Loved!

Stuck traveling between July and September and wondering if you’ve missed the “best” time to go? You’re not alone.

School holidays, family schedules, and grandkid adventures often lock travelers into these peak summer months — but what if this window actually reveals some of the Best Destinations July to September, often overlooked by most travelers?

From our own journeys, we’ve discovered that July, August, and September can deliver incredible value if you know where to look. Let’s dive into where to go — and why this time of year may surprise you.

At A Glance Calendar

If you’re short on time, just scan the table below for ideas.

Where to Visit in July, August and September

Halkidiki, Greece

Why Visit Now?

The sea has warmed up and it’s fantastic for swimming in. Expect temps around 25°C (77°F) in August, a little cooler away from the coast.

What to Do:

1. Hit the Beaches; you can easily find a new one each day.
2. Swim and snorkel in the warm clear waters.
3. Make time to explore the small villages and Afytos Town.
4. Hire a car so you can be flexible getting around the peninsula.
5. Sample the freshest of seafood and Greek cuisine.

Good to Know:

Driving here is a good idea. This way you’ll have freedom to explore on your own terms. The roads and signage are not what many of us will be used to, so download google maps to have a back-up.

ℹ️ Use Halkidiki Itinerary to plan a week’s getaway in Greece.

Edinburgh

Why Visit Now:

Summer in Scotland isn’t guaranteed, so be prepared for variable weather. September sees the start of autumn but often brings some of the driest and sunny days, albeit a little cooler. 16°C (60°F)

What To Do:

1. Take a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle; it’s one of a kind!
2. Climb one of the city’s hills; Calton has wheelchair access.
3. You’re in Scotland, so try whisky in a local bar, with folk music.
4. Have lunch al fresco in the Grassmarket, site of city hangings.
5. Treat yourself to a lavish afternoon tea at The 5* Balmoral Hotel.

Good To Know:

• August means the world-famous Fringe and Royal Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. If these aren’t on your ‘must do’ list, wait and visit in September, when prices fall and crowds are less.
• Don’t hire a car for Edinburgh as it’s compact. Parking is hard to find, and areas like the Royal Mile are pedestrians only.

ℹ️ Use our various Edinburgh posts to help pull together an awesome visit to our Scottish capital. 3 Days in Edinburgh, or Cheap Things to Do in Edinburgh.

Tuscany, Italy

Why Visit Now:

The tri-cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena are a perfect combination to get a taste of Tuscany. Highs in July and August are 30°C (86°F) but in September it cools to 26°C (81°F).  It will cool off further in evenings but it’s still warm.

What To Do:

1. Eat; whether it’s a pizza with chianti, or a Florentine steak, the food in Tuscany is some of the best around.
2. Admire art & museums (this alone can fill a week in Florence).
3. Book a wine tasting tour and get a great scenic drive too.
4. Climb the tower of Pisa – you may well feel a little imbalanced!
5. Cooking class & learn how easy it is to make pasta from scratch.

Good To Know:

• Use public transport to get between cities; there is a direct train service between Florence and Pisa, and the bus from Florence to Siena is pretty efficient and great value. (we’ve done both).

ℹ️ Use our Pisa, Florence & Siena Itinerary to design your perfect visit.

Anchorage, Alaska

Why Visit Now:

Long days and typically 20°C (68°F) in July although it can reach 70+ as it did on a last visit in 2025. By September, days are cool in the 10°C/50°Fs, and there will be a feel of autumn in the air.

What To Do:

1. Walk part (or all) of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to Earthquake Park (or hire a bike and cycle it).
2. Climb Flattop for great views of Anchorage and beyond.
3. Drive Turnagain Arm to the town of Girdwood and take the cable car to 7 Glaciers Restaurant. Views are incredible.
4. Head to the deck at Coast Inn to watch float planes come and go from Lake Hood(it’s the world’s busiest).
5. Take a sight-seeing flight around Denali – magical!

Good To Know:

• This is peak travel season and it is busy, so make sure to book restaurants and any tours in advance. If you’re renting a car, expect to pay a premium.
• In July, you can enjoy 18 hours of daylight! By September it falls to around 13 hours.

ℹ️ Read Things to do in Anchorage without a car helps you plan time in the state’s biggest city (& where I lived for 5 years!).

Northern Ireland

Why Visit Now:

It will never be hot, but this time of year is comfortable for touring around this corner of the UK. It won’t get much above 66°F (19°C) July and August, and drop a few degrees by September. It can rain at any time (weather comes off the Atlantic Ocean).

What To Do:

1. Spend time in Belfast, and discover local produce in St George’s Market.
2. Rent a car and drive the stunning coastal routes which are so vibrant this time of year.
3. Stop off in Londonderry to walk the wall.
4. Find a festival (from Oysters to Story Telling) as they are at their peak August & September
5. Have lunch at The Bushmills Inn, after a visit to their world famous distillery.

Good To Know:

• Northern Ireland is small but coastal roads are windy and so it does take longer to drive these routes. Don’t just stick to main roads though because the coastal villages are where the heart of local life lives.

ℹ️ Use our Northern Ireland Itinerary to create an unforgettable road trip to this beautiful corner of Europe.

Palisade, Colorado

Why Visit Now:

It’s harvest time! Trees laden with stone fruits (cherries, peaches, pears) are at their best. We suggest coming in September when it can still hit the mid 80°F (29°C) but it will cool off fast as the sun sets.  Expect low humidity.

What To Do:

1. Take a wine shuttle tour so you’ve no worries about driving.
2. Cycle the many paths in and around town, set up for all levels.
3. Do a self-guided tour of town to learn about Palisade’s past.
4. Go pick fruit – something really unique to do and such fun!
5. Take a day trip to nearby Colorado National Monument Park.

Good To Know:

• Palisade is a small town, and places to stay are limited so book ahead. Check Grand Junction for more hotel chain options.
• There are numerous festivals in Palisade from lavender to wine, and it can feel crowded during these weekends.

ℹ️ Use our 3 Days in Palisade Itinerary to plan your visit.

Tallinn, Estonia

Why Visit Now:

Enjoy temperatures that average 22°C (72°F) in summer. Being on the Baltic Sea, you will always get a gentle breeze and it will cool off mid to late September.

What To Do:

1. Explore the small and stunning Old Town of Tallinn.
2. Linger over a coffee or glass of wine at outdoor cafes.
3. Go back in time exploring underground resistance passages from Soviet era life.
4. Take a ferry day trip to Helsinki.
5. Enjoy a wilder beach experience, close to town.

Good To Know:

• Tallinn is small and quite compact but packed with stunning nooks and crannies to discover.
• The old city is easy to explore on foot but there are some hidden gems that only a guided tour revealed to us, like hidden passageways underground.

ℹ️ Use our Best Things to Do in Tallinn to build your itinerary.

Suffolk Coast, England

Why Visit Now:

Suffolk, England is one of the driest parts of the UK and it’s particularly lovely to visit in summer. Temperatures average 21°C (70°F) during July and August, the warmest months.

What To Do:

1. Enjoy one of the many summer music festivals in Suffolk.
2. Visit classic English seaside towns, with long piers & fish & chips!
3. Go boating, either on a tour, or hire your own for a few hours.
4. Enjoy traditional local pubs for great value, good quality food.
5. Visit historic sites, homes and castles, like Orford or Sutton Hoo.

Good To Know:

• Weekends bring a lot of people from London so if you are looking for a 2-3 day visit, try and come during the week.
• Accommodation is often in pubs or smaller hotels which are quaint, but rooms might be a bit on the smaller side.

ℹ️ Use Suffolk’s Coastal Towns post to find one that’s right for you.

Masai Mara, Kenya

Why Visit Now:

It’s peak migration time and one of natures wonders! July and August are cooler months here so expect 25°C (77°F), although at night it can drop as low at 10°C! Most days are sunny and it’s dry!

What To Do:

1. Go on as many daily wildlife drives as you can – each one is different.
2. Relax at your camp and watch animals coming to drink at rivers, waterholes as you eat.
3. Take time to visit a Masai Village and meet locals ‘at home’.
4. See sunrise in a safari balloon ride over Masai Mara grasslands.
5. Take advantage of any spa services after a bumpy safari ride.

Good To Know:

• August and September are when the great migration takes place with millions of wildebeest and zebra crossing over Masai Mara. 
• This is a bucket list experience but at this amazing spectacular of nature, you’ll find many people here, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself. 

ℹ️ Use our guide for our travel tips when planning a Kenyan Safari.

Reims, France

Why Visit Now:

It’s typically warm and sunny in Reims in July and August around 19.4°C (67°F)  and cools off a few degrees in September.

What To Do:

1. Champagne tasting! There’s many iconic houses to visit.
2. Guided tour of the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Reims.
3. City walking tour with a local, to learn about WW2 and what happened in Reims.
4. Visit Epernay, near to Reims and full of more champagne!

Good To Know:

• It’s easy to get here by train from Paris, and if you stay centrally, you can walk around town for tastings and sightseeing.
• To get to Epernay, the other champagne district nearby, either take a local bus, or a tour for a day.

ℹ️ Plan your trip to Reims using our guide which is full of ideas of things to do.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Why Visit Now:

The temperature averages 26°C (79°F) in July, typically the warmest month, although hot spells into the 80s+ can occur in August too. September is really pleasant to be in the city, although cooler in the mountains.

What To Do:

1. Spend at least a couple of half days in the old walled city.
2. Climb the Maiden Tower; the icon of Baku.
3. Enjoy traditional tea, nuts and fruits in a tea cafe (cayxana).
4. Take a trip to Gobuston to see ancient petroglyphs & mud volcanoes.
5. Enjoy cocktails from Flame Towers or waterside rooftop.

Good To Know:

• If you have the time, head out of Baku for a day to the mountains where you can visit tiny villages almost ‘stuck’ in time.
• Baku is a modern city, with excellent facilities, restaurants and alcohol is freely available.

ℹ️ Find a week in Baku itinerary full of local tips (I lived here for several years).

Sarajevo, Bosnia

Why Visit Now:

Typically the weather in Sarajevo is around mid 80’s in July, but it can hit 30°C (86°F) at times and in August. September sees cooler days, pleasant for sightseeing.

What To Do:

1. Take a guided city tour and stand on the spot that led to WW2.
2. Explore Baščaršija ancient streets full of crafts and artisans.
3. Walk up Žuta Tabija for the most stunning views over the city.
4. Have a beer at a downtown rooftop bar as the sun in setting.
5. Take a foodie tour or cooking class: Bosnian cuisine is delicious!

Good To Know:

• It’s possible to combine Sarajevo with a trip to Mostar by train, and we found it a great combination.

ℹ️ Sarajevo with Mostar – find how how in our two city guide.

Vancouver, Canada

Why Visit:

Being on the coast, the weather is changeable and it can rain any time, although July, August and September are drier. Expect 20-23°C (68-73 °F) on average.

What To Do:

1. Explore Gastown and historic Vancouver with a guide.
2. Visit Stanley Park, the lungs of the city!
3. Take a boat cruise around the bay, or try the whale watching trip.
4. Eat some incredible food (we love Japanese).
5. Don’t miss a day trip up to Vancouver Island – totally unique!

Good To Know:

• There are many cruise ships coming and going from Vancouver during the summer. It can get a little crowded around Canada Place where they are loading/unloading.

ℹ️ Use our Weekend in Vancouver post to find out more things to enjoy on a short visit, or pre-post an Alaska cruise!

FAQ

Travel Resources to Help You Plan

Here’s 3 trip planning resources, to help you plan your July to September adventure.

Find more ideas on destinations by month below:

• Where to Go April to June;
• Destinations from July to September, and
• Where to Go October to December

Happy Planning!