Where to Go July to September
July to September is the peak holiday season in popular destinations. But, with many schools out, July and August can be busy and expensive for travel. Maybe you’re wondering where to look for exciting affordable destinations July-September?
Well, the good news is that from our own travels, we’ve found plenty of good value options during these months.
We’re picked some of our favourite destinations we’ve visited this time of year:
- Stockholm, Sweden
- South Africa
- Greek islands
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Cambridge, England
- Edinburgh, Scotland
Read on for Where to Go July to September from Scotland to South Africa!
Safari Trip, South Africa
Perched at the tip of the African continent, Cape Town is a fantastic hub to fly and start your Safari trip. This is wintertime in Cape Town and it will be wetter and colder some days, BUT it’s the absolute best time for going on a safari.
South Africa is very affordable at the moment because of the weaker Rand so you may well find a great ‘last minute’ deal for that dream safari for the family.
Check out Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve where you can stay at the Anew Hotel. We’ve stayed here a few times and feel it’s better value than many other safaris. Anew feels especially welcoming for families.
Why Cape Town Is A Must to Visit
If Cape Town is your base for a few days before or after an exciting safari there’s loads to do. The picture postcard appeal of the city’s V&A waterfront is not disappointing. Some hotels are a little expensive, but there are choices for all budgets and better value in this season.
There’s always something happening in the V&A working harbour area which is full of waterfront restaurants, cafes, and bars. It’s laid back living with a fun buzz day and night. It’s easy to explore the city from here – think art galleries, museums in ‘museum mile.’
Iziko is one of Africa’s oldest and District Six became a museum in 1994 when apartheid rule ended. It is sobering and thought provoking visit. Another museum is located at Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 of his 27 imprisoned years. It’s a boat ride over and back.
As well as enjoying Cape Town, it’s easy to explore unspoilt coastlines by heading to Simon’s Town for a day (better in Sept) and meet the Boulders Bay penguins who are very friendly!
Why Go to South Africa July to September?
July and August are some of the best Safari months for parks like our favourite – the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve or Kruger National Park.
September is a better month for a South Africa trip if you want to focus more on the Cape Town region. It will be wetter in Cape Town in July and August and quite colder for animal viewing and generally walking around outside.
If you love wine, book a trip to visit the second oldest town in South Africa – Stellenbosch and follow its oldest wine routes.
Stay overnight in one of the many guesthouses and hotels which are affordable and in an area of gorgeous natural beauty. This is also best in September when Spring warms everything up.
How to Get to South Africa
There are International flights from all major regions into Cape Town. If you’re planning to drive around, hire a car from the airport on your arrival. Although consider too whether you need a car in the city itself.
Combining Cape Town with KwaZulu-Natal (flying via Durban) is our suggested option for these months. It’s easy to drive yourself around although distances are quite far, so perhaps fly from Cape Town to Durban and then hire your car or pick up a safari tour from the airport.
From Durban it is around 3-4 hours drive to Hluhluwe. We’ve made this trip several times and its a straightforward drive.
Unique Things to Do in South Africa
Riding the cable car up Table Mountain in Cape Town to watch the Indian and Atlantic ocean waves crash together.
Ticking off the Cape of Good Hope in its self named National Park and mixing with the local penguins.
Paying respects to Nelson Mandela’s leadership in ending apartheid by visiting Robben Island by boat.
Enjoying South African’s great wines by taking a drive out of Cape Town to the wine regions.
Viewing some of the most incredible wildlife on our planet on a South African safari – Find the Big 5 & more!
And if all this sounds too pedestrian, for something more exciting, go shark cage diving or bungee jumping!
For a longer itinerary check out our Sensational South Africa post.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy has year round appeal but come the end of northern summer holidays when crowds dissipate a little, the 30 mile (50km) Amalfi Coast is a special place.
We love it because it’s a place to go and just ‘chill’ if your year has been hectic and you just want sun, great food and of course Italian culture! If you’re looking for more activity, the walking here is great come September.
One popular and ancient famous trail is the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of God).
Capri beckons with its glitz and glamour for water lovers.
It is perhaps still busy during peak summer but with a little research you can find that perfect resort to ‘hide away’ in your own piece of paradise looking out into the Gulf of Naples each evening. The island of Ischia is a nice alternative.
There are countless tours around Amalfi by bus, boat and bike and well as walking. The roads are narrow and each village has steep climbs up and down but they are seductive and beautiful to spend time exploring.
If photography is a passion, or you love cooking with olive oil and fresh lemons, there are classes here to take your hobby to the next level! From day classes to a week long immersion, Cucina di Classe gives an idea of what’s on offer.
Why Visit Amalfi Coast July to September?
If you love the heat you can enjoy hot summer days in July and August. In September, crowds have thinned out and roads will be a little quieter. Its probably the best time to enjoy this region and the climate stays warm well into October.
September also offers a less oppressive heat when visiting nearby Pompeii – a must for history buffs and interesting for kids, even those hard to please teenagers.
How to Get To The Amalfi Coast
Flying directly to Sorrento or Naples is convenient if you plan to stay in this location. If you are coming down from say Rome or elsewhere in Italy, take the train. We found them to be good value, reliable and safe.
You do have to transfer in Naples to a smaller commuter train – read our Italy post for more on this and enjoying a tour of Italy.
Unique Things To Do On Amalfi Coast
- Explore the different villages on foot – perhaps those less well known and commercialized. This link gives an overview of the towns and villages to enjoy.
- Visit the city of Pompeii, destroyed by a Volcanic eruption – it sounds depressing but it is a one-off experience
- Sail around and land on the Isle of Capri for lunch. You will feel like a film star!
- Make your own limoncello or olive oil mix at a small farm for a super souvenir – bring home a new skill.
- Be a house sitter – we discovered that wealthy owners of beautiful homes often hire ‘house sitters’ – check online if that sounds like your sort of Amalfi adventure.
Stockholm, Sweden
Spending time in Stockholm, Sweden in the summer is like taking a deep breath of fresh air and feeling stresses melt away.
Its northern Scandinavian location means long daylight hours and warm, even hot, days in July and August.
By September there will be a feel of the end of summer, but this makes it a great time to go hiking and bike riding outside the city too. Why not time a trip to coincide with Stockholm’s annual food festival in late July.
This coastal capital city is very historic, dating back to the 1250 era, with plenty to discover over a weekend or longer.
Take in the sights of Gamla Stan (the old town) to the main square which is picturesque and helps get your bearings. Rent bikes and take a tour (there’s lots of on-line options).
This way you can see a lot more of the city, peddle around the waterfront and enjoy a little exercise after that pastry breakfast at one of the many Brod & Salt establishments.
Stockholm has more museums we believe that any other city. Does that make it a little tedious? Not at all. Don’t miss the Vasa Museum with its full sized ships from the 1600s. The Nobel Prize Museum has such richness of human innovation and a reminder of some great hearts and minds over the past 100+ years.
As teenagers, we admit we were obsessed with ABBA. For us, no time in Stockholm is complete with an half day at the ABBA museum experience! Yes, you can sing on stage here too! Its such good fun and nostalgic for us ‘oldies’!
Why visit Stockholm July to September?
It’s summer!! And although Scandinavian summers are a little brief, so much is packed into July and early August. There are festivals galore, many islands to explore with deserted sandy beaches and a laid back, peaceful vibe. Outdoor living, nordic style.
These are great months also for cycling around Stockholm’s many islands or doing some sailing around them with a few nights in the capital.
How to Get To Stockholm
Arlanda Airport is the main airport with an Arlanda express train service directly from the airport to the city – approx. 18 mins. There isn’t a metro here but you can consider Uber or a private taxi if that’s easier.
The ferry service or as locals call it the ‘skärgården’ is excellent for getting around the islands. For timetables and prices check the Exploring the Stockholm Archipelago Guide.
Unique Things to Do In Stockholm
- Eat a delicious Kardemummabullar (Cardamom bun) with your morning coffee.
- Discover all sorts of Swedish delicacies at the Östermalm Market Hall, a hallmark of delicious food since the late 1800s.
- Hop a ferry out to Skansen Museum, the oldest outdoor museum in the world.
- Staying longer? Take a ferry to one of the islands like Gotland for a few nights to experience a quiet side of Sweden.
- Take part in one the many summer outdoor events which run from mid-summer night in June. Think outdoor parties, concerns and mega food festivals.
- Colour by Numbers. Change the colour of the Telefon Building at night in Stockholm using your cell phone! Yes – an affordable and exciting thing to do here!
The Greek Islands
July to September is always a great time to visit the Greek Islands. Picture wonderful weather, beaches a-plenty, fresh Greek salads served in quaint tavernas.
Add on picturesque, cobbled town streets, enticing boutiques and souvenir stalls to browse. Treat yourself at the many ice-cream stalls and for history enthusiasts, there are fascinating Greek ruins to explore.
Did you know that there are actually 227 inhabited Greek islands?
Now that’s quite a list and far too many to cover here. Among the most well known are Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Santorini and Mykonos.
Smaller islands like Symi, Skopelos and Paxos are also growing in popularity and can be hopped to by ferry from main islands. You can also link to the island of Hydra from Athens.
Read our more detailed posts on Halkidiki, Crete and Corfu off which are great destinations in Greece to discover.
Why Visit The Greek Islands July to September?
At this time of year, the weather is perfect – yes it’s hot but you’re never far from a beach or pool to cool down. Working hard all year take a toll, so if you need to completely switch off from dashing around, why not head to a Greek Island.
To avoid peak tourist season, we recommend visiting the Greek Islands the first two weeks of July or in September. If you choose August, aim for one of the smaller islands as otherwise, it really will be busy and also more expensive.
If you are flexible on dates, there are good deals to be found. Many hotels offer all-inclusive options which is great for famillies on a budget. However, eating out in the different tavernas is great fun so we recommend self catering or bed and breakfast options.
How to Get To The Greek Islands
All the bigger islands have their own airports geared up for international flights. There are daily flights from the UK to most of the main islands and to Athens.
Flights are around 3 – 4 hours depending which island you go to. Cheapest fares are with Ryanair, Easyjet or Jet2. We use booking.com to check our our accommodation options. Don’t forget to ask your local travel agent as often they have good offers on too.
From the USA, there are flights from 7 different airports directly to Athens. You can then catch domestic flights onto your chosen island. Book a ferry to hop between islands once you are here.
Unique Things To Do in the Greek islands
- Go to Corfu and explore its UNESCO capital town – it has a fabulous Venetian feel to it.
- Visit Mykonos for its iconic windmills and party life.
- For romance, head to Santorini and watch incredible sunsets.
- Rhodes Town has an amazing fortress and a labyrinth of cobbled alley streets.
- Skiathos is famous for Mamma Mia so enjoy its beautiful scenery and take a boat ride to the famous Mamma Mia church and ring the bell.
- Kefalonia has the stunning Myrtos beach made famous in the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
- Explore ancient civilization at Knossos in Crete and take a hike to its mountain villages.
- Choose Naxos or Skopelos for quieter beaches and traditional Greek villages.
Fnd out more about these and other islands that offer exciting and affordable destinations in Greece with this guide.
Cambridge, England
We’re lucky enough to live only 40 minutes away from the delightful city of Cambridge. So it’s a place we explore at least once a year.
As a city, it’s probably most famous for its prestigious universities which have featured in many films including Oscar winning Chariots of Fire (2008) and The Theory of Everything (2014).
You’ll find Cambridge in the county of East Anglia and about 50 miles north of London. The River Cam runs through Cambridge and much activity centres on the water including the popular pastime of ‘punting’.
Although officially a city, it is more like a small town and easy to walk round and explore. Unlike many towns in England, it escaped damage during WW2 so still has many beautiful buildings.
If you’re coming to London, then taking a daytrip or spending a few days in Cambridge is a really fun add-on to your travels. Check our post Discover the real London for other ideas of day trips from London.
Why Go to Cambridge July to September?
Cambridge is busy all year but particularly full of students during university term times. Visiting between July and September means courses have finished for the academic year so won’t be surrounded by students quite as much.
Aim for a midweek visit if you can as weekends are very popular.
The weather at this time is pretty settled so it will be warm with long summer evenings. There are lots of summer concerts and outdoor theatre evenings going on.
It’s worth noting for festival fans that The Cambridge Club Festival is always popular. Plan ahead as June is also a great month to visit this part of England.
How to Get to Cambridge
For international travellers, Cambridge can be visited as a day trip from London. You can catch the train from London Liverpool Street (52 trains a day) directly to Cambridge.
The journey is about 1 hour 20 minutes. To check connections from other UK locations, use Trainline.
If you want to experience more, stay a night or two. You can even book a university room for your accommodation! Booking.com will give you plenty of other options.
Once there, simply walk around; you don’t need any more transportation. If you want to rest your legs, choose a Cambridge Hop-on Hop-Off City Bus Excursion. Always fun and great on a sunny day to take in the sights.
You can also Hire a Bike as Cambridge is full of them. Venture along the river path, stopping at a traditional pub for refreshments.
Unique Things To Do in Cambridge
- Go on a Walking Tour to explore the universities and learn more about the history of these magnifcent buildings. You can then go back and spend more time in your favourite places.
- Wander the cobbled streets to browse in gift shops, boutiques, and some amazing book shops. You can combine your book browsing and coffee so take a look at who offers both.
- Punting is great fun and a must in Cambridge. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds. Book your punting boat in advance with Scudamores Punt Hire. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can even book yourself an afternoon tea, champagne or gin punt!
- If gin’s your thing, you can visit the Cambridge Distillery and even create your own gin. Again , book this event advance though as it;s very popular.
Stay longer in Cambridge and take some day trips from there. I suggest historic Ely with its magnificent cathedral, Newmarket for a day at the races or Bury St Edmunds with its market square and great independent shops.
Find out more from the Visit Cambridge webpage.
Edinburgh, Scotland
It’s one big party in the Scottish capital each summer the main act being Edinburgh’s International Festivals. Expect every type of ‘entertainment’ you hadn’t considered, along with the ‘bucket list’ worthy Royal Military Tattoo.
Edinburgh is alive and very busy during this time, so if crowds are not your thing, maybe wait until September for a quieter time exploring the city. However, we love the festival and encourage everyone to experience it at least once!
Make sure you get your tickets for more popular shows in advance. There will usually be tickets available on the day sold at the various outlets around the city.
Restaurants and hotels will be busy and city center prices will be higher with this peak of demand. So we suggest staying a little bit out of the city center towards the beautiful coastline.
The tramline down to Leith and Newhaven opened mid June giving an easy and cheap commute into the heart of the capital.
Why Visit Edinburgh July to September?
Edinburgh and Scotland is fantastic during the warmer months with longer nights in July slowing drawing in by September.
The festival has so much for so many different interests from all types of street performances, drama, musicals, book fairs, poetry. The university in Old Town opens its doors for many of the performances and it’s worth a visit on its own as many of these buildings are simply stunning to explore and see an event in.
Also at this time of year, it’s easy to head to the west coast islands from Edinburgh after you’re done with festival going. For example, take a ferry from Oban to the smaller islands for a change of pace. Read our post- A weekend on Mull Iona and Staffa Islands.
How to Get To Edinburgh
Edinburgh International Airport has flights from across Europe and East Coast USA seasonal routings. Within the UK, it’s a 4 hour train ride from London or a 1 hour flight from Heathrow, Luton etc.
The tram system from the airport into the heart of the city is easy and much better than driving a car as you really don’t need one to enjoy the city.
Just buy a ticket when you arrive (a return ticket is a little cheaper) and it will whisk you into Princes Street & beyond in 30 mins.
For longer journeys around the city, public transport is excellent. Or use Uber.
Unique Things To Do In Edinburgh
Hike up Arthur’s Seat with a picnic from a local delicatessen for stunning views of the city.
Follow the river from Stockbridge to the village of Dean, hidden in the heart of the city, an hour or so of ‘nature in the city’.
Watch street performers on the Royal Mile during the Festival – don’t be surprised if they ask you to join in 🙂
Sample Scotland’s national dish: Haggis with neaps (turnip) and Tatties (potatoes) – it’s surprisingly tasty at Makers Mash. Book well in advance.
Take a Harry Potter tour to explore the sights that inspired characters and places in the famous books by JK Rowling.
Go Underground at Night to explore the hidden world of Edinburgh life from centuries past. Book A Guided Tour of Underground Edinburgh Online.
Explore the Meadows in Old Town and head over to the many cafes and great restaurants tucked into every corner.
Wrap Up
Use the World Weather Guide to help you plan for a specific region and month and at the end of this post we will share a few ‘last minute’ deal sites we like to scan and book from.
If you’re flexible, use tools/Apps like Google Flights and Skyscanner to track deals for exciting destinations on your list. Have a read of our How to Snag a Travel Deal for more hints and tips.
For cruising deals, there are often ‘late season’ discounts in September so why not sign up for updates straight to your inbox.
Whatever your plans we hope these exciting affordable destinations will whet your appetite for Where to Go July-September.
If you like planning ahead, check out ideas from our Guides: Where to Go January to March and Where to Go April to June and later in the year Ideas for Trips from October to December.
