Where to Travel in July

The herds typically reach the northern Serengeti in July and begin crossing the Mara River, the crocodile-lined crossings most people picture when they think of the Great Migration. Crossings continue on and off through about October in both Tanzania and Kenya. Timing depends on rainfall, so three or four nights near the river improve your odds.

In Tahiti, July brings Heiva i Tahiti, a festival of traditional dance, music, and sports that typically fills much of the month. The dry season’s trade winds keep things comfortable across the islands.

July is peak summer in the north, so the problems are heat and crowds.

July is a productive month for U.S. business, aside from the week around Independence Day. In Europe, many offices thin out from mid-July as summer holidays begin, so schedule key meetings early in the month. Comic-Con International typically fills San Diego in July, which matters for entertainment and production travel.

If you’re in Africa for work, July is ideal for bleisure: Johannesburg and Nairobi connect easily to the bush.

July is peak season for both safari and French Polynesia, and both compete with Northern Hemisphere school holidays. For camps near the Mara River and for gorilla permits, book 9–12 months ahead. For overwater bungalows in Bora Bora or Moorea in July, nine months or more is sensible. Europe in July rewards early booking too.