Where to go to the sea in July 2026: 18 beach destinations on a budget

July on the Mediterranean means heat, crowds, and peak prices for the year.

Choosing a country in advance is cheaper than hunting for a hotel at the last minute. In some regions July is dry and windy, while in others tropical rains begin.

We put together eighteen beach destinations for July and broke them down by climate, sea, and budget. In Greece the sea is at its warmest of the year this month, in Thailand it's the rainy season, and in the UAE the heat comes with hotel discounts. Below you'll find where to go for warm water with kids, and where it's better to postpone the trip until fall.

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Where to go for a beach vacation in July: comparison

💡 In short:

• July climates fall into three groups: the dry Mediterranean, the rainy tropics, and the scorching Persian Gulf.
• For warm sea with kids, choose Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, or Montenegro.
• Bulgaria and Montenegro are the easiest places to save money.
• Climate, water, and seasons by country: 09/2026, verified on official tourism board websites (Visit Greece, Visit Portugal).

1. Tunisia

Tunisia greets you with dry heat and a warm Mediterranean Sea. There is almost no rain here in July, and the water near the shore stays comfortable all month. Resort life runs from morning to night, so you won't be bored.

© Marc Ryckaert ( MJJR ) · CC BYPhoto: Marc Ryckaert ( MJJR ), CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

For a quiet vacation, choose Hammamet: a wide promenade, hotels for any budget, even beaches. Sousse will appeal to those who want more activity and nightlife. Between these cities there's the Friguia safari park with hundreds of animal species.

Djerba suits diving enthusiasts and those seeking peace and quiet: it has long beaches and a lagoon with flamingos. A crocodile farm is open nearby. In the north of the country, far from Djerba, there are good dive sites near Tabarka. In Hammamet with kids, it's worth visiting the Carthage Land amusement park (verified 09/2026 on the official website).

• Who it's for: families and those looking for a warm sea without spending much.
• The catch: the daytime heat makes walking impossible, so plan city sightseeing for the morning.

Hotel prices in Tunisia are easy to compare on Trip.com.

2. Cyprus

Cyprus is a good fit if you like truly hot weather. Rain is rare here in summer, and the stuffiness barely interferes with beach time. The water near the shore is consistently warm all around the island.

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Larnaca is considered a calm option for a vacation with kids. The local beaches have earned Blue Flag status for cleanliness, and the city itself is one of the oldest on the island. The sightseeing options here are rich, so you won't be bored.

If you don't handle heat well, choose Paphos or the mountain villages. Paphos is milder in temperature and is considered the island's most upscale resort. According to legend, this is where Aphrodite emerged from the sea, and the old town is protected as a cultural site.

• Who it's for: those who handle heat well and want guaranteed warm sea.
• Not for: people with heart conditions; the midday scorching sun is off-limits for them.
• The catch: in Larnaca the air heats up the most, so spend midday in your room.

Compare tour and hotel prices in Cyprus on Trip.com.

3. Turkey

Turkey is washed by four seas, and in July each one gives you its own character. The Mediterranean coast has intense heat, while the Aegean coast is slightly milder. A sensible approach to the sun will save your vacation: sunbathe before noon and after four o'clock.

© Dan Taylor · CC BYPhoto: Dan Taylor, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Family resorts are concentrated around Antalya: Alanya, Belek, Beldibi, Kemer. They have gentle entries into the sea, hotels with pools, and a large entertainment area. Bodrum and Cesme on the Aegean Sea are chosen by those who love wind and sailing.

The coolest summer awaits you on the Black Sea coast: Samsun, Trabzon, Sinop, Amasra. Thermal springs, medieval fortresses, and mountain lakes are all nearby. Marmaris, on the other hand, sits in a sheltered bay where the heat feels more intense.

• Who it's for: families, couples, and anyone who values a wide choice of all-inclusive hotels.
• The catch: in July, prices at popular resorts are at their peak, so book in advance.

Check hotel prices in Turkey on Trip.com.

4. Spain

Spain gives you a whole range of resort areas for every taste. Costa Tropical lies near Granada, and the Sierra Nevada mountains shield it from northern winds. It's dry and sunny almost all year round, the air is warm, and the water stays comfortable.

© Veinticuatro de Jahén · CC BY-SAPhoto: Veinticuatro de Jahén, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

On the Costa Blanca, you'll find fine sand, white cliffs, and scenic ridges. In Alicante, check out the castles, museums, and the promenade; in Benidorm, there's a real bullfighting arena. Valencia hosts the Three Kings festival every year and is famous for its wines.

The Costa Dorada and Costa Brava are consistently in demand. Don't forget the islands: Ibiza, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands are always full of tourists in summer. Book there well in advance, otherwise the choice of hotels will shrink fast.

• Who it's for: those who want to combine the beach with exploring cities and architecture.
• The catch: popular Costa Brava beaches get crowded in July, so people claim their spots in the morning.

Compare hotel prices in Spain on Trip.com.

5. Italy

In Italy, despite high humidity, temperatures remain bearable, and the northern regions are noticeably cooler. The water is consistently warm, so your choice of resort here is almost unlimited.

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Among the art cities, Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Pisa stand out. Along the coast stretch the Lazio Riviera, the Venetian Riviera, and the Tuscan Riviera. In this heat, plan excursions for early morning or evening before sunset.

For islands, you should consider Sardinia, Sicily, or Capri. Sardinia makes it easy to combine the beach, water sports, and sightseeing. Sicily draws you in with volcanoes, cuisine, and food tours, while Capri has long been a favorite of the European elite.

• Who it's for: those who want a beach along with a big city and museums nearby.
• The catch: in Sicily, the heat is oppressive all day, so only take volcano excursions in the morning.

Find hotel prices in Italy on Trip.com.

6. Greece

July is peak beach season in Greece. At midday, everyone along the coast retreats to the shade, so move your sightseeing of ancient sites to the morning. Turquoise sea, white beaches, diving, and surfing make a vacation here truly packed with things to do.

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Daytime heat stays steady in Halkidiki, the Peloponnese, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Kos. Thessaloniki will feel cooler, and the most comfortable days are on Skiathos and Thassos. Nighttime coolness makes up for the daytime scorcher, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room is comfortable.

The water near the shore is very warm, which is convenient for swimming with children. Many beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for water clarity. A vacation works well on Rhodes, Santorini, Corfu, Mykonos, Zakynthos: boat trips, fishing, and evening entertainment.

• Who it's for: families with children and those who value a warm sea and ancient monuments.
• The catch: July is not the best month for long excursions; it's better to break them into short outings.

Compare prices for tours to Greece and hotels on Trip.com.

7. Bulgaria

Bulgaria gives you a different type of vacation than Western Europe. It has beautiful sandy beaches and Slavic service, and prices are noticeably lower. Hotels are mostly three-star level, but for undemanding guests the comfort level is quite acceptable.

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There are especially many vacationers with children here. The sea entry is gentle, the bottom is even, and staff keep the beaches clean. You'll enjoy the water parks and other entertainment for young guests.

The best weather conditions occur in the first days of the month. The climate here is consistently warm, and accommodation costs remain among the lowest in Europe. That's exactly why Bulgarian coast is so loved by families who go to the sea every year.

• Who it's for: families and anyone who wants an affordable sea vacation without complicated logistics.
• The catch: three-star service is basic, don't expect high-end hotels at every turn.

For hotel prices in Bulgaria, see Trip.com.

8. Vietnam

Vietnam doesn't have consistent weather, so choose your July resort carefully. The north has hot tropical sun and the highest humidity. Air and water temperatures stay at the same level there, and rain falls more often.

© Chris Lewis · CC BYPhoto: Chris Lewis, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Southern Ho Chi Minh City hits the peak of the rainy season in July, so it's not suitable for the beach. Mountainous Sapa in the north is famous for its terraces and French architecture, but there's no sea there.

In July, choose the central part of the country: humidity is lower there and the dry season begins. Nha Trang has no exhausting heat, but it does have sea views, temples, and ancient ruins. The dry season here runs from January through August, and rains return in September (as of 09/2026, Vietnam Tourism).

• Who it's for: those who want the tropics but aren't ready for constant downpours.
• The catch: the north is rainy and muggy in July, so choose central resorts for the beach.

Compare hotel prices in Vietnam on Trip.com.

9. Thailand

July is exactly when the rainy season peaks in Thailand. Downpours usually hit in the evening or at night, while humid stuffiness lingers during the day. This doesn't stop you from swimming: the rains are short and warm.

© Preecha.MJ · CC BY-SAPhoto: Preecha.MJ, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In Krabi on the Andaman coast, the monsoon arrives in July and the weather is changeable. Krabi isn't an island but an entire province with modern resorts and the most scenic national parks. Bangkok and Pattaya heat up more, but the water at all resorts stays roughly equally warm.

Bangkok isn't suitable for a beach vacation; you'd only swim in a hotel rooftop pool. But it's a convenient place to start exploring the country: the city has hundreds of temples and historic buildings. Pattaya fully lives up to its reputation as a tourist hub: the beaches aren't the cleanest, but the choice of exotic food and entertainment is huge, and ferries depart daily to different parts of the country.

• Who it's for: those who don't mind short downpours and want a warm sea.
• The catch: humid air is hard to bear at midday, so spend more time near the water.

For hotel prices in Thailand, see Trip.com.

10. Croatia

Croatia offers you a vacation in nature-reserve conditions. A mild Mediterranean climate prevails here without sharp swings. It's hot during the day in July, but there are no cold nights, so people come here to recharge.

© Zysko serhii · CC BY-SAPhoto: Zysko serhii, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Coniferous forests stretch along the coast. This kind of trip is especially good for you if you're traveling with children. Numerous excursions to old towns and national parks will help diversify your leisure time.

The atmosphere at the resorts here is calm, unhurried, and designed for long walks. There are plenty of hotels at different levels, and the cuisine and wines have long been part of the local culture. This kind of vacation suits you if you don't need beach bustle and want a mild climate.

• Who it's for: families and those who value mild weather and a relaxed pace.
• The catch: at the height of July, popular coastal towns are overcrowded, so book accommodation in advance.

For hotel prices in Croatia, see Trip.com.

11. Montenegro

Montenegro's Adriatic coast is perfect for a seaside getaway. There's almost no rain, the air is warm, and the sea water is pleasant. Add beautiful views and relatively low prices, and it's hard to resist.

© Bratislav Tabaš · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bratislav Tabaš, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Sandy beaches dominate the Budva Riviera: Becici, Przno, Rafailovici, Kamenovo. Sandy-pebble stretches await you at the Tivat and Kotor-Risan bays. In Kotor, Perast, and Dobrota the surface is pebble or rocky, and the Grabovac and Lustica peninsulas have quiet little coves.

Almost every resort town preserves historical monuments: monasteries, fortresses, churches, and palaces. You'll find them in Kotor, Petrovac, Ulcinj, Cetinje, and Herceg Novi. The Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar, and the local canyons offer truly beautiful views.

• Who it's for: those who want a warm sea and history in one place.
• The catch: on pebble and rocky beaches you need special water shoes.

Compare hotel prices in Montenegro on Trip.com.

12. UAE

The UAE occupies perhaps the hottest corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The sun rises early, and by nine in the morning it is already beating down hard. After a couple of days you will adapt to the heat and find interesting things to do.

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At midday the heat peaks: in Dubai and Abu Dhabi the air is especially scorching. In the evening after sunset it gets easier, and the streets come alive. July is not the best time for beaches: there is almost no one on the sand.

You will find sunbathing more comfortable in the early morning, and swimming is better in a hotel pool where the water is cooled. The most pleasant water awaits you on the east coast in Fujairah. Divers go there for the spectacular underwater world of the Gulf of Oman. In July the country enters a season of massive discounts on hotels, restaurants, and shopping, so the trip will be inexpensive.

• Who it's for: those who want a quiet stay by the pool and good hotel prices.
• The catch: the sea is overheated, swimming is more comfortable in a T-shirt, otherwise you can easily get burned.

Compare hotel prices in the UAE on Trip.com.

13. Israel

Israel offers you a vacation on three seas at once: the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Dead Sea. The beaches here are clean and well maintained, and July falls at the peak of the heat. The resorts offer a wide range of options for leisure and treatment.

© Mohammad Shad Siddiqui · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mohammad Shad Siddiqui, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

At the Mediterranean resorts, in Haifa, Herzliya, Tel Aviv, and Netanya, the daytime temperature is moderate, and the sea is warm and pleasant. On the shores of the Dead Sea it is hotter, and the water heats up so much that swimming is not very comfortable, but it is good for treatment. In Eilat on the Red Sea it is very hot during the day, but it gets cooler in the evening.

You will find hotels of various classes, good beaches, and duty-free shops. There is no rain here; sunny and dry weather prevails. Numerous treatment complexes let you combine a beach vacation with procedures and spa.

• Who it's for: those who want sea, sun, and treatment without rain.
• The catch: the Dead Sea water is too hot for long swims, so limit yourself to short dips.

Look for hotel prices in Israel on Trip.com.

14. Indonesia, Bali

Bali in the height of summer is hot, but it is easy to handle thanks to the dry monsoon. The days here are sunny, and the air is warmed equally in every corner of the island. That is why the island is chosen by those who want consistently warm weather.

In the south, in Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Jimbaran, the weather is even hotter. In Amed it gets cool after sunset, and at the northern resort of Lovina the evenings are comfortable. The sea is warm, so the water is suitable for long swims.

Beach vacations draw a large influx of tourists here. The exotic nature, clean sand, and clear water also open up opportunities for diving. Underwater, hundreds of coral species and thousands of species of bright fish await you. The only catch in July is that tour prices rise, so it is better to book your trip in advance.

• Who it's for: those who want a warm sea and diving with vibrant reefs.
• The catch: in high season tour prices rise, so book your trip in advance.

See hotel prices in Bali on Trip.com.

15. Jordan

Jordan opens up the beaches of the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, the sacred Jordan River, and the ancient Rose City of Petra. In July, scorching heat sets in here. During the day the air gets extremely hot, sometimes above thirty-five degrees.

© Gerda Arendt · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerda Arendt, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In Aqaba on the Red Sea, vacations are often praised more than in neighboring countries. Spacious beaches, easy water entry, coral reefs, and dive centers make for a complete getaway. The water is warm, and a light breeze brings some coolness.

Excursions will give you plenty of emotions: Petra holds hundreds of ancient sites, including the Ad Deir monastery and the Al-Khazneh treasury. Along the Dead Sea stretches a natural spa, and the mineral-rich water helps with many conditions. You can come here for a day just for treatments at a paid beach.

• Who it's for: those who want to combine beach time with history and wellness.
• The catch: the heat lasts all day, so plan excursions for early morning.

Compare hotel prices in Jordan on Trip.com.

16. Malta

Malta greets you with hot and sunny weather. The sun shines almost all day, and daylight stretches on for a long time. Being outside is comfortable in the morning and after sunset, when it gets cooler.

© Bengt Nyman · CC BYPhoto: Bengt Nyman, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Humidity on the island is high, and for almost the entire month there is no wind. The main activity will be staying on the coast. The water is warm and swimming is pleasant, but in summer jellyfish appear near the shores.

Most beaches are pebbly and narrow, so in the heat they get overcrowded. If you want sand, head to the island of Gozo: there you'll find the golden beaches of Marsalforn Bay, Xlendi Bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien, Mgarr ix-Xini, and the red sand of Ramla Bay and San Blas. In the north, sandy beaches are found in Sliema and Bugibba, and in the south in Birzebbuga and Marsaskala. Resorts offer hotels of various levels, with restaurants, pools, and private beaches.

• Who it's for: those who want guaranteed heat and a warm sea.
• The catch: pebbly beaches are narrow and crowded, so arrive early in the morning.

Find hotel prices in Malta on Trip.com.

17. Morocco

Morocco stretches across northwest Africa, where it is washed by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Before your trip, it's worth understanding the climate of the different resorts. On the Atlantic coast, the air is hot, while the ocean is noticeably cooler.

© This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author. I would · CC BY-SAPhoto: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author. I would, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

On all coastlines, most beaches are public and regularly maintained. In Tangier and Saidia on the Mediterranean coast, the heat is steady, there is almost no rain, and the sea water is warm. Tangier also serves as a major port with hotels and brand-name shops, and the sandy strip stretches for kilometers.

In Saidia, the strip of clean sand is long, and hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis. The largest Atlantic resort is considered to be white Agadir, with dozens of hotels, shallow waters, and a wide sandy area. Essaouira will appeal to you if you love surfing: it has a gently sloping bottom, strong tides and waves, and bohemian music in the evenings. Casablanca attracts with snow-white beaches and historic architecture, although the ocean water is cool.

• Who it's for: those who want exoticism, the ocean, and moderate prices.
• The catch: the Atlantic water is cool; swimming is more comfortable on the Mediterranean coast.

See hotel prices in Morocco on Trip.com.

18. Portugal

Portugal delights you with a cooler climate than its European neighbors. The air warms up moderately, and the ocean water is cool. The island of Madeira, however, maintains comfortable conditions for swimming and sunbathing all the way into October.

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Madeira itself is famous for its sights and stunning nature. This kind of trip will suit you if you value clean air, unspoiled beauty, and natural food. Those who love quality wine will also find plenty to do here.

The only drawback of a vacation on Madeira is the steep descents to the sea. To get to the shore, you'll have to climb down dozens of meters of stairs. At expensive hotels, guests have an elevator to the sea, so the problem is solved. Portugal is also worth choosing for the famous moliceiro boat regatta and local fairs. Wine lovers should come to Bombarral: in mid-summer, a traditional wine festival takes place there (verified 09/2026 on the official portal).

• Who it's for: those who want a mild climate, wine, and green nature.
• The catch: swimming in the ocean is cool, and on Madeira steep stairs lead down to the water.

Compare hotel prices in Portugal on Trip.com.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where to go for a seaside vacation in July on a budget?

The most affordable options in July are Bulgaria and Montenegro. In Bulgaria, three-star hotels cost noticeably less than Western European ones, and the sea entry is gentle. Montenegro offers the warm Adriatic and soft housing prices.

Where is there no rain in July?

Dry summer weather prevails across the entire Mediterranean: in Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Malta. There is also almost no rain in the UAE and Jordan. In Thailand and northern Vietnam, however, this is the rainy season, so for a dry vacation choose central Vietnam or the Mediterranean.

Where is the sea warmest in July?

The warmest water awaits you in the Mediterranean: in Greece, Cyprus, and southern Turkey, the sea warms up best. The Red Sea is warm in Israel and Jordan, and in Eilat swimming is comfortable even in the evening. The Dead Sea water is hot, but swimming there is brief and more therapeutic than beach-like.

Where to go with kids in July?

Bulgaria and Greece are best suited for vacations with children. Bulgaria has a gentle entry and even bottom, with water parks nearby. In Greece, the sea is very warm and the beaches are clean. In Cyprus, choose Larnaca, and in Tunisia look at Hammamet.

When is the best time to go to Vietnam and Thailand?

In Thailand, July is the height of the rainy season, but downpours come in the evening and at night. For Vietnam, choose the center of the country: in Nha Trang, the dry season runs from January to August, and rains return in September. Northern and southern Vietnam are humid in July, so beach time there is less predictable.

In short: what to book

Regardless of budget, hotels in popular July destinations get booked up quickly. Here is a short selection matrix:

• If you have a limited budget: go for Bulgaria or Montenegro.
• If you're traveling with kids: choose Greece, Cyprus, or Bulgaria.
• If you need a mild climate: look at Croatia or Portugal.
• If you want diving: go for Aqaba, Djerba, or Bali.

Hotels for your chosen destination are easy to compare on Trip.com, and links to curated lists are in each section above. Before your trip, it's worth thinking about insurance in advance so you can handle any surprises calmly.