Do you escape the winter or embrace it? Whichever way you swing, there's a holiday destination for you this month.
July is the middle of winter and peak snow season in Australia. It's also the beginning of the new financial year, which means one thing: tax return season.
If you're planning to put that money towards a well-deserved break, if you're seeking warmer climates or you want to hit the powder running, we've got the intel on the best places to get away to this month.
Searching for deals for that last-minute July getaway? Check out the best July travel deals on sale right here.
1. Best budget destination: Hobart
Keep cool this winter.
While the rest of Australia is living as a huddled mass at home or hightailing it to our sunny Queensland shores those who prefer to stay cool can make their way to Tasmania for cheap. Flights to Hobart can start from as little as $41+ each way making it a bang-on bargain break.
- July weather: 5-12°C, winter
- Best for: Families, relaxing, hiking
- Learn more: Hobart travel guide
2. Best city to visit: New York City
4th of July parties, performances in the park and summer festivals.
Summer in New York officially kicks off on 21 June, so by July you can bet your bottom dollar that the sun worshipers will be out in full swing.
If you happen to be in town earlier in the month, you won’t be able to escape the 4th of July celebrations. If you land later, there's a bevvy of summer activities to still enjoy, including Shakespeare in the Park, the Panorama Music Festival and Rooftop Cinema Club.
- July weather: 22-26°C, summer
- Best for: Sightseeing, culture
- Learn more: New York City guide
3. Best for snow sports: Queenstown
Arguably the powder capital of Oceania.
Queenstown is a skier and snowboarder's dream. Three snow resorts surround the city, each receiving heavy praise from some of the best in the biz.
June to August is Queenstown's snow season, with July being one of the most coveted times to catch the freshest snow. Mind you, this means it is peak season so if you want to avoid the crowds, it may be better to hold off until August/September to hit the slopes.
- July weather: 4-8°C, winter
- Best for: Adventure seekers, families
- Learn more: Queenstown travel guide
4. Best for events: Canberra
Can you smell it? Truffle season is in the air.
Winter in Canberra means two things: snow season and truffle season. For an event that your senses can savour, spend the weekend in and around the Aussie capital hunting for truffles and indulging in truffle dusted meals.
The festival runs from June to August. Hunt for your truffle-tastic event here.
- July weather: 9-14°C, winter
- Best for: Weekend breaks, foodies, outdoor adventures
- Learn more: Canberra travel guide
5. Best surprise destination: Broome
Stretch out on this bit of sand.
Located between Port Hedland and Broome, Eighty Mile Beach runs for 220 kilometres and is a mix of white sands, rocky shores and tidal creeks. During July it's one of the warmest places to be with temperatures almost at 30 degrees.
While it's not advisable to swim at the beach due to the high tides, sea fossicking, fishing, camping on the beach and catching the sunsets are all top activities that can be had here.
- July weather: 14-29°C, dry season
- Best for: Families, relaxing, coastal breaks
- Learn more: When to travel to Broome
Top July events
- 4th of July: The USA's Independence Day is celebrated throughout the nation with fireworks and parties that run long into the night.
- Bastille Day: 14 July is Bastille Day. This is a national day in France to mark the beginning of the French Revolution. It is celebrated with parties and fireworks throughout the nation.
When's the best time in July to take a holiday?
July tends to be a quieter period for travellers around Australia, however, it’s predicted to be busiest at the beginning of the month due to the winter school holidays and workers taking some time off post-end of financial year. If you intend to travel domestically, aim for days later in the month to avoid peak prices and crowds.
Internationally, July is peak season for many countries in the northern hemisphere as their big summer break falls in July and August. While it's an ideal time to partake in festivals, it's also an expensive time to visit. We suggest you aim to travel earlier in the month, before the holidaymakers settle in and prices begin to skyrocket.
