Weather
July is statistically the hottest month of the year in the UK, and the weather is usually dry, although be prepared for unseasonably cool or wet conditions in July. In summer, the average temperature range in the UK is between 64°F and 69°F (18°C and 21°C), but this varies from north to south, and London and other parts of southern England often swelter in temperatures in the high 80s°F (low 30s°C). Average lows and highs in the other capitals are as follows: Edinburgh 52°F/66°F (11°C/19°C), Belfast 54°F/68°F (12°C/20°C), and Cardiff 57°F/72°F (14°C/22°C).
Although daylight hours start to decline after their peak in late June, the days are still long, and nights are short in July; in northern parts of England and Scotland, you may even go to bed before the sun sets.
Crowds & Costs
July is one of the busiest travel months in the UK, along with August. As well as the generally good weather, British schools take their summer vacation from mid-July, making some places crowded. British families who don't head over to Europe will often flock to the coast, and locations like Brighton on England's south coast and Whitby on the Yorkshire coast can get particularly crowded.
London, Edinburgh and Glasgow, Belfast, and Cardiff are also usually busy with visitors in July, although you may find the crowds at popular tourist sites much less congested than in other major European cities. Book accommodation and long-distance travel in advance if you're visiting the UK in July, especially in late July.
Where to Go
Many UK vacationers head to the coast in July, but the UK has a very long coastline, and many places aren't quite so popular with the locals. For a more relaxed beachside vacation, head to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on the west coast of Wales. As well as beautiful beaches, you can enjoy walking along cliffside paths and spotting wildlife. There's also Ceredigion, the Llŷn Peninsula, and Anglesey as alternative beach options.
Now is a great time to tour Edinburgh without the extreme hoards of tourists that flock to the capital in August for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Then there are the Highlands to consider, like the popular Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, Loch Ness, and the lesser-visited Orkney Islands—the far north of Scotland. And when in Northern Ireland, Check out the Causeway Coast.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
July is a great time to get outdoors and go hiking in the UK because although the weather can be hot, it's not generally as uncomfortable like some other summer destinations. You'll find the largest mountains in Wales (Snowdon) and Scotland (Ben Nevis), but England's rolling landscapes are ideal for travelers—such as families—who want something a bit more gentle. The cliffy coastline of the Jurassic Coast in the south of England or either the north or south coasts of Cornwall are great places to explore and offer beach stops along the way. Just don't expect to have these trails to yourself in July.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland offers the Ulster Way where you can hike segments like the Lough Bradan-Gortin or the Gortin-Moneyneany for some of the best vistas of the whole walk. And if wanting to take to the water, rent a kayak and paddle a section of the North Coast Sea Kayak Trail. Though if it's beaches you're after, get yourself to Downhill Strand in Co. Derry.
Events in July
The Royal Regatta, Henley-on-Thames, England. June-July. This highlight of the summer sporting calendar is held from June to July in the west of London. Watch boat races and enjoy outdoor picnics, all while dressed appropriately.
Wimbledon, London, England. The oldest and one of the most prestigious tennis championships starts in late June.
Wales Airshow, Swansea Bay, Wales. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this aerial spectacle in early July.
International Eisteddfod, Llangollen, Wales. Join this long-running celebration of Welsh and international music in the small Welsh town in early July.
The Proms, London, England. This prestigious series of classical music concerts is held at London's Royal Albert Hall throughout late summer (mid-July to mid-September).
Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. One of the largest agricultural shows in the UK offers a chance to learn about farming and UK rural life. It runs in mid-July.
Whitstable Oyster Festival, Kent, England. Love oysters? Taste some of the UK's finest at Whitstable over a long weekend in late July (it can sometimes be held in August).
Traveling to the UK in July? Check out these great itineraries
Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days. This active hiking itinerary travels through some of Scotland's most spectacular landscapes.
Outdoor Adventures & Gourmet Experiences in Wales - 9 Days. If you love wild natural landscapes and handcrafted spirits, this 9-day tour of Wales is for you. The itinerary begins in the picturesque Welsh Borders, offering a mix of outdoor adventures and gourmet experiences.
Walk England's Jurassic Coast - 8 Days. This self-guided 8-day itinerary lets you walk Dorset's spectacular Jurassic Coast at your own pace. Start in Lyme Regis and travel east along England's south coast.
Northern Ireland by Bike - 14 Days. Explore the northernmost point of Ireland on this self-guided cycling tour full of country roads, sea breezes, and rich Irish culture. You'll pedal to Donegal, Glenveagh National Park, and the Giant's Causeway.