Where to go in July: places and summer events

July is peak summer across much of the northern hemisphere, so the right destination depends on what you want most: long daylight and mild air in the north, or a festival on a fixed date. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are at their warmest this month, which suits hiking and scenic drives. Mongolia holds Naadam, its national festival of horse racing, wrestling and archery. Kenya's migration season also falls in July, when wildlife moves across the Maasai Mara.

Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, the Palio in Siena, San Fermín in Pamplona and the Calgary Stampede all have July dates, so a trip built around one of them follows that event's calendar. Confirm each year's dates before you book flights or rooms. Arriving a day early gives you time to get settled before the main events.