Southern Europe in July: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for July
Average temperature across Southern Europe in July.
Country Weather in July
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 30° | 19° | 16 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Spain | 32° | 18° | 15 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Greece | 33° | 23° | 7 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Portugal | 28° | 18° | 6 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Cyprus | 36° | 22° | 2 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Malta | extreme | ||||
| Andorra | 24° | 12° | 61 mm | extreme | Cool |
| San Marino | 29° | 18° | 56 mm | very high | Mild |
| Vatican City | 30° | 19° | 14 mm | extreme | Warm |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Iberian Peninsula (Spain & Portugal)
Evening humidity and long, warm days mark early autumn along most of the peninsula, with beaches still busy in September and sea temperatures at their warmest, perfect for swimming in the Algarve, Valencia or Barcelona. Inland areas remain hot early in the month but begin cooling in the second half; harvest festivals and wine events are common in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Expect fewer tourists after mid-September - a great time for city breaks and vineyard visits with still-pleasant weather.
Southern France & the Riviera (Provence, Côte d’Azur, Languedoc)
Warm, late-summer days in August mean crowded beaches and high hotel rates; many French families holiday during this month, so expect lively towns and packed roads, especially along the Riviera. The sea is at its warmest, ideal for swimming and water sports, while evenings cool enough for comfortable outdoor dining. Travelers should reserve restaurants and accommodations early and be prepared for slower service during a month when locals are vacationing.
Italian Peninsula, Sicily & Sardinia (Italy)
Early autumn keeps sea temperatures warm and crowds taper off, making September a prime month: Amalfi, Sicily and Sardinia offer excellent swimming and still-warm evenings, while Tuscany begins grape harvests and wine festivals. Mainland afternoons remain warm but more comfortable than midsummer, perfect for vineyard visits and coastal drives. Pack lighter summer clothing plus a light jacket for cooler nights inland and on the islands.
Adriatic & Balkan Coast (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Autumn sees increasing rainfall and westerly fronts, especially in October; Dalmatia still enjoys sunny intervals but island services begin winding down. Inland mountain areas show vivid colours and are beautiful for drives and hikes; keep an eye on ferry schedules as operators reduce frequency. Pack a mix of layers and waterproofs and consider renting a car to explore quieter inland cultural sites.
Greece & the Aegean (Greece mainland, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete)
Late summer into early autumn brings very pleasant weather; September combines warm sea temperatures and thinning crowds, making it an excellent time for sailing, diving and beach relaxation across the Dodecanese and Cyclades. Mainland vineyards and olive groves are active with harvests, and cultural events continue in many towns. Travelers will find better availability and mild evenings - pack swimwear and a light layer for breezy nights.
Malta & Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean islands)
Early autumn keeps sea-water temperatures very warm and first harvest activities in rural areas; September is an excellent month for diving, swimming and seaside restaurant dining. Crowds thin relative to August but the weather still favors outdoor festivals and late-season sailing. Travelers should carry sun protection but will find easier ferry bookings and better accommodation availability than in peak summer.