Where to go on holiday in July

July is one of the best months of the year for a holiday. Europe offers warm and sunny weather, while a number of long-haul destinations in America, Africa and Asia offer fewer crowds, spectacular events and epic experiences.

By travelling earlier in the month you can take advantage of great weather in Europe, while avoiding the price hike when the schools break up and the crowds that descend on the coastline towards the end of the month. A European holiday in late July boasts even warmer weather and a livelier atmosphere. Whatever time of the month you are planning to get away, there are many reasons why July is the top month for a holiday.

If you are dreaming of an African safari, you can witness the greatest animal migration on the planet in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, when over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra slowly mass into a charging herd to migrate to new green pastures. Over in South America, July is Peru's driest month which means the perfect time for hiking those breathtaking peaks. Machu Picchu sells out pretty fast for but we've found somewhere just as stunning, where you can escape the crowds and marvel at snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and wildflower meadows on an active holiday.

Fancy a holiday closer to home? Find out why North Cyprus, Chamonix and Sicily are on our radar for July 2015... Whether you are searching for a staycation spot in the UK, or would like to visit a far corner of the Earth that you have never heard of, we've rounded up some of the best places to go on holiday in July.

Browse our gallery for July holiday ideas - and click on the maximise box in the top right hand corner of the first picture to view the slideshow in full size.