2026 Holiday Calendar: Travel Destinations to Visit from July-September

In the Northern Hemisphere, July to September signify summer, making it ideal for all-day fun-in-the-sun activities. Events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Belgium's Tomorrowland enliven the cultural scene with performances and music festivals. Meanwhile, Africa's dry season is perfect for witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania's renowned reserves. On the other side of the globe, countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia and New Zealand, offer winter adventures. With festivals like Japan's Tanabata and Kyoto's Gion Matsuri, Asia turns colourful.

Additionally, September serves as a shoulder season in many regions, providing travellers with the advantages of fewer crowds and reduced costs. This period also marks the return of the Northern Lights in Arctic areas, adding a natural spectacle to the travel itinerary. With great effort, the editors at Alike have organised the hottest spots for events and festivals from July to September 2026. Do take a look.

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Stay ahead of your travel plans with this curated list of must-visit destinations for each season.

Go For… The spirited Hari Raya Puasa festivities mark the end of Ramadan.

Did you know Singapore and Malaysia were briefly part of a single nation? Visiting Singapore in July 202 is a must for experiencing the vibrant cultural mosaic and events that bring the Lion City to life. This period marks the celebration of the National Day Parade. Singaporeans demonstrate their patriotism with military parades, fireworks, and community performances, all reflecting the resilient spirit of this island nation.

July sees the spirited Hari Raya Puasa festivities, marking the end of Ramadan. The Singapore Heritage Festival is another gem, offering glimpses into lesser-known historical narratives through immersive trails and exhibitions, showcasing how diverse cultures weave the city's modern identity. The best way to experience these events is by conversing with locals at "kopitiams" (coffee shops).

Go For… Warm weather is perfect for exploring the outdoors, including Stanley Park, mountain hiking, and whale watching.

One of the most significant events is Canada Day on July 1st, celebrated with grandeur at Canada Place. Here, you’ll witness a vibrant parade, live performances, and an impressive fireworks display over the Burrard Inlet. Another highlight is the Vancouver Folk Music Festival at Jericho Beach Park.

Locals might tell you the story of Gassy Jack Deighton, the colourful saloon owner integral to founding Vancouver's historic Gastown. This area, named for its garrulous nature, now houses the Gastown Steam Clock, which has become a beloved symbol of the community.

Go For… The Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes place, offering the world’s largest arts festival with performances spanning multiple genres.

August is synonymous with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival. The historic Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile also charm visitors. Visiting Edinburgh in July 2026 is a fantastic opportunity to experience some of Scotland's most historically and culturally significant events. One of the key highlights is the Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival, which takes place in the middle of the month. Another event you won't want to miss is the Edinburgh Art Festival, where the city’s historic venues and public spaces host contemporary art installations and exhibitions from local and international artists. This event seamlessly blends modern creativity with Edinburgh's rich heritage.

For a truly local experience, participate in a traditional ceilidh (kay-lee) dance. Often held in community centres, these social gatherings feature lively folk music and dance and are a cherished part of Scottish culture. You might hear locals use the phrase "lang may yer lum reek," which means "long may your chimney smoke" – a way to wish someone well.

Go For… Witness the Great Migration, one of nature’s most spectacular events, with herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains.

Visiting the Maasai Mara in Kenya in August 2026 is an extraordinary experience, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration. During this period, over 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures. This natural spectacle, locally known as “Tembea buibui” (journey of the wildebeest), showcases dramatic river crossings at the Mara River, where predators like crocodiles lie in wait.

In addition to the Great Migration, August coincides with the annual Ntimama Peace Marathon, named after the respected Maasai leader William Ole Ntimama. This event promotes peace and unity among local communities and provides an excellent avenue to witness the resilience and athleticism of the Maasai people. You can hear the excitement build up with local phrases like "Enkishui" (happiness) exchanged with warmth.

A profound cultural event in August is Olamal, the Maasai communal gathering. It is a time of celebration and ceremonies, including the “Enkipaata” (initiation rites) and “Eunoto” (warrior initiation). The Maasai people adorn themselves in vibrant shúkà (cloaks) and intricate beadwork, engaging in traditional dances and songs. To get a profound insight into their customs, engage with the Maasai during these celebrations. For a deeper connection with the local traditions, plan a visit to a manyatta (traditional Maasai village), where you can learn about their nomadic lifestyle and cattle herding practices and hear the elders recounting the legend of Enkai, the Maasai deity believed to have granted them cattle. Enjoy the hospitality with a cup of Esiangiki (fermented milk) as you listen to these age-old stories.

Go For… Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque without large crowds.

One of the most significant events is the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), a cultural extravaganza showcasing the Emirati lifestyle's deep-rooted traditions, including falconry, equestrian culture, and hunting.

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A visit to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque cannot be missed. While its architectural grandeur is evident year-round, the mosque takes on an ethereal quality in the gentle light of September evenings. Engage with local guides who share the stories of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, using phrases such as "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you), setting a tone of respect and reverence. Venturing into the Heritage Village, you can experience traditional Emirati life. The village, located near the Marina Mall, features a recreated desert encampment, traditional houses, and workshops where craftsmen demonstrate metalwork, pottery, and weaving. Listening to the artisans narrate their skills, you may hear stories about the historic Barasti (palm frond) houses, which kept the early houses colder.

September is also an excellent time for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi. The slightly cooler evenings make it perfect for dune bashing, camel riding, and dining under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp. Often, the camp hosts share entertaining tales of the desert, punctuated by inviting you to sip on strong, aromatic "Gahwa" (Arabic coffee).

Go For… Fewer tourists and mild weather make a perfect time to enjoy the island’s stunning sunsets, beaches, and history.

With fewer tourists and mild weather, September is perfect for visiting Santorini. Enjoy the island's stunning sunsets, beautiful beaches, and ancient ruins. The charming white-washed buildings with blue domes make for a picturesque scenery. One of the most notable events during this time is the International Music Festival of Santorini, which takes place in the first half of September. This festival brings together world-renowned artists and showcases a range of musical genres in the magical setting of the Nomikos Conference Center in Fira.

In September, the Santorini Experience also takes place, a sporting event that includes swimming and running races that attract athletes worldwide. September is also the season for the grape harvest, known locally as ‘trigos’. Visit a local winery to witness winemaking traditions, sample varieties like the celebrated Assyrtiko, and perhaps hear locals toast with "Stin ygeia mas!" (to our health).

Exploring the picturesque village of Oia during this period is particularly rewarding as the summer crowds diminish and the weather is still gloriously warm. Walking through its narrow streets, adorned with bougainvillaea, you might hear a local guide sharing stories of the Venetian rule and the resilient spirit of the islanders, who withstood several pirate invasions.

Enjoy a meal of freshly caught seafood with local Vinsanto wine in a traditional taverna. As you savour the flavours, you might hear stories of Thirasia, the islet opposite Santorini, which provides a glimpse into what the main island looked like before the advent of mass tourism.