5 of the best places to go cycling in July 

1. Ireland

Best for a mid-summer mix of greenway touring, coastal scenery and long-distance adventure.

Cycling the Great Western Greenway (photo credit: Tourism Ireland)

Why cycle in July

July is one of the most appealing months to cycle in Ireland, especially if you want the best chance of warm, relatively dry conditions for a longer trip. It is often the most settled point of the year, which makes it a strong month for everything from trying a multi-day challenge such as the Wild Atlantic Way or MizMal route to taking things more gently on the country’s excellent greenways.

With long daylight hours, you can cover a serious distance without feeling rushed, or build in plenty of café stops, castle visits and detours to beaches and small towns.

July also suits the variety that makes Ireland such a joy by bike. You can ride traffic-free greenways through river valleys, along old railway lines and canal paths, or head for the coast where the scenery feels bigger, wilder and more exposed.

Conditions can still change quickly, so a waterproof remains essential, but if you want Ireland at its most rideable and inviting, July is a very strong choice.

Other times to consider

Late April to June can be even better for riders who prioritise quieter routes and easier accommodation availability, with mild weather and fresh spring landscapes. August remains a good summer option, particularly for greenways and coastal touring, though roads and popular bases can be busier.

September is another excellent month, often with softer light, fewer visitors and pleasant temperatures for longer days in the saddle.

More information

• Cycling Ireland, our destination hub for the country.
• Ireland’s Greenways, a detailed look at the six greenways of the country.
• Cycling Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains, including routes and tips for the region.
• Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way and MizMal, Ireland, with everything you need to know for these iconic routes.

2. The Dolomites, Italy

Best for iconic alpine climbs and unforgettable July event atmosphere.

Looking at the view whilst cycling in the Dolomites, Italy

Why cycle in July

July cycling in the Dolomites is high season in every sense: big climbs, big atmosphere and big calendar moments. This is the month when the region truly feels like the beating heart of Italian road cycling. Prestigious events such as the Maratona dles Dolomites and the Giro delle Dolomiti take centre stage, drawing thousands of riders to test themselves on legendary passes including Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella and Passo Gardena. Even if you are not pinning on a number, the buzz is infectious.

Roads are generally clear of snow, lifts and mountain cafés are fully open, and long daylight hours make ambitious loops like the Sella Ronda achievable without rushing. Expect warm valley temperatures, cooler air at altitude and the occasional dramatic afternoon thunderstorm.

It is busy, and accommodation needs booking well in advance, but for riders who want iconic climbs, organised events and a truly alpine cycling atmosphere, July in the Dolomites is hard to beat.

Other times to consider

June offers similar access to the high passes with slightly quieter roads, particularly outside event weekends. September can be superb, with fewer tourists, cooler climbing temperatures and often stable, clear conditions.

Early autumn light adds a different character to the rock faces, though snowfall can return to the highest passes later in the month.

More information

• Cycling Italy, our hub page for the country.
• Cycling the Dolomites, your ultimate guide for planning your own Dolomites holiday.
• Maratona dles Dolomites, including route details and statistics for this event.
• Giro delle Dolomiti cycling event, an in-depth look at this route.
• Dolomites bike hotels, a look at accommodation options for cyclists in the region.
• 16 tips to ensure the perfect Dolomites cycling holidays, including packing tips, bike prep and more.

3. Austria

Best for gravel riders wanting a mix of terrains, smooth logistics and bike-friendly hotels.

Gliding past the Hintersee in Mittersill (Pinzgau)  (photo credit: SalzburgerLand Tourismus)

Why cycle in July

July is one of the best months to explore the gravel routes of Austria. Snow has long cleared from higher tracks, forest roads are dry and fast-rolling, and long daylight hours make it easy to link valleys, lakes and alpine passes into satisfying full-day adventures. From the big mountain backdrops of Tyrol to the gentler vineyard and riverside trails further east, July opens up the full spectrum of Austria’s off-road network.

What makes Austria particularly appealing for gravel riders is the combination of different terrain and strong cycling infrastructure. Well-marked routes, quiet farm tracks and extensive cycle paths allow you to stitch together mixed-surface days with minimal traffic.

Add to that a culture of bike-friendly, well-equipped hotels – many with secure storage, workshops and knowledgeable hosts – and logistics feel refreshingly straightforward. Do be aware that popular alpine valleys can be busier in peak summer, and afternoon thunderstorms are always possible, so an early start and a light waterproof are wise additions.

Other times to consider

Late May and June are excellent if you prefer quieter trails and slightly cooler climbing temperatures, though some very high routes may only just be opening. September is another standout month, particularly in southern regions, with stable weather, harvest season colours and fewer visitors. Early spring and late autumn can work well in lower areas, but high alpine gravel routes may be limited by snow.

More information

• Cycling Austria, our overview of the country and your route options.
• Guide to gravel cycling in Austria, with a look at the various off-road options available to you.
• Cycling the Salzkammergut region, Austria, one of the lesser-known cycling routes in the country.
• Cycling holidays in summer, with various options including Austria, for a summer season cycling break.

4. Norway

Best for long summer days, cooler temperatures and quietly impressive riding.

Boats docked in Lillesand harbour (photo credit: Erik Duncan)

Why cycle in July

Cycling in Norway in July means riding beneath the lingering glow of the midnight sun, with long daylight hours that stretch well into the evening. It’s the month when the country feels fully open: mountain passes are clear, coastal ferries are running frequently, and rural cafés are in full swing.

In southern Norway, the lower mountains and coastal routes around Kristiansand offer a superb mix of sea views, white wooden harbours and rolling inland terrain. Further east, around Hamar, you’ll find long, undulating roads through farmland and forest, with quiet stretches skirting Lake Mjøsa. These landscapes feel expansive rather than extreme, making them ideal for steady mileage and multi-day touring.

Temperatures are typically far more comfortable than southern Europe in high summer, often sitting in the high teens or low twenties. You’ll still need a light waterproof and layers for cooler mornings, but July strikes a rare balance: dramatic scenery, manageable riding temperatures and daylight that makes every route feel bigger.

Other times to consider

August remains a strong option, with similar daylight and slightly warmer sea temperatures along the coast, though it can feel busier in popular holiday towns.

Late May and June bring quieter roads and fresh green landscapes, with cooler air that suits climbing. By September, colours begin to shift inland, but daylight hours shorten quickly, and weather becomes more changeable.

More information

• Cycling Norway, our central hub for the country.
• Cycling Kristiansand, Agder, a detailed guide to this southern region of Norway.
• Cycling Hamar, with information on this lakeside town and the surrounding cycle routes.

5. French Alps

Best for high-altitude riding, legendary climbs and July cycling spectacle.

The group posing below the Sella Massif in the Italian Dolomites (photo credit: Sierra Sports & Tours)

Why cycle in July

July is prime time for cycling in the French Alps. High mountain passes are reliably open, snow has cleared from the upper slopes and, thanks to the altitude, temperatures are far more manageable than many lowland European destinations. While valleys can be warm, long climbs quickly bring cooler air, making big elevation days far more comfortable than you might expect.

It’s also the heart of the sportive and pro-race season. Major events animate the region, from high-profile amateur challenges to the spectacle of the Tour de France crossing Alpine giants. In 2026, the Col de la Loze event on 19th July offers riders the chance to test themselves on one of the Tour’s most demanding modern climbs, while July Tour stages bring closed roads, electric atmosphere and unforgettable roadside spectating.

In the Oisans, the Oisans Col Series runs through July (and into August), with selected climbs closed to motor vehicles on Tuesday mornings. Expect exclusive access to classics such as Alpe d’Huez’s 21 bends, Col d’Ornon, Col de Sarenne, the Cols du Glandon et de la Croix de Fer, Col du Sabot, Auris en Oisans and Villard Reculas. For altitude, atmosphere and access, July is hard to beat.

Other times to consider

June can be excellent if you prefer quieter roads, though some of the highest cols may only just be opening early in the month.

August offers similar access to July, including further Oisans Col Series dates, but is typically busier during peak holiday weeks. September is a strong alternative for stable weather and lighter traffic, though daylight shortens and occasional early snow can affect the very highest passes.

More information

• Cycling in the Alps, an overview of the region.
• Cycling Col de la Loze, with more detail on the climb.
• French Alps weather, with even more information on the best time(s) to cycle here.
• French Alps cycle tours, our pick of the best tours available.
• Tour de France cycling tours in 2026, with information on the sort of tours available and how to book.
• Watching the Tour de France in person, with tips on following the event.
• 10 iconic Tour de France climbs, and tips on how to ride them.
• Official Tour de France website for Stage 19, including Alpe d’Huez.

What’s next?

• June cycling holidays, with tips on destinations for an earlier summer break.
• Cycling holidays in summer, a look at eight regions to visit across Europe.
• Guided cycling holidays, with information on how they work compared to self-guided options.
• 9 of the best cycling holidays in Europe, including information on tour operators you can book with.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.