Edinburgh, Scotland

Sports: golf, hiking
Average temperature in July: 15 to 20 °C

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Edinburgh and Glasgow are wonderful destinations for anyone who wants to do a bit of sightseeing in pleasant summer temperatures – or anyone wanting to escape the heat. However, the athletically-inclined will also get their money's worth here. On one hand, the country is crisscrossed by many beautiful long-distance hiking trails, the most famous of which is probably the 155-kilometer West Highland Way. And on the other hand, golfers will find that St Andrews Links and its seven courses is not only the largest golf complex in Europe, but also the oldest golf course still in existence. 

Wyoming, USA

Sports: Horseback Riding
Average temperature in July: 25 to 29 °C

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Equestrians should put Wyoming in general and Jackson Hole in particular on their bucket list. Nestled between the majestic peaks of the Teton Range, the region offers an incomparable backdrop for riding experiences. Endless expanses, green meadows, mountain trails and picturesque riverbanks invite you to go on extensive rides. Riding culture is deeply rooted in Jackson Hole and numerous ranches and outfitters offer guided tours, riding lessons and authentic cowboy experiences. 

Wanakā, New Zealand

Sports: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding
Average temperature in July: 3 to 11 °C

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If you can't get enough of slopes and powder and would like to enjoy winter sports on your active summer vacation, you can of course do that too. Provided you choose the right destination. The best conditions prevail in the Southern Hemisphere in July and August; the choice of ski resorts is also quite large. On the South Island of New Zealand there's Treble Cone for advanced skiiers, while Cardrona is ideal for beginners. On the North Island, you can have fun on the slopes of Tukino, at the Manganui Ski Arena and at the volcano Mount Ruapehu.

British Columbia, Canada

Sports: mountain biking, hiking
Average temperature in July: 11 to 26 °C

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Canada is big and offers many great outdoor activities. British Columbia, especially the region around Whistler, however, is ideal for sports enthusiasts. The pleasant weather here makes active vacations in summer very attractive. And the mountains take care of the rest. They are a popular adventure playground for hikers and mountain bikers. The latter can look forward to the Whistler Bike Park and its 80 kilometers of marked trails (the largest network in North America), freeride trails and a great mountain biking community.

Cape Town, South Africa

Sports: surfing, kite surfing, diving, hiking
Average temperature in July: 8 to 17 °C

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When the strong south-easterly wind known as the "Cape Doctor" sweeps around Cape Town, Bloubergstrand and Langebaan in July, the best conditions for action-packed water sports have arrived. Jeffreys Bay on the East Coast is also famous for its surf spots. And if you prefer things a little less fast-paced, head to Port Elizabeth or East London for windsurfing and kite surfing, as the winds are not quite as wild. However, the water temperatures are often rather cool, so a wetsuit is recommended.