July is the seventh month of the year, falling right in the middle of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. With 31 days, it's named after Julius Caesar, the famous Roman general and leader who reformed the Roman calendar around 46 BC.

July is peak summer: schools are out, families take vacations, and in much of North America, the weather is hot and sunny. Swimming pools fill up, fireflies light up evening yards, and cookouts become special events. The month includes Independence Day on July 4th, when Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence with fireworks, parades, and barbecues.

The Romans originally called this month Quintilis, meaning “fifth month,” because their year once began in March. After Julius Caesar's death, the Roman Senate renamed it Julius in his honor, which eventually became July in English.