Vancouver in July: Ultimate Weather Guide, Packing Tips, and Attractions

Summer is the prime season to experience Vancouver, British Columbia, and the rest of Canada. People are arriving by various modes of transportation including plane, train, car, and cruise ships, eager to enjoy this vibrant West Coast city. If you’re planning to visit in July, you can expect delightful warm weather, ensuring an enjoyable atmosphere alongside fellow travelers.

July is filled with outdoor music, beach festivals, and vibrant Canada Day celebrations. Vancouver residents engage in recreational activities in the surrounding mountains and bodies of water, making it a lively destination teeming with both tourists and local energy throughout its many attractions, trails, and parks.

Vancouver Weather in July

In July, Vancouver boasts the least amount of rainfall—averaging just four rainy days—and the highest number of sunlight hours for the year. This is significant in a city known for its rainy climate. The weather features moderate humidity, creating a warm and comfortable environment. Expect average afternoon highs of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, with pleasant nighttime lows around 54 degrees.

What to Pack

Packing for Vancouver in July is straightforward, given its mild and dry conditions. Essentials include long pants, capris, jeans, short-sleeved shirts or tees, and a lightweight jacket, sweater, or shawl for cooler evenings while dining alfresco or exploring the city. A combination of sandals and closed-toe shoes is advisable. Although it might be warm enough for shorts and swimsuits, it’s prudent to bring them along just in case. While rain is less frequent, packing an umbrella can be beneficial, along with sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against sun exposure.

July Events in Vancouver

July is an exceptional time to visit Vancouver, not only for its favorable weather but also for its plethora of festivals and waterfront activities. With the city’s proximity to stunning beaches, it is an ideal time to enjoy outdoor dining on scenic patios or deck spaces. For a memorable experience, consider dining at the Boat House in English Bay during sunset.

Canada Day on July 1 marks a significant national public holiday in Canada, comparable to the Fourth of July in the United States. This day commemorates the Constitution Act of 1867, uniting the three colonies into the new country of Canada. Typically, Canadians celebrate by heading to beaches, parks, and family-friendly attractions, while many businesses close for the holiday.

Apart from the natural beauty of beaches, mountains, and museums, Vancouver hosts several special annual events every July that cater to visitors’ interests:

• Bard on the Beach: Attend stunning Shakespeare productions in a picturesque setting throughout July, with performances running from June to September.
• Dancing on the Edge: This contemporary dance festival showcases 30 performances by 20 Canadian dance companies over several days in July.
• Celebration of Light: Enjoy Vancouver’s largest live event at the end of July, featuring exceptional food, music, and fireworks lighting up the sky.
• Vancouver Folk Music Festival: Plan your visit around this three-day festival if you appreciate folk music.
• International Jazz Festival: Experience live music featuring a spectrum of jazz, blues, and roots genres throughout July.
• The African Descent Festival in Thornton Park celebrates cultural diversity, offering a delightful showcase of crafts, music, and cuisines.
• Carnaval del Sol at Concord Pacific Place is the most significant Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest, filled with two days of vibrant music and dance.
• The Illuminares Lantern Festival draws over 30,000 attendees to Trout Lake, featuring activities like lantern-making workshops and a spectacular lantern parade.

Travel Tips

Given the high popularity of July in Vancouver, travelers should anticipate peak airfares and hotel rates, necessitating early planning and preparation.

When shopping in Vancouver, be aware of the 7 percent Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and the 5 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST). Additionally, be informed that liquor purchases incur a 10 percent PST, while hotels charge 8 percent PST along with an additional hotel tax. Some goods, like food and restaurant meals, are exempt from these taxes. Unfortunately, there are no rebate programs for non-Canadian visitors to reclaim taxes paid.