What's the weather like in Vancouver in July
Temperature
July is almost the hottest month in Vancouver with an average temperature of 17°C. Vancouver sees daytime temperatures of 21°C while nights fall to a mild 13°C. July temperatures rarely exceed 26°C or dip below 11°C.
Rainfall
July is the driest month in Vancouver but it still sees some rainy days. On average it rains for nine days in July with rainfall totals of 40mm. The probability of rain continually drops throughout the month, ending at 11% on July 31st.
Sunshine Hours
The days are long in Vancouver during July, owing to the northern latitude. Vancouver will see an average of 13 hours of sunshine in July, the longest of any month of the year. There are 16 hours 10 minutes between sunrise and sunset in the beginning of July, dropping to 15 hours 10 minutes by the end of the month. The probability of overcast or mostly cloudy skies drops to 30% by the end of July.
Humidity
The average relative humidity in Vancouver in July is 62%. Warmer temperatures may make you feel the humidity in the air but overall this is usually very comfortable for most people.
Wind
Average wind speeds continue to decline in July, dropping to 3 mph by the end of the month. Winds are mostly out of the south and west.
Sea Temperature
The average water temperature around Vancouver is highest in July, with a balmy 14°C. The shallow waters near the beaches do tend to be warmer in periods of abundant sunshine.
Dress Code
Vancouver is a very casual city, so most people will be comfortable in shorts, pants, or a skirt and short-sleeve shirts during the day. The cooler nights will warrant a light coat or sweater. It's also wise to bring a light rain jacket given the odds that it rains for a third of the month. Don't forget your hiking shoes and beachwear for your stay in this adventurous city. This Vancouver 14-day forecast will help you pack right before your trip.
Vancouver Hotels in July
Fairmont Waterfront
The five-star Fairmont Waterfront is one of Vancouver's most luxurious hotels, situated right on the waterfront at Coal Harbour. The recently renovated rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the harbor, inlet, or mountains. Upgraded rooms are available with high ceilings and balconies, and the Fairmont Waterfront also offers suites with whirlpool baths and separate living rooms. The Fairmont Waterfront offers a high-class health club and outdoor heated pool overlooking the harbor. Saunas are available for relaxing after a workout or long day walking around the city. The Fairmont Waterfront has a perfect location near the Convention Centre and is only a short walk from lively Gastown. If you don't feel like dining out, the artisan ARC restaurant is guaranteed to deliver a satisfying meal.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Vancouver Downtown
The Holiday Inn Vancouver Downtown offers affordable, three-star lodging in the trendy Yaletown district. All rooms feature flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minifridges. Suites are also available for separate living areas and kitchenettes. The Holiday Inn Downtown has a location you'll love, next to the exceptional Robson Street shopping, ample nightlife, and easy access to public transportation for exploring greater Vancouver. The Holiday Inn Downtown is also equipped with an indoor heated pool, 24-hour fitness centre, business centre, and meeting rooms. Unwind West Coast Social is the Holiday Inn's combined restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and breakfast lobby, which also extends onto their sunny patio.
Best Western Plus Sands
Visitors wishing to stay in English Bay should definitely look into the Best Western Plus Sands on Davie Street. This renovated hotel features modern, trendy dark wood furniture in all rooms and comfortable bedding. The Best Western Plus Sands can also provide suites with kitchens and whirlpool tubs. The Best Western houses a classic steakhouse serving local meats, seafood, and craft beers, but the hotel is also within walking distance of over 200 restaurants. You'll also be close to English Bay Beach, Stanley Park, Robson Street, and Granville Island.
English Bay Hotel
A much more affordable option in English Bay is the two-star English Bay Hotel near English Bay Park. This cute, simple hotel features comfortable, modest accommodations with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Suites are equipped with kitchenettes and can sleep up to six guests. The English Bay Hotel is surrounded by downtown Vancouver's fine restaurants and is also close to Robson Street shopping and Granville Island. This hotel's location also gives you easy access to Stanley Park and English Bay Beach. Excellent staff and a no pets & no smoking policy will ensure clean rooms during your stay.
Vancouver Beaches in July
English Bay Beach
English Bay Beach is one of the largest, most popular beaches in Vancouver. This sandy beach is located at the southwest corner of Stanley Park and is staffed by lifeguards during summer months. You can rent a kayak to explore the surrounding waters, or if you just want to lounge on the beach you can also rent chairs and umbrellas. Sand volleyball courts are available, and if you're traveling with your dog you can take advantage of their enclosed off-leash area. English Bay Beach abuts the record-setting Vancouver Seawall, also a popular path for walking, jogging, and biking. Concessions and a café are can also be found at the beach.
Bars and Restaurants
Five Sails Restaurant
There are a number of dining options overlooking Coal Harbour, and one of the most elegant restaurants with rave reviews is the Five Sails Restaurant. This upscale dining establishment is located in the Pan Pacific Hotel and will present you with beautiful views of the harbour and mountains. The husband and wife team at Five Sails prepare award-winning West Coast cuisine made up of set menus, tasting menus, and a la carte items. Some of the main dishes include seared filet with wild mushrooms, veal tenderloin wrapped in pancetta with Dungeness crab ravioli, and roasted sable fish with coconut basmati rice. Five Sails has a new trendy lounge area while preserving their beautiful, classy dining room. Five Sails Restaurant is open daily from 5:30PM until 10PM.
Absinthe Bistro
This affordable, casual eatery on Commercial Drive serves excellent European and French cuisine in a wonderful, warm atmosphere. Absinthe Bistro is one of the highest-rated restaurants in Vancouver. The husband and wife team at Absinthe have blended classic and modern flavors of the Old World and brought them to their small, friendly establishment. The menu changes seasonally to ensure the freshest ingredients, and includes dishes like tuna & salmon ceviche, duck leg confit, and classic crème brulée. You can choose from their fixed price menu or order a la carte; the menu features three starters, three main courses, and three deserts. Absinthe Bistro opens for dinner Wednesday thru Sunday at 5:30PM.
Luppolo Brewing Company
Luppolo Brewing Company is a very popular, chic brewery and restaurant near Strathcona Park. This new restaurant has started off well, serving a great variety of homebrewed craft beers of all varieties like sours, IPAs, and Belgians. The staff is very friendly and will make you feel at home in the rustic vibe of Luppolo. The owners of Luppolo have put together a great food menu to accompany their beers, inspired by Italy. You can fill your stomach with cheese plates, prosciutto & bread, antipasti samplers, and a variety of flatbread sandwiches. Luppolo Brewing Company is open at 3PM during the week, at 11:30AM on Friday, and at noon during the weekend.
Cardero's Restaurant
This oustanding seafood restaurant on Coal Harbour is one of the top seafood picks in Vancouver. Cardero's Restaurant & Live Bait Marine Pub is a casual restaurant with patio seating overlooking the harbour. Actually, the patio is situated almost right on top of the docks where local yachts are tied up. This fun restaurant also features live music every night during the week and also during the day on the weekends. Appetizer options include fresh oysters, mussels, and BBQ ribs. Mains include wok flash-fried chicken and squid, tenderloin steaks, grilled halibut, and salmon burgers. Cardero's opens at 11:30AM during the week and at 11AM on weekends and closes at midnight.
Things to do in Vancouver in July
Celebration of Lights
One of the biggest July attractions in Vancouver is the Honda Celebration of Light. This three-day festival takes place at the end of July and is one of the largest offshore fireworks displays in the world. The goal of the celebration is to bring people together, and they do this with numerous international vendors and live music performances. Various countries are invited to compete in producing the most impressive fireworks display they can. The fireworks shows are preceded by music festivals in Stanley Park and English Bay. One of the more unobstructed views can be taken in at Kitsilano Beach Park, where you can spend the entire day enjoying the beach, pool, and seawall walking path.
Lynn Valley Park
In addition to Capilano Park, Lynn Valley Park is another area in North Vancouver that has constructed suspension bridges where you can admire the rainforest from the perspective of over 100 feet in the air. Lynn Valley Park is currently comprised of 617 acres and contains miles of hiking trails leading to waterfalls, natural pools, rivers, and lakes. Boardwalks are constructed for many of the trails to keep your feet dry but also to preserve the habitat. The Lynn Valley Ecology Centre is a must-see educational stop to make during your visit to the park. The park is open daily from 10AM to 5PM.
Stanley Park
Vancouver's most impressive park is Stanley Park, surrounded by Victoria Harbour and English Bay. Stanley Park has the impressive claim of being named the Best Park in the World in 2014 by TripAdvisor. The park is just over 1,000 acres and is mostly covered in dense forest. Waterfront areas include small beaches and parts of the historic 28-kilometer Vancouver Seawall walking path. Stanley Park was first inhabited by the First Nations and later by British miners during the gold rush of the 19th century. Many pre-WWII buildings still remain in the park. Stanley Park is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium and miles of hiking trails.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
The beautiful British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria are open to the public and overlook beautiful Inner Harbour. You can choose to walk through the grounds yourself, admiring the splendid architecture of these old buildings, or you can take a guided tour and learn even more about the parliamentary process in British Columbia. The buildings open at 8:30AM and close at 5PM and are still the active government seat. The Parliament building grounds also feature a gift shop and dining room.
