Canada in July: Weather, Destinations and More
July is peak season in Canada, with warm temperatures and long sunny days attracting scores of visitors from abroad. Canadians are an outdoorsy bunch, which means summer also sees an uptick in domestic travel, especially in popular outdoor playgrounds like Banff National Park and Algonquin Provincial Park. As Canada’s school holidays fall in July, expect to encounter lots of young families out and about.
While the weather is perfect for a plethora of outdoor pursuits, travelers will have to contend with higher prices and thicker crowds. Nonetheless, if you’re keen to hike the majestic Rockies or savor lazy alfresco meals in Toronto, there’s no better time to take a trip to Canada than July.
- Mr. Alessandra M.
Canada Weather in July
Summer is in full swing when July rolls around, so expect warm weather across the board. The average temperature in Canada in July hovers around 15°C and 26°C (59°F to 79°F), while the average precipitation is 78 mm (3 inches) across 7 to 13 days of rain.
However, this sprawling northern nation covers a multitude of climatic zones, each with distinct weather trends. The Canadian Prairies, a sizable grassland region encompassing the Great Plains and the Prairie Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), tend to remain hot and dry throughout the summer.
Central Canada (Quebec and Ontario) sees more humidity in July than other areas, so expect to get a little sweaty if you’re being active outdoors – you can always cool off with a swim. Toronto sees highs closer to 27–30°C! The coastal regions tend to be a bit milder. Expect a balmy average of 22°C / 14°C (71°F / 57°F) in Vancouver or Victoria and similar on the east coast (Newfoundland, PEI and Nova Scotia).
Of course, July is not a good time to go skiing in Canada; the country’s awesome alpine resorts close their chairlifts from late April to late November. That said, many famous ski resorts (including Whistler Blackcomb) accommodate mountain bikers and hikers instead.
For a detailed overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Canada.
Weather in Canada in July - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 14 | 8 | 1 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -5 | -5 | -2 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 2 | -3 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 32 | 32 | 40 | 49 | 63 | 72 | 77 | 76 | 72 | 58 | 47 | 34 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 23 | 23 | 29 | 41 | 50 | 50 | 63 | 63 | 56 | 47 | 36 | 27 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 30 | 40 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 20 |
| Jun | Jul | Aug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 22 | 25 | 24 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 10 | 17 | 17 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 72 | 77 | 76 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 50 | 63 | 63 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 60 | 50 |
Why Visit Canada in July
Due to its extreme northern latitude, vast swathes of Canada remain bone-chillingly cold throughout several months of the year, but, as it lands smack bang in the middle of summer, July offers the perfect antidote to those harsh winter blues.
- Warm weather: The weather in Canada in July is sublime. You can meander through its eclectic cities, take a dip in wild lakes and rivers, or explore jaw-dropping national parks without donning an enormous winter coat.
- A lively holiday vibe: Canadians make the most of their short summers, so the season is a vibrant time to visit. As much of the population takes time off in July, you can expect buzzing bars, chatty cafes, and a festive atmosphere throughout the country.
- Festivals & Events: The influx of domestic holidaymakers sees July host a smorgasbord of sizzling summer events. Some of the most sought-after July shindigs include Canada Day on July 1st, (the equivalent of the 4th of July in Canada), the Calgary Stampede, and the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Where to go and what to do
Whether you’re a city slicker or a nature buff, visiting Canada in July offers a myriad of magnificent places to see. The warm balmy weather also gives you stacks of fun things to do in Canada, from kayaking to café-hopping or hiking the rugged Rockies.
The oft-freezing northeastern cities come alive in July as the mercury soars. Visiting Toronto? Take a ferry trip with a picnic lunch to the Toronto Islands or stroll the city’s open-air Kensington Market. Summer is a great time to savor the European ambiance of Old Montreal or wander the city’s sprawling Mont-Royal Park. In nearby Quebec, July is ideal for exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Quebec, a charming historic district with stately sites like Château Frontenac.
Over on the west coast, Vancouver and Victoria have mild climates for museum-hopping and outdoor adventures. Hit Vancouver’s Stanley Park to rub shoulders with sun-seeking locals on its crisscrossing trails. The Honda Celebration of Light sets the horizon on fire with dazzling fireworks held over multiple July nights. Summer is a fine time to stroll Victoria’s Butchart Gardens or embark on adventures throughout Vancouver Island.
Keen to savor Canada’s magnificent nature? July brings idyllic weather to explore the great outdoors and there are over 125 protected parks (both national and provincial) in the country! If the Rockies beckon, local favorites include Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks. Other highlights span Gros Morne (Newfoundland) to Waterton Lakes (southern Alberta), the Bruce Peninsula and Algonquin for swimming and canoeing (Ontario) and Pacific Rim (Vancouver Island).
July is also a great time to visit the Maritimes in eastern Canada. Enjoy sandy beaches and lobster rolls in Nova Scotia, a whale-watching or puffin tour in Newfoundland, or visit the iconic Anne of Green Gables Museum and stunning red cliffs in PEI. The middle of summer brings pleasant weather to all corners of Canada. With warm days and balmy nights, July is the perfect time to visit inner-city sites or explore stunning national parks.
However, the near-perfect weather means thicker tourists throng. Expect dense crowds around Canada’s most popular attractions and higher hotel and airfare rates. Nonetheless, for travelers yearning to spend more time outdoors, July is the peak season for a reason. Need help planning your itinerary? Here’s a handy guide on how many days to spend in Canada. Look into our tailor-made trip to Canada for a personalized itinerary in July.
