In July, summer is in full swing in California. The top tourist attractions will be bustling with vacationers, and this trend will continue until September. Los Angeles is likely to be hot, while San Francisco may be colder than anticipated.

Desert locales such as Death Valley, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree National Park reach extreme temperatures, making them suitable only for the hardiest travelers.

In the mountains, snow will generally be absent, except in unique years when the last snowfall occurs in May. Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park opens, facilitating easier access to Eastern California and Highway 395. With that said, if you’re heading to California in July, read on for packing tips and a fascinating list of exciting events.

Independence Day in California

Celebrating Independence Day is a beloved tradition. Fireworks and perhaps a picnic are quintessential elements of the celebration.

If you’re seeking a way to commemorate this day and step out of your usual surroundings, simply refer to the guide to Fourth of July in California.

For residents, it’s essential to know that San Francisco can be notoriously cold and foggy on July 4th.

California Weather in July

Determining whether July is optimal for a beach day depends on the occurrence of a weather phenomenon known as June Gloom. This weather can extend into “No Sky July” and cannot be accurately predicted far in advance. Regular short-range forecasts will be your best guide.

Temperature variations across California during summer can be significant. To find details about average highs and lows for popular tourist destinations, refer to weather guides specific to locations like San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

What to Pack

Your packing list will differ based on your destination and planned activities. Here are some key considerations:

• The beach areas tend to be cooler than inland, and nighttime temperatures often drop further. Additionally, ocean water remains too chilly for most individuals to swim without a wetsuit.
• Dress warmly for fireworks displays near the ocean. Areas like San Francisco can be extremely cold and foggy, necessitating up to three layers for comfort.

July Events in California

• Garlic Festival, Gilroy: A unique celebration that includes odd foods, with garlic ice cream being a prime example, attracts sizable crowds.
• Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach: An extraordinary event where real, three-dimensional sets are made to resemble two-dimensional master artworks.
• Farms + Fish + Flowers, Half Moon Bay: Enjoy a day exploring the area’s vibrant agriculture, organic farms, and floral growth.
• California Rodeo, Salinas: This event spans four days, with festivities lasting a week, including concerts and cowboy poetry readings.
• California State Fair, Sacramento: The state’s official fair lasts over two weeks, featuring competitions, concerts, and delicious food.
• Fillmore Street Jazz Festival, San Francisco: A lively street fair showcasing great music.
• Kite Festival, Berkeley: A showcase of creativity with incredible kites, plus workshops on how to make your own.
• Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa: One of California’s largest and most popular county fairs.
• San Francisco Marathon: Important to note for anyone in the area, as it will close city streets during the event.
• Whale Watching in July: An excellent opportunity to spot blue whales, humpback, and Minke whales.
• If you’re in Los Angeles, attending the Hollywood Bowl’s summer concert series is a must. In San Francisco, summer concerts at Stern Grove are free and popular.
• Football for Free: If you wish to see professional football for free, the Dallas Cowboys training camp in Oxnard during July and August is an excellent option. Admission is first-come, first-served, so arrive early. Details are available on the Visit Oxnard website.

July Travel Tips

• For the popular Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, making plans and purchasing tickets by January is advisable, as this event sells out quickly.
• Consider planning ahead to attend Comic-Con in San Diego, as tickets often sell out quickly, and hotel availability becomes limited.
• If you plan to attend a July 4 fireworks concert at the Hollywood Bowl, ticket planning should start in May, as late June often sees limited availability.
• Camping at Yosemite: Reservations for camping between June 15 and July 14 should be made in February due to high demand. Essential details about the process can be found on guides specific to Yosemite camping.
• For California state park camping in July, reservations must be made six months in advance, ideally in February.